You will need to complete a Teaching Lab Plan for Safe Return if you will be teaching an in-person class with a lab component. For example, science labs, computer labs, dance/sports, music instruction – any instructional activity that will be in-person and could present social distancing, PPE and/or disinfection challenges due to shared equipment, close proximity or physical contact should have a Teaching Lab Plan.
You DO NOT need to complete a Teaching Lab Plan for recitation and lecture classes. You do not need to complete a Teaching Lab plan if the lab portion of your class is held virtually.
In the case of a class that is both lecture and lab, complete the Teaching lab plan only for the in-person portion of the class.
This document is required to be submitted to your Department/Unit prior to the start of the semester. Reach out to your Department/Unit for information regarding this form.
The document is available on EHS website: https://ehs.msu.edu/_assets/docs/labclass-safe-return-plan.docx
A Teaching Lab Plan for a Safe Return example can be found at: https://ehs.msu.edu/_assets/docs/example-labclass-safe-return-plan-for-IBIO-408-Bello.docx
We recommend that teaching assistants and other instructional staff/faculty participate in creating the Teaching Lab Plan so they are aware of and training on what is in the plan and are invested in the outcomes when classes return.
Teaching Lab Plans will be reviewed in the order received. We recommend submitting your plan as early as possible, even if the dates/times of the class change. The framework for social distancing, PPE and disinfection will still be applicable once the semester starts even if the time and day are still undetermined when you submit the form.
No. EHS does not have the staffing to be able to pre-review forms and complete reviews of the officially submitted forms in a timely fashion.
A sample Teaching Lab Plan is available that may answer questions regarding the form or contents is located here: https://ehs.msu.edu/_assets/docs/example-labclass-safe-return-plan-for-IBIO-408-Bello.docx
Should you still have questions, please email EHS at ehs@msu.edu.
Yes. You must document that every employee in your laboratory, including TAs and LAs received training on your specific safety plan. Any method that is convenient to you and is easily traceable is sufficient for documentation (email, signed paper, etc.) Students should be provided the information in your safety plan via the syllabus and be free to ask questions as they arise.
You should complete and submit the Teaching Laboratory Plan for Safe Return and also send an email to ehs@msu.edu with a short course description so EHS can obtain additional information as needed.
Classes with multiple instructors only need to submit one Teaching Lab Plan per course for review. Submit the plan under the instructor’s name who will be responsible for interacting with EHS during the review process. Only one plan per course is required. Courses with multiple sections only need to submit one plan per course.
We recommend that teaching assistants and other instructional staff/faculty participate in creating the Teaching Lab Plan so they are aware of and training on what is in the plan and are invested in the outcomes when classes return.
For example, multiple instructors in different Units/Departments using one space or shared classroom and equipment.
The directive in the Teaching Lab Plan discussing safety plans was intended to foster communication about shared equipment and facilities ensuring disinfection between uses.
If multiple Departments/Instructors are using shared equipment such as microscopes or electronics in a particular room, those instructors should have a conversation about what is being used and how it is being disinfected between each person and sections.
If not sharing equipment just desks and space, then the meeting to discuss safety plans is optional.
If you are not currently in contact with others who use your lab space, contact the Registrar’s Office at 517-355-3300 or reg@msu.edu.
For example, a Professor teaches two separate courses but both require in-person instruction.
Instructors need to submit one Teaching Lab Plan per course. Multiple sections of the same course do not need separate plans.
Honors course section this Fall (UGS 200H) will submit a plan.
Clarify the process with your Department Chair. It is not clear for each college what is expected and may be different for each one.
For example, undergraduate or graduate Teaching Assistants have increased responsibility in terms of mitigating their increased risk.
Anyone working to support classroom instruction must take the COVID Safety Training before returning to work. This includes undergraduate, graduate, staff and faculty. This training is for COVID-19 Safe Return to Work requirement also referred to as EHS COVID Training.
Log into the Ability Training System with your MSU NetID and password to access.
For Managers that need to check course completion: After logging into Ability Training System, click Manager Menu then Reports then Training History by Course.
