Update: Lab Occupancy Guidelines

May 11, 2021

Dear Pratt faculty,

Please know that the Pratt School of Engineering, in compliance with Duke University guidance, has updated one of the General Principles that govern health and safety measures in research laboratories.

Effective immediately in Pratt research laboratories, the guidance requiring each person present in a lab to maintain 250 square feet around them is no longer in effect.

However, in all Pratt labs, everyone must continue to:

• Wear effective face coverings over nose and mouth at all times
• Maintain minimum 6 feet (approx. 2 meters) separation from others while in the lab

Since every lab is different, please pay close attention to your lab's configuration when complying with the 6-foot separation rule.

Importantly, it is possible that this updated guidance could change a lab's maximum occupancy, as stated in its current research plan. If a change is required to your lab plan, please submit a new and updated version to me by email.

Also, if your lab has moved since you first submitted a lab plan, please submit a new lab plan for your new space to me by email.

Thank you for your teamwork on this issue, as we all strive to keep ourselves and each other safe and healthy.

Best wishes,

Claudia K. Gunsch, Ph.D.
Associate Dean, Pratt School of Engineering, Research and Infrastructure
Theodore S. Kennedy Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering
ckgunsch@duke.edu