Diamond's COVID-19 working arrangements

There are no limits on the number of users in the synchrotron building at any one time.  However, there can be individual room occupancy limits (including any Diamond staff) remain in place, please follow the signage instructions

Please clarify user numbers with the beamline staff/local contact prior to booking users.

Face masks will not be required across site unless mandated by local rules.  In the mandated areas (indicated by clear signage) masks are considered an appropriate ongoing control based on restrictions to social distancing and the close contact Diamond staff have with a high turnover of individuals external to Diamond (users, contractors etc.) when conducting experiments in these spaces. This includes the following beamline control rooms I15-CC2-1, I12 CR1, I22 CC1, ePSIC (E01, E02 when in user mode). 

Note that preparation and experiments at beamlines is taking longer than previously.

To help get your session fully in place before you arrive, you must submit your session information 2 weeks in advance, and at the latest 1 week before you arrive.

Only travel if you are negative.  If testing is not available through your institution, please allow enough time to use the Government scheme for UK users.

You may find these links helpful:

Travel to England from another country during coronavirus (COVID-19) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Find a coronavirus (COVID-19) travel test provider if you're arriving in England - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

See also here for selecting a test and finding a possible test centre

You must read Diamond's Working Protocols document accessible from a link on this page, this provides important information on what to expect before and during your visit to Diamond.

Please read this note on Fatigue:  Things to consider 

Individual room occupancy limits (including any Diamond staff) may be in place. Please be respectful of someone else's social distancing requests.

Face masks will not be required across site unless mandated by local rules.  In the mandated areas (indicated by clear signage) masks are considered an appropriate ongoing control based on restrictions to social distancing and the close contact Diamond staff have with a high turnover of individuals external to Diamond (users, contractors etc.) when conducting experiments in these spaces. This includes the following beamline control rooms I15-CC2-1, I12 CR1, I22 CC1, ePSIC (E01, E02 when in user mode). 

It is recognised that in setting up experiments and training users other beamlines may also wish to request mask wearing when staff and users are in close proximity that consideration of others

Please go to the main gate to collect your badge as normal. The gate will be informed that you are arriving and will issue this to you. 

If you already have your badge please remember to bring it with you. 

You should arrive at the synchrotron within working hours at a time agreed with your local contact.

If you arrive in a car please go to the reception to receive a parking permit - see the separate item on arriving by car

Dropping off your badge after the experiment: please keep your badge if you expect to be back at Diamond within 6 months. Otherwise please drop off your badge at the reception building.

The User Office will ensure your information is sent to the main reception before you arrive.

This is waht is needed when you enter site if you come in a car:

• You need to go to reception and pick up a car parking permit sticker
• When you drive through the gate ensure you and all passengers swipe your badges at the gate building

If you enter site without registering your vehicle at reception you are at risk of receiving a vehicle infringement notice which could lead to withdrawal of parking rights for a substantial period.

Social distancing and COVID-19 working protocols significantly increase the length of time required to perform tasks. The productivity of a day now will not be the same as pre-pandemic. Please take this into account when planning your experiments.

If at any point you find you are showing symptoms of COVID-19 you must Let your local contact and the User Office know immediately and leave site. Do not come to Diamond if you have any COVID-19 symptoms. If you are on site and experience symptoms you must leave site.

Please keep your user badge after your session if you will be returning to Diamond within 6 months. You will then be expected to bring this along with you for any further sessions.

If you are not returning within 6 months, please hand your badge in at the main gate as you depart site.

You should arrive at the synchrotron within working hours at a time agreed with your local contact.

You must arrive at the beamlines/labs between 09.00 and 14.00 to ensure you get your induction done in a timely fashion (this is taking a great deal longer under the current working protocols than is used to.)

The R22 restaurant will be open in the evening and at the weekend as well as for breakfast and lunch.

Users who are staying off site can still dine at the R22 restaurant on site.

Users on night shift can order a take-away meal if outside of the R22 restaurant opening times and we will reimburse this up to £15 per person as per the expenses procedure. We will not refund taake-aways ordered during restaurant opening times.

The User Office is open Monday-Friday between 08.30-16.30, closed for lunch 12.00-12.30.

The team can be contacted by email useroffice@Diamond.ac.uk
All enquiries should in the first instance be made to the email address above. 

Out of Hours 16:30-08:30 –ONLY 
Contact the EHC team on ext. 8787 

Please ensure you follow instructions given in your Lab induction.

Arrive between 09:00 and 14:00 for Lab space induction. 

Users can bring their own safety glasses to Diamond. The glasses should be compliant with BS EN 166F or better and be in a good state of repair. The glasses need to be inspected by the lab technicians.