For example, check box for Lysol and it is indefinitely backordered now the plan is not accurate.
Check multiple boxes or “other” to include any of the listed disinfectants as are appropriate for your class activities. If you choose “other” make sure it is appropriate for the items you are disinfecting and on EPA list N. Instructors will need to remain flexible with their choice of disinfectant with the worldwide supply chain disruptions.
In these unprecedented times the supply of disinfectants may be disrupted. So, make sure that before submitting your Teaching Lab Plan you have secured enough disinfectant to sustain your activities.
The selected disinfectant must be part of the List N of the EPA for approved disinfectants for use against SARS-CoV-2 and must be used at the concentration and contact time listed. The complete list N can be found at: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2
More information about common disinfectants can be found directly on the Teaching Lab Plan form.
For example, Teaching Assistants (TA) or Learning Assistants (LA) that help with a lab and have a desk area in lab.
Yes, anyone functioning as an instructor or supporting instruction should be considered support staff and are responsible for disinfecting their own workstations. This includes TA’s and LA’s as well as any other faculty, staff, or administrator that support classroom activities.
Instructors should include all support staff involved with their class when writing the Teaching Lab Plans. At minimum, everyone should be allowed to review the TLP and have an opportunity to ask questions before the semester begins.
No. The CDC recommends that gloves only be worn for tasks that would ordinarily require them (for example when working with biohazardous materials or chemical hazards). Frequent handwashing is still recommended for prevention of COVID-19 transmission.
Yes, you and your students are required to wear a face covering in the lab at all times. Face coverings are a crucial public health measure and help protect others by reducing exposure to droplets if someone is unknowingly infected with COVID-19.
Face coverings are required for everyone (faculty, staff, students, contractors, suppliers, vendors and visitors) while on campus, either indoors or outdoors. You are required to wear a face covering except when you are in your assigned place of residence or in a private, single-occupancy office or lab space with the door closed where you can reasonably expect other individuals not to enter. Additional information regarding when to wear a face covering can be found at: https://msu.edu/coronavirus/_assets/pdfs/KeepingMSUsafe.pdf
For example, inside labs that require up close demonstrations or instruction (less than three feet) for work on small technology, like small electronics. Including classes that need this spacing for 5 minutes at a time multiple times throughout the duration of the lab period.
Students and instructors should wear a face shield or utilize other barriers like plexiglass or shower curtains when closer than 6 ft for greater than 15 min at a time.
For example, A student comes to class without a face covering.
The student cannot attend class without a cloth face covering. It is at the instructor’s discretion as to whether they want to provide unused cloth masks for students who forget.
Providing cloth face coverings to students is not a mandate by the University. See the full University directive( https://msu.edu/together-we-will/msu-community-compact/directives.html#face-coverings).
General information regarding cloth face coverings is also available Cloth Face Coverings Fact Sheet (https://ehs.msu.edu/_assets/docs/fact-sheets/cloth-face-covering-fact-sheet.pdf). Review section regarding Enforcement of Requirements in this document.
For example, from the bottom of page 1 of the document regarding RCPD and face masks.
The Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities has indicated:
“If a student is authorized for COVI-19 Face Mask Exemption Certified, this will be noted on the student’s VISA letter, which has a time stamp, embedded code, this links to the RCPD electronic records regarding the student. The request “mask exemption” is carefully reviewed, requires medical documentation, and the student’s physician has to “sign off” that medically the student cannot wear a face mask or cannot use an alternate face covering. The inability to wear a face mask, wear an alternative face covering or be accommodated in another way, will be rare. Currently, RCPD has received a few requests from students, but have not authorized a student exemption yet. If a student believes they cannot wear a face mask, feel free to refer the student to RCPD”
For example, short term group work for short periods of time outside. Also lab group needing to be closer than 6 ft for longer than 15 min at a time and can use face shields to obtain closer proximity for the class.
Face shields are available for purchase by your department/unit. Spartan Marketplace and on most major retail websites.
For example, can this be made a requirement for a class?
