Looks like things are finally moving toward an ability to make a plan – albeit, a very flexible one! Detailed more below is the current Phases of reopening for EOW; we ask that you join us in being flexible as while this is our plan – we will continue to adapt and adhere to all updated advice.

Phase 1 starts now with additional phases being rolled out as and when announced by the Scottish Government. As the Government introduces different phases then so will we and it would be our intention to define those phases as follows:

• EOW is closed to the general public – only Residents can access their bays or offices (no additional person/s can accompany residents into ANY space)
• Physical distancing and hygiene protocols are required of every person accessing workspaces, both private and communal
• Face coverings must be worn when moving through the building or when in communal workspaces, such as the workshop – these are available to buy at reception or you can bring your own
• Visors must be worn in addition to face coverings when physical distance cannot be maintained (two person lift, assistance, et.) – these are available to buy at reception or you can bring your own
• Please use sanitising wipes after machine use or handling materials
• Partial return of waste services (monthly to begin)
• The communal rest areas should not be used during this Phase, but will see cleaning and sanitising in preparation for future phases
• Members are discouraged from eating together in communal spaces, and are encouraged to bring their own utensils, plates, and cups

• EOW will remain closed to the general public – Residents will now share the workshop with BHE/EOW staff as we make preparations to open to the public
• PPE Compulsory during workshop/space use – continue to follow physical distancing and hygiene protocols as outlined in Phase 1
• Divider screens will be installed to extend the walls between maker bays, and additional hand sanitiser units will be installed as EOW prepares for Phase 3
• Reintroduction of scheduled EOW maintenance regimes

• EOW will open for select access – Resident Members, EOW/BHE staff, and existing PAYG Members (these numbers will be monitored and restricted)
• Advance Booking and payment is required for all PAYG members, those hoping to work with additional workers may be required to book additional bay to maintain physical distance
• PPE Compulsory during workshop/space use – continue to follow physical distancing and hygiene protocols as outlined in Phases 1 and 2

• EOW will open fully – this includes welcoming new memberships, offering building, advanced inductions, and the return of EOW courses (as permitted with appropriate physical distance in smaller sizes)
• Advance Booking is required for all PAYG members, those hoping to work with additional workers may be required to book additional bay to maintain physical distance
• Resident Members seeking to offer classes or workshops in their space MUST inform EOW and verify that there is sufficient space for additional people in the workshop on their potential date
• PPE Compulsory during workshop/space use – continue to follow physical distancing and hygiene protocols as outlined in Phases 1 and 2

With each new Phase, we will inform you through social media posts, signage in the shop, and newsletter updates about when these changes will officially start for EOW. There will also be necessary changed to how we all use the space to maintain physical distancing – below will be a list that is not exhaustive, but marks initial changes EOW will make so that all using the space are as safe as possible.

1. Temperature checks of all building users upon entry
2. Installation of hand sanitising stations
3. Installation of temporary screens to extend existing maker bay walls above head height
4. Installation of welding screens to form additional dividers between PAYG bays
5. 1-way system introduced on the workshop floor
6. Mandatory use of cloth face coverings at all times except when other job specific PPE is worn – users will not be allowed to enter the building without a face covering (these are available to buy at reception or you can bring your own)
7. Mandatory use of face shields when working outside your own “shielded” bay in activities where physical distance cannot be maintained
8. Implementation of a “traffic light” system for kitchen and toilet access

We are experiencing strange and trying times and it is becoming clearer that this distant style of life is going to be a marathon, not a sprint – that can feel daunting, which is understandable. We want you to know that EOW is here and ready to make sure that you can get back to making as soon as possible.

Continue to stay safe and look after each other. We will be sending out a newsletter shortly with more information, if you are a current member and have not received a newsletter from us before and would like to be on that list please email, [email protected].

With good thoughts and thoroughly washed hands,

Team EOW