Winter closure 2021: safeguard your workspace

Safeguard your workspace during the holiday closure

Note: Due to COVID-19 public health measures, many U of A staff are currently working from home. If you are currently working on campus, please refer to the following instructions to safeguard your personal property and university infrastructure during the winter closure.

1. Take precautions

• Secure or take home personal items.
• Take home or dispose of all food items from personal space and refrigerators.
• Unplug portable space heaters, humidifiers, air cleaners, etc.
• Shut down all laboratory experiments (except where it is essential they continue) and lower fume hood sashes as far as possible. Where experiments must continue, ensure that all connections (e.g. condensing water supply) are secure; clearly label the experiment and post name(s) and contact information in case of emergency.
• If your department has access control systems, correctly set the door lock/unlock schedules and ensure computers controlling these systems are left ON to enable the Control Centre to perform remote operations if necessary.
• Make sure the contact information on lab hazard signs is up to date.
• Make sure low-temperature research freezers are in working order.
• If you will be working during the closure, keep your university ID, access cards, and keys with you at all times. Employ protocols for working alone if you will be alone.

2. Protect your space

• Turn gas valves in labs to the OFF position. 
• Close and lock doors.
• Close and lock windows where appropriate.
• Store hazardous products in a secure location.
• Remove or properly store laboratory waste that is not removed prior to the break.
• To report a security concern or theft call Protective Services at 780-492-5050.

3. Check-in over the break

• If you think it's necessary, have a plan to check server rooms or other critical areas that are not monitored by the Control Centre to check on temperature conditions, etc.
• If you have a freezer or cold room containing critical material, consider conducting physical checks during the closure in case of remote alarm failure.
• Check museum and research collections periodically for water damage, etc. 

4. Conserve energy and water

• Turn off photocopiers and unplug personal appliances (such as coffee makers).
• Turn off or completely shut down all water (such as distilled water systems that are not required to run continuously).
• Turn off lights and close lab fume hoods.
• Properly sort your recycling and waste.
• Set fridges and freezers to their warmest settings if they are being left empty.

The university will be closed from Monday, December 27, 2021, to Monday, January 3, 2022.

Remember to call 911 for Police/Fire/Medical emergencies, then call Protective Services at 780-492-5050. To report a security concern or theft call Protective Services any time, 24/7.

Have a safe and restful holiday season!

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