BMS Lab Corona measures

The recent outbreak of the novel Corona virus (COVID-19) has impacted the work done at the lab. Both the University of Twente and the BMS lab have taken measures to help contain the virus. Firstly, part of these measures is the emphasize on the strictly following the hygiene protocols. You can find these protocols below. Secondly, there is a set of measures in place, which is intended to limit the exposure to other people. These measures include extra checks on project proposals and strict procedures when conducting research with participants in person. Read more about the measures and the hygiene protocols below. Moreover, you can read about the University’s protocols and procedures on the University of Twente’s special page.

This page was updated on the 21st of February 2022.

In summary:

• The Dutch government’s current measures apply. It is important that you stay home and get a test from the health services (GGD) when feeling unwell or experiencing any kind of symptoms. This concerns all those involved in research including (but not limited) to: researchers, students, guests and participants.
• The lab is open for research to both employees and students (e.g. practicals or theses work). They are considered to be work that cannot be done from home. Individuals visiting or working in the lab spaces will need to abide by the UT’s own guidelines e.g. concerning maximum group size in rooms and the proper utilization of ventilation.
• In some aspects the lab is more strict than the UT’s general rules:
  • Wearing face masks when working in proximity of other people (even when sitting still) is required. When spending prolonged amounts of time (> 5 min.) closer than 1.5m to another person, you must wear certified PPE. This is available at the lab’s office.
  • Both researchers and participants are asked to self-test whenever they plan to visit the BMS Lab’s facilities and required to get an official test from the health services (!) and staying home when experiencing any symptoms.
  • Time spent within the lab’s facilities should be minimized.
  • Cleaning all potentially infected surfaces between participants and the room(s) in general at the end of each day are required.
  • Ventilating the rooms in the Cubicus building is of extreme importance. There is no sufficient automatic ventilation in the building. We therefore require you to open windows before, during and after a participant’s visit. Please close the windows yourself when exiting the lab for the day.
• Lab facilities (rooms) are available. Capacity is however limited to ensure that the ability to keep 1,5m distance is retained.
  • You no longer need to apply for special permission to do research in the lab. Our normal reservation procedure suffices.
  • You do need to embed measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in your research protocol. These measures should be part of the description of your project when writing your sign-up.
• Research using the BMS lab equipment is possible and is done according to regular procedures.
• Following hygiene protocols when using and returning equipment has become even more important. Moreover, research procedures will need to include measures to prevent potential spread of the virus (see above) and to clean surfaces and equipment.
• We produced a new video with instructions on how to conduct research while taking the corona measures in mind (see directly below).

Updates

• 18th of March 2020: Closure of the Cubicus building means the BMS lab can no longer loan out or accept back loaned out equipment. Appointments made for this week will need to be rescheduled. Updates will follow.
• 25th of March 2020: Digital infrastructure of the BMS lab will remain available. Physical spaces remain closed. Use of equipment will be possible in a lot of cases after consultation with lab personnel.
• 30th of May 2020: Lab spaces are available again. Use the form below to file your request.
• 22th of June 2020: Lab studies involving participants are possible again. Use the form below to file your request.
• 17th of August 2020: video added.
• 17th of September 2020: Update introduction paragraph to better reflect the page below.
• 2nd of October 2020: Added an English version of the form to request access to the lab facilities.
• 19th of October 2020: Updated the text to better reflect current status of the lab.
• 15th of December 2020: closing between Christmas and New Year added.
• 26th of June 2021: The additional requirement to get special permission for research within the lab’s facilities has been dropped. Moreover, normal procedures have been restored. Hygienic and social distancing requirements are however upheld.
• 29th of November 2021: Updated the page to reflect current situation. Rules in the lab are stricter than the UT rules.
• 20th of December 2021: Updated to reflect the lab’s operational status during the “lockdown” announced on December 18th 2021. Impact of this announcement is minimal.
• 21st of February 2022: Minor changes for clarification.

Use of physical spaces:
Form and procedure

The BMS lab is open 5 days per week for research. Research can be conducted in the lab’s facilities through the normal project registration procedure. The lab will however be stringent in evaluating both the available space and the inclusion of procedures to maintain good hygiene and prevent the spread of the coronavirus (e.g., through proepr hygiene and use of PPE). Your request to use lab equipment or facilities might be rejected for either a lack of space or proper precautions against the spread of the Coronavirus.

Moreover, be sure to watch the video explaining the complete procedure!

Digital services and lending

The Digital services of the BMS lab are fully operational. This encompasses anything from consultation and advice, to the use of our apps and software. Using and returning the BMS lab equipment is possible and follows normal procedures (follow steps on the website). More importantly, researchers will need to take additional care for hygiene and put measures in place against the spread of the corona virus in line with the guidelines of the Dutch government. Get in contact with the BMS lab or your supervisor to learn more or to schedule an appointment.

Hygiene

The protocols and instructions concerning hygiene are posted below. Following these protocols is both emphasized and mandatory. Please take the additional research protocols, like social distancing and hygiene into account when continuing your research in any form. Moreover, wearing and making use of appropriate protective equipment (PPE) is required. Lastly, frequently touched services must be disinfected between participants and the room should be cleaned at the end of each day.

Be sure to watch the video, which explains the complete procedure and necessary hygienic measures.

General protocols

• Mandatory instructions regarding to the use of BMS lab facilities or equipment (including the participation in experiments)
• Research protocol video

Equipment specific protocols

• Empatica E4
• fNIRS