Covid 19 restrictions at the observatory

Guidelines for use of observatory under Covid 19 conditions.

There are lots of items that are regularly touched during a regular visit to the observatory. This starts in fact by opening the gate.

From here you will press all the numbers of the door code, touch the door handle, and press the code to disable the alarm. You will also need to switch the lights on.

Next is collecting keys (equipment room door handle) and using the keys to unlock a dome or enclosure.

Various parts of the dome will be contacted including switches, telescope, front cover, hand controller, clutches, focuser and eyepiece.

Any item from equipment room, including ladders, or the dobs are also to be considered.

If you use the kitchen, there is everything you touch there. This includes the bench, switches, taps, cupboard doors, jug, cups, and coffee jars etc.

As you can appreciate there is plenty of opportunity to spread or acquire virus in a single visit to the observatory. This is not like a theatre or business where opportunity to touch multiple surfaces is limited, and regular disinfection between sessions is practised. We cannot guarantee to clean the whole observatory between every use. CAS cannot take responsibility for the consequences of poor hygiene. This is your responsibility as a member and as an individual.

For this reason we are taking a conservative approach to use of the observatory.

Overleaf are some suggestions as to how you can minimise risk to yourself and others. The results are literally in your hands.

It is vital that you log your activity in the book and make sure names of all personnel present are recorded for tracing purposes.

Don’t forget to clean the pen!

Please restrict numbers at the observatory to 10. First come gets a telescope!

There is hand sanitiser inside the lodge that you can take to the telescope with you.

If you are concerned, you can clean (as outlined overleaf) before you use the equipment. This does not excuse final cleanup before leaving.

Before leaving

Put on gloves Keep gloves on until completed below.

1.     Clean Telescope(s)

Wipe all areas of telescope that have been touched with IPA using green soft cloth provided.

Do Not use “spray and wipe” on any part of the scope.

This includes

·       Eyepiece and diagonal and focuser. Wipe eyepiece before placing in box.

·       Focus knob and lock

·       Clutch knobs

·       Hand controller and switch panel.

·       All surfaces of the scope

·       Lens caps

2.     Clean dome or enclosure.

Use “Spray and Wipe” with separate blue cloth, or disinfectant wipes* to wipe inside surfaces of dome that have been touched or leaned against.

Clean handles and fixtures including switches.

Wipe ladder if used.

Close doors, lock and wipe door handles and padlocks.

Repeat this for any other dome or enclosure you may have visited (eg 16 inch to get eyepiece).

3.     In the Lodge Use “Spray and Wipe” or disinfectant wipes* to clean all surfaces used

·       Chairs

·       Table

·       Door handles

·       Switches

·       Bench top

·       Appliances

·       Use IPA for computer and alarm controls.

*In the interest of the environment, please minimise use of wipes and dispose in the bin (not the septic tank!) Plan the tasks and use 1 wipe for the whole job if possible.

Soak keys on hot soapy water(detergent), rinse and hang up.

Set alarm, close door, remove gloves and put in recycle bin by door.

Final squirt of hand sanitiser.