Dr. Tolman published an article recently in Inorganic Chemistry, "A Safe Return." We have to be aware of everything in the lab since we have been home for several weeks since the stay-at-home order. Here are my perspectives about how to prepare yourself before and after you enter your lab:
Before you go back to work:
1. Make the checklist for your office/lab or follow the SOP from your supervisor or manager.
2. Make your lifestyle back to normal few days before you go back. Adjust your physical and mental condition back to your regular weekday style. GET A GOOD SLEEP a day before THE DAY.
3. Bring all the company-related gadgets with you when you return. Don't leave your laptop or notebook home. That will make you anxious on the first day.
After you enter the gate of your company:
1. Check your office first and do the cleanup. This can gradually make you comfortable in your office and create a good atmosphere for you and your colleagues. Be aware of any fire-hazard or electrical-shock related issue in your office, especially the electrical outlet, receptacles, etc. Mice or rodents may have caused some troubles when people are not around.
2. Check your lab and chemical storage cabinets/shelves carefully first. Don't set up any experiment on the first day. Take your time. Check everything with your supervisors or environmental safety and health officers.
3. Do some easy cleanup for your lab. During the cleanup, you are tuning your mental condition back to normal and creating the essential awareness of the lab as well. This will help you retrieve your sense of doing experiments.
4. Easy and low-hazard experiments first. Once you have any uncertainty, ask for help. Our mental conditions have been affected by this pandemic a lot so that we may have more uncertainties when we are back to perform our routine experiments. Don't worry. Your supervisors and managers are here to help. Safety First, Just ask for help!
There are my aspects for how you resume your work safely. Please feel free to email me to discuss/exchange any thought/information you may have. Stay strong. We will be okay.