From the Office of the Provost: “If faculty want to require equipment as part of a course, they can do so. A face shield would qualify. A reminder that face coverings are required and face shields are not a substitution for them. If faculty are requiring the use of face shields, they need to be used in tandem with face coverings.”
For example, plexiglass or plastic/vinyl face shield with band that attaches around top of persons head.
Face shields can be multiple – use and should be disinfected between uses.
Remember to use an appropriate EPA List N (https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2-covid-19) disinfectant that will not mar the surface. See disinfectant section for more information.
For example, in dairy plant the lab coats are laundered after each use.
Laundering after every use is sufficient. Reusable lab coats should be washed in hot water and dried on a high temperature between uses.
Individual face shields are ideal. Equipment management and financial constraints may deem individual face shields impractical. If that is the case shared face shields must be disinfected before and after use with a disinfectant found on EPA List N (https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2-covid-19).
For example, garments like fire suits or equipment like electronics or large surfaces can be damaged by disinfectants.
Students should be issued non-shared equipment for the semester for their individual use.
When this is not practical, for re-useable bulky items such as waders, the following options may be used:
IPF Cleaning webpage for resources and information regarding on campus cleaning can be found at https://ipf.msu.edu/campus-cleaning.
Departments/Units are responsible for purchasing disinfectants on EPA List N (https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2-covid-19) through Spartan Marketplace or other major retailer using P-card.
IPF Custodial will not supply classrooms with disinfectant. Coordinate with your Department/Unit to ensure an adequate supply of appropriate disinfectant will be available for your class activities including disinfection of high-touch items and surfaces.
For example, after using a piece of shared equipment with gloves on, would the next student be able to use it right away without having to wait for disinfection contact and dry time?
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends disinfecting between uses instead of relying on gloves. Choose disinfectant with a shorter contact and dry time. Oxivir TB has a contact time of one minute.
Review the EPA List N (https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2-covid-19) to see a list of approved disinfectants with their contact times.
For example, Lysol has been backordered indefinitely.
The Teaching Lab Plan Template has a list of four approved and common disinfectants with contact times listed. If those four are not suitable or available refer to EPA List N (https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2-covid-19).
For example, wiping down mobile phone and laptop but not disinfecting eyeglasses
Items like cell phones are handled dozens times per hour by the owner, placed on countertops, benches and shared areas making them more susceptible to virus transmission.
Eyeglasses or clothing are touched far less frequently and pose less risk.
For example, class requires a video of a subject using your mobile device and the focus is blurred because of the plastic bag that is protecting the device.
When using for recording video you can remove the mobile device from the protective bag and remember to disinfect afterward with appropriate disinfectant.
Use a disinfectant on EPA List N and that is appropriate for your mobile device.
For example, food laboratory wipes down their phone prior to bringing it in the classroom and they access them throughout class to follow the lab activities for the day on them.
Yes, it is OK for students to bring electronics for class use, as long as they are disinfected before entering and before leaving lab.
Items may also be placed in a plastic resealable bag. After class the bag can be discarded. Classes that do not rely on electronic devices should encourage students to keep their phones put away for the duration of the class.
For example, student refuses to wear a cloth face covering when entering class.
Remind student of requirement, the reason for it and request for them to comply.
Office of the Provost:
“Failure to wear a face covering for those without an accommodation will result in the following: (1) A reminder of the requirement, the reason for it (to minimize spread), and a request to comply. (2) A request to leave the classroom if no compliance. (3) If no face covering compliance and the student refuses to leave the classroom, class will be dismissed. (4) Should an emergency develop that you feel cannot be resolved by classroom dismissal, consider calling 911 for assistance. Note: Calling the police should be the last resort for genuine emergencies and not used as a way to handle non-emergency conduct issues.”
If there is an incident related to face coverings in class, instructors should immediately file a report with the appropriate academic unit leader (e.g., department head, director of academic affairs, etc.) and, as soon as possible, produce a written record of the facts. For students who initially violated the requirement, but who chose to comply when addressed, consider an email or other communication to remind the student of the requirement for future classes and to engage the student in conversation about the situation. It will be helpful to allow the student to explain their actions in a way that might help in the future.
