Research Non-lab Operations Plan during COVID-19

This template is for use by PIs, directors who oversee research centers, or academic departments. It may serve
as a stand alone plan for PIs without an existing Research Lab Operations Plan (RLOP) or departments without an
existing Academic Research Infrastructure Plan (ARIP). Alternatively, ARIP and RLOP forms may be updated
directly without using this supplement by cutting and pasting Section B (below) into the addemdum of an
existing plan.

Principal Investigator / Director [NAME]

Department [NAME]

Last revised date [DATE]

Department Chair/Institute [NAME] [DATE]

Director Approval
Dean for Research Approval [NAME] [DATE]

PURPOSE
This Research Non-lab Operations Plan will document how non-lab research operations (work spaces such as
offices, shared spaces, cubicles, etc.) will utilize campus spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic. All approved
plans must comply with applicable University Policies and Guidance, including the Plan for Phased Resumption
of On-Campus Research and the Princeton Playbook.

If a PI has space in multiple departments, a completed plan should be shared with each of the relevant chairs or
directors. A copy of the version approved by the department chair or institute director must be submitted for
review and final approval by the Office of the Dean for Research. The plan below should be shared with
members of the research group/department.

A. Communication Systems

[insert lab/dept name here]

Research Non-lab Operations Plan (COVID-19)
Last revised [insert date]

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To communicate rapidly with your group, we encourage all research groups/departments to prepare and
maintain contact information in paper and electronic formats, including alternative email and phone numbers.

Yes, contact information for my group is up-to-date and available in paper and electronically.

Document the methods that the group will use to communicate with members. Potential communications tools
include phone, email/listserv, text message, social media, group messaging platforms, etc.

[DESCRIBE COMMUNICATIONS METHODS HERE]

Describe who is designated to communicate with group members regarding research operations. Designate
those responsible for updating contact information and establish a specific schedule for updating.

[DESCRIBE WHO IS DESIGNATED TO COMMUNICATE HERE]

B. Research Non-lab Operations Plans

In this section, detail how researchers will enact strict social distancing requirements and comply with EHS-
prescribed density and hygiene metrics and practices. When devising the plan, include spaces managed by the
person proposing the plan (PI/director/chair). Because groups differ with regard to the types of space,
researchers and staff, plans will need to be customized to particular situations. Describe the plan in sufficient
detail for for the review team to conduct a meaningful evaluation of your proposal.

Review health, safety, and hygiene requirements in the Plan for the Phased Resumption of On Campus Research
and the Princeton Playbook.

Occupancy and Space Utilization Plans: List the room numbers within the control of the proposer and
parameters for the number of people in each room at any one time: grad student desk areas,
postdoc/researcher offices, and meeting rooms. (Add or delete rows as needed.)

Building Room # Square Proposed occupancy Pertinent room characteristics (e.g.,

Footage (# people at one time and single-occupancy office, shared
throughout the course of a work space, meeting room, open
day, e.g., rotations) area)

[insert lab/dept name here]

Research Non-lab Operations Plan (COVID-19)
Last revised [insert date]

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Other spaces: List the rooms/spaces managed at the departmental/institute level that you would use if
available. The purpose of including a space on this list is to facilitate conversations within the
department/institute.

Building Room # Proposed usage Pertinent room characteristics (e.g.,

(# people at one time and activity) single occupancy office, shared
work space, meeting room, open
area)

Describe how staffing and scheduling will be organized to meet the occupancy metrics and space utilization
guidelines. A variety of models can be considered, such as daily shifts, rotations of days on and off, or cohorts. If
a staffing rotation is necessary, describe the nature of the rotation and how the schedule will be maintained and
communicated to all researchers. Describe how the work spaces will be managed to support physical distancing
and which work areas will be designated for use or restricted.

[SHOW THE ROOM LAYOUT OF SHARED SPACES (IF AVAILABLE) WITH SQUARE FOOTAGE AND DISTANCES
BETWEEN DESKS. ROOM LAYOUTS MAY BE AVAILABLE IN TIGERSPACE (ASK FACULTY ASSISTANT OR
DEPARTMENT STAFF FOR ASSISTANCE). DESCRIBE HOW ROTATION SCHEDULES WILL BE MANAGED IF NEEDED.]

Sanitizing Plan: Building services will sanitize common areas within buildings, but researchers will be responsible
for sanitizing desk space, computer equipment, and other high-touch surfaces within their spaces. Describe the
specific items that will require regular sanitizing, along with the appropriate sanitizing agents, frequency, and
responsible individuals.

[DESCRIBE THE SANITIZING PLAN]

Monitoring Plan: What monitoring/oversight will occur to ensure compliance with distancing, hygiene and
safety requirements by all researchers resuming on campus operations?

[DESCRIBE THE MONITORING PLAN]

C. Appendix
[insert lab/dept name here]
Research Non-lab Operations Plan (COVID-19)
Last revised [insert date]

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[PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RELATED TO PLANS HERE. E.G.: STAFFING SCHEDULES, FLOOR PLANS]

[insert lab/dept name here]

Research Non-lab Operations Plan (COVID-19)
Last revised [insert date]

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