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These Burnaby students get COVID-19 sneeze-guards and more

A group of specialized Burnaby students have returned to campus under new safety protocols. While most post-secondary schools have gone strictly online for now, that’s not really an option for students learning the art of carpentry.
bcit burnaby covid-19
New shields have been put in place at the Burnaby campus of BCIT. BCIT photo

A group of specialized Burnaby students have returned to campus under new safety protocols.

While most post-secondary schools have gone strictly online for now, that’s not really an option for students learning the art of carpentry.

Following the safe return of seven Level 4 Joinery students back onto the Burnaby Campus, BCIT School of Construction and the Environment further collaborated with Occupational Health and Safety to develop enhanced protocols and a comprehensive risk assessment plan that safely welcomed 64 carpentry students back into their shops this week.

These students, who are enrolled in Carpentry Level 1, 3, and 4, are on campus for up to four weeks to acquire the applied skills needed to complete their training.

In collaboration with OHS and with guidelines from the public health officer and WorkSafe BC, BCIT developed thorough policies and guidelines for the consideration and, where approved, delivery of in-person and on-campus instruction when required for students to achieve their credentials. Prior to returning to a space for operation, OHS inspects teaching and learning environments and issues Safe Operating Procedure guidelines.

bcit burnaby covid-19
Following the safe return of seven Level 4 Joinery students back onto the Burnaby Campus, BCIT School of Construction and the Environment further collaborated with Occupational Health and Safety to develop enhanced protocols and a comprehensive risk assessment plan that safely welcomed 64 carpentry students back into their shops this week. BCIT photo

In addition to reinforcing a two-metre physical distance between students and instructors sharing a space, these are some of the enhanced protocols that the school has taken:

  • All students will have a three-sided enclosed 8x8 workspace and use their own set of tools and supplies
  • Additional hand-washing stations have been installed
  • The ground is marked with one-way travel arrows and red tape to reinforce a two-meter physical distance
  • Frequent cleaning and sanitization of common areas and stationary equipment
  • A large sneeze-guard has been installed outside the tool room
  • Welding screens are also placed throughout the shop to ensure safe distancing between students and instructors

“While it is our priority to support students’ academic goals, we must do so in a manner that ensures the safety and health of all students and faculty,” said Wayne Hand, dean, School of Construction and the Environment, in a news release. “Following the successful and safe return of our joinery students last week, I thank all faculty and students for following the necessary safeguards and adjustments in place to create an experiential, supportive, and safe learning environment for everyone.”