Important information on the compact compliance can be found here: https://provost.msu.edu/communications/Fall%202020%20Guidance.html
Instructors should take attendance each class period to assist the University Physician’s Office and Ingham County Health Department should contact tracing be necessary.
Instructors are welcome to use any method of taking and recording attendance that is most convenient. However avoid having students “sign-in” or handle shared pen and paper for this process.
The University Physician’s Office and Ingham County Health Department will be responsible for performing contact tracing if appropriate and determine which individuals should self-quarantine.
Students will be required to submit daily health screenings prior to attending class, and when answering “yes” to critical questions they are put into contact with the University Physician’s Office and then Ingham County Health Department if appropriate. Then they will notify the Instructor if determined to be necessary.
For example, groups of students wearing masks gathering closer than six feet when teaching or testing around specimens outside, for approximately 5 minutes at a time, at least twenty times during a four hour long lab.
Instructors should arrange class activities to keep students at a minimum of six feet apart. If students and instructors are less than 6 ft for greater than 15 minutes at a time then:
When none of the above will be an appropriate option, contact EHS at 517-355-0153 or ehs@msu.edu to schedule a consultation with an Industrial Hygienist.
For example, more than one student will need to handle laboratory animals.
There is no time requirement between handlers.
Students and employees should be washing or sanitizing hands before and after handling the animals as well as wearing masks. This and instructions provided to not come to class with COVID symptoms should make the handling of animals safe and a minimal risk, even when handling right after another person.
No. Class instructors are not informed when a student submits a Health Screening Form.
Placing mobile phones in a plastic bag for class is recommended. Constant handling of mobile phones makes these devices a vehicle for transmission of viruses and other microorganisms. Phones often touch our face, nose, mouth and hands multiple times in a day. Users often set the phone down on tables, counters, or other shared surfaces that cause cross-contamination. Cell phones are nearly perfect vectors as they generate heat and collect moisture in conditions that mimic the human body and can harbor microorganisms at a surprising level.
References for mobile phones and contamination:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6210060/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4332273/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213879X15000942
Persons with requirement to eat or drink during the time they are in the building or on campus.
The University is completing a student – focused public food and drink policy.
However, the following guidelines apply to anyone who must consume food and beverages on campus:
No. The same biosafety and chemical safety protocols you used before in your class are still in place and should be strictly followed. However, with the pandemic, there are additional safety measures, specific to COVID-19, that need to be implemented. These additional measures are outlined in your Teaching Laboratory Plan for Safe Return and include:
For example, the room being used for class is not an official University classroom or lab but rather a department/unit designated room (i.e., 263 Giltner).
The MSU OPB has determined the modified occupancy for student density for Fall 2020.
If your class has been assigned a reduced number of students, it has been reviewed.
If you class has not be reviewed or you have further questions contact OPB directly at (517) 355-9271 or obp@msu.edu.
For example, when class sections are back to back there may be an overlap of students in hallway or upon entering and exiting.
As of this time (8/16/2020) class times have not been altered for Fall 2020 per OPB.
Contact OPB at obp.msu.edu or the Office of the Registrar at reg.msu.edu for the most current information regarding class times.
Employees who are asked to return to in-person work but are unable because they are considered high risk or have household members considered high risk according to the CDC guidance should speak with their supervisor to determine whether remote work or another work arrangement is possible. Detailed information on the process can be found at Temporary Accommodations and Flexible Work Arrangement Request Process.
For faculty teaching in the Fall, information on temporary accommodations and flexible work schedule can be found at Faculty COVID-19 Related Teaching Adjustment Request Procedure.
For those people that cannot be accommodated through the process above, the Americans with Disabilities Act requires reasonable accommodations for individuals with physical or mental disabilities. One who believes that they have a qualifying disability should contact the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD) at https://www.rcpd.msu.edu, which makes an assessment and, if warranted, refers to the Accommodations Specialist in Human Resources to determine any required accommodation that the University must make.