COVID-19 SAFETY PLAN 2024

Effective 1 January 2024

This COVID-19 Safety Plan has been developed for the operations of Megalo Print Studio, in accordance with ACT Government guidelines, to support the health and safety of members and visitors accessing Megalo facilities.

This Plan will be regularly reviewed by the Megalo Board and staff, and revised as required in accordance with ACT Government guidelines.

1. GENERAL PROTOCOLS

Face masks
Face masks are not currently mandatory to access the Megalo premises; however appropriate masks are required as indicated in specified areas, or while undertaking specified activities, to comply with WHS procedures.

Check-in CBR
The use of the Check In CBR app is no longer mandatory within the ACT and the app is no longer available for use from 1 December 2022.

Hand sanitiser
All persons entering the Megalo premises are invited to make use of the hand sanitiser provided at the entrance; with the exception of persons with a relevant allergy or other condition.

Density limits
Persons entering the Megalo premises are encouraged to maintain a minimum of 1.5 metres distance from all other persons (including members, visitors and staff) wherever possible.

Individual health
Persons experiencing the onset of any symptoms associated with COVID-19 while on Megalo premises are requested to advise Megalo staff safely (at a distance), before leaving immediately and seeking medical advice.

Relevant symptoms include (but are not limited to): fever; cough; sore throat; shortness of breath; loss of smell or taste; runny or blocked nose.

2. STUDIO ACCESS

Bookings
All studio access (including extended access) must be booked in advance. Bookings may be requested through the Megalo website, by email to info@megalo.org, or by telephone on 02 6232 6041 (during office hours, Tuesday-Friday, 9.30am-5pm).

All booking requests via the website or email must be confirmed by return email from Megalo staff.

Studio access may be booked for the following sessions:

  • General access:

    • Mornings (9.30am-1pm), Tuesday-Saturday

    • Afternoons (1pm-4.30pm), Tuesday-Saturday

  • Extended access (by approval):

    • Mornings (9.30am-1pm), Sunday and Monday

    • Afternoons (1pm-4.30pm), Sunday and Monday

    • Evenings (4.30pm-9pm), all week

Access will be reserved on a first-come, first-served priority basis. If members are unable to make use of booked access, Megalo staff should be advised as soon as possible so bookings can be reallocated to a fellow member.

No member access may be booked for a session already reserved for a workshop or class.

When requesting a booking, please advise any equipment required. If the equipment required is already reserved, Megalo staff will do our best to arrange an alternative session. Please note that equipment bookings are reserved on a first-come, first-served priority basis. If members are unable to make use of booked equipment, Megalo staff should be advised as soon as possible so bookings can be reallocated to a fellow member.

Please also advise if any technical or physical assistance is required. Due to studio staffing commitments, this may be limited, or not available, during the preferred session, and we may need to arrange an alternative session.

Members using the studios will be expected to begin cleaning up, including disinfecting tools and equipment used, 30 minutes prior to the end of the booked session.

Induction
Prior to the first booking for the year, members will be required to undertake a WHS Induction with a Megalo staff member, including a COVID-19 Safety Induction, to ensure they are familiar with our current procedures.

Members will be asked to confirm in writing upon arrival that they: 

  • Do not have any COVID-19 symptoms

  • Have not, in the preceding 7 days, been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 

  • Have not been identified as a close or casual contact, have not visited a close or casual contact site as listed on the covid19.act.gov.au website, and have not been directed to self-isolate or self-quarantine by ACT Health or any other jurisdiction. 

Members will also be asked to advise in writing if they have received partial or full vaccination against COVID-19.

Hygiene and cleaning
In accordance with ACT Government guidelines, members and staff are welcome to wear compliant face masks (covering nose and mouth) while in the studios. A minimum 1.5 metre distance from other members or staff should be maintained wherever possible.

Hand sanitiser will be provided at multiple locations throughout Megalo including the entrance, for use upon entry and when moving throughout the studios.

Members are required to bring their own specific Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including:

  • Safety mask (covering mouth and nose)

  • Eye protection / safety goggles 

  • Earmuffs

  • Solvent- / acid-resistant gloves 

  • Acid resistant apron

Megalo staff may require sighting of these items to ensure compliance with our WHS protocols; and these items will be available for purchase at Megalo if not brought or not already owned. Disposable gloves will be provided free of charge throughout the studios.

All Megalo tools and equipment used during a visit must be cleaned and disinfected (using the materials provided) after use: members will be expected to begin cleaning up 30 minutes prior to the end of the booked session.

Screen Studio
Specific bookings are not required for the Exposure and Washout area; however gloves and safety mask must be worn, and consideration should be paid to the confined space with regard to appropriate social distancing.

Press Studio
Specific bookings are not required for the Acid Room, Aquatint Room or Solvent Room; however gloves and safety mask must be worn, and consideration should be paid to the confined space with regard to appropriate social distancing

Store Room
No member access is allowed to the Store Room: materials required from the store room must be requested from Megalo staff.

Toilets
Toilet facilities (located at the far end of the Screen Studio) will be open. Hand sanitiser will be provided for use before and after using these facilities.

Kitchen
All items used must be cleaned with detergent immediately after use and then placed in the dishwasher. Any bench or table surfaces used must be cleaned immediately after use with the cleaning materials provided.

Food and drink must not be left in the kitchen fridge or cupboards, and any food or drink remaining at the end of the day will be disposed of by Megalo staff.

3. GALLERY AND RETAIL AREAS

Visitors to the retail space are requested to refrain from excessive handling of merchandise, and to use hand sanitiser provided before and after visiting this space. Visitors wishing to make purchases will be encouraged to make payment by card rather than cash wherever possible.


For further information on Megalo Print Studio’s COVID-19 Safety Protocols, please email info@megalo.org.

For further information on ACT Government public health directives, check www.covid19.act.gov.au.