OTL Webstore

Following the announcement by the Province of Ontario to permit certain businesses to reopen as of May 4th, the OTL has decided to resume lending tools while adopting specific public health measures to operate safely during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Visiting the OTL

In keeping with guidance from the Province of Ontario, the OTL welcomes members into the OTL while still taking appropriate precautions to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). When visiting the OTL, we ask that you:

  • Do not visit the OTL if you have recently traveled abroad, have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in contact with someone who does.
  • Follow the direction of volunteers, as well as any signs or floor markings.
  • Line up to enter at the south/right door, exit and return tools via the north/left (garage) door.
  • Use hand sanitizer (provided) upon entering the OTL.
  • Stay 2m distance from others whenever possible while outside and inside the OTL.
  • Wear a non-medical mask while outside and inside the OTL.
  • Have your list of tools prepared before entering the OTL (consult our inventory and feel free to Ask a Ninja beforehand).
  • Avoid bringing others (e.g. spouses, children, friends, pets) to the OTL.

Don’t hesitate to contact us should you have any questions or need further assistance.

Precautions

To protect our members and volunteers during this period, we have adopted the following precautions against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19):

  • The number of people in the OTL will be limited to permit adequate physical distancing.
  • Volunteers will regularly wash or sanitize hands and wear gloves when handling tools.
  • Only a single volunteer is permitted behind the front desk, protected by a plexiglass barrier.
  • All visitors will wear non-medical facemasks when at the OTL by Ottawa city bylaw.
  • All touch surfaces in the OTL (door handles, padlocks, keyboards, tablets, etc.) will be disinfected after each shift.
  • All returned tools will be disinfected (on common touchpoints like handles, buttons, batteries, etc.) using disinfectants approved for use by Health Canada before being returned to circulation.

Public Health Guidance

For the safety of our members and volunteers, we also ask that you follow the direction of public health authorities. Please stay home and do not visit the OTL if:

  • You have any symptoms of novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
  • You have been in physical contact with anyone exhibiting symptoms.
  • You have traveled outside of Canada in the past 14 days.
  • You or someone in your household is particularly vulnerable to novel coronavirus (COVID-19) due to advanced age or a compromised immune system.

Nevertheless, all public interactions during this period may raise your risk of exposure to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Members and volunteers visiting the OTL in any capacity do so at their own risk.

Notification

In the event that you have borrowed tools and have a presumptive or confirmed case of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in your household, please inform us as soon as possible. We can arrange to extend the loan period for tools, quarantine any returned tools, and advise our volunteers and members about any possible exposure. Your personal information will remain confidential.

Further Information

We are following the latest public health guidance and scientific information regarding Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) from various levels of government. For more information, please consult the following: