Introduction
v. September 7, 2021
If you have any feedback for us and to raise a concern, please email microscopy@yorku.ca.
Managing risk – Users
Users who show any common symptoms of upper respiratory infection or otherwise sick are not allowed to access the Facility.
QReserve booking is mandatory – no walk in experiments are permitted.
Users are encouraged to plan ahead to maximize their productivity at each booking.
Coming to @YorkUMicroscopy
All Users must use YU Screen, prior to each visit @YorkUMicroscopy to confirm that they have not been exposed to COVID-19. Follow these tips on how to use the tool, continue visiting the Better Together for updates on plans for a safe return to campus and follow the tips below that you find most helpful at this time.
Please follow York University guidelines when coming to Life Science Building and leaving Life Science Building. Please wash and sanitize your hands at the nearest washing station before opening the laboratory door.
Should you elect to glove after arrival - please bring your own gloves.
Please be reminded that face covering is mandatory for the entire duration of your booking.
Managing Risk ‐Specimens
All sample containers should be wiped down with disinfectant before bringing them to the facility.
Managing Risks ‐ Laboratories
Managing occupancy levels, to maintain social distancing in labs is sufficient by strictly adhering to the QReserve bookings.
Having multiple cleaning and personal protective equipment and measures provides redundancy that is the best way to ensure safety when Users operate microscopes.
Cleaning is a shared responsibility. Users are expected to follow strictly the cleaning procedures. Users are responsible for cleaning the microscopes and the workstations before and after their session.
Cleaning the microscope
Please be advised that
most of the cleaners are based on 70% ethanol solutions. If a User is aware of any allergic reaction to
the cleaner they will be asked to deliver specimens in a safe manner and participate in a remote
session where the microscope is operated by staff.
| Surface | Cleaning and disinfecting method |
| Exterior casing and mechanical external surfaces |
Wipe with a kimwipe that is dampened with a disinfectant. |
| Exterior casing and mechanical external surfaces |
Wipe with a kimwipe that is dampened with a disinfectant. |
| Eyepieces | It is mandatory to have personal safety goggles while operating a Microscope System. For disinfection, only wipe the external surface of the eyepiece with disinfectant if needed. Frequent disinfection can cause deterioration of the optical coating of the eye lens. The eyecups are permanently removed from the system. Never immerse (dip) the entire eyepiece into disinfectant. This will damage the eyepiece and make it unusable. The disinfectant leaves a chemical residue on the surface. To remove the residue, refer to Cleaning an Optical Surface. |
| Objective front lens | Gently wipe the front lens using lens paper which is damped in an Optical Cleaning Solution. Frequent cleaning can cause deterioration of the coating of the front lens. The material of the objective front lens is sensitive to chemicals. Don't use disinfectant on the front lens |
| Soft plastic parts and rubber surfaces | Gently wipe the soft plastic parts and rubber surfaces with a clean cloth that is dampened with a disinfectant. Discolouration can occur if alcoholic or other disinfectant are used regularly on a rubber surface or soft plastic parts. If the sur‐ face is frequently contacted, it is strongly recommended to wear gloves as a preventive measure while operating the Microscope System. |
| IT equipment | Gently wipe the soft plastic parts and rubber surfaces with a clean cloth that is dampened with a disinfectant. Keyboards and mice need to be covered by a cling wrap. Please use a fresh cling wrap everytime and dispose of it after you are done. Gloves are mandatory. |
| Touchscreen | Wipe with a clean cloth that is slightly dampened with a disinfectant. |
| Internal components and optical surfaces | Only ZEISS service representatives, who have specialized knowledge, are permitted to clean the internal components |
