Facility Equipment Use Policy

Who Can Use the Facility?

• Any other persons in Nebraska involved in research having a legitimate use for Electron Microscopy techniques
  
  Persons often use the Faciltiy are,
• Researchers at the University of Nebraska
• Students at the University of Nebraska taking courses involving Electron Microscopy
• Employees of companies in Nebraska needing Electron Microscopy characterization

Use Requirements:

The Facility's equipment and resources are available for use by any persons conducting scientific research in Nebraska under the following restrictions:

• The research or investigations being conducted involve Nebraska projects or companies
• The person must have legitimate reasons that justify using the equipment
• The person must meet the approval of Facility Staff and be "qualified" on the equipment before being able to use it "solo"
• All users must establish a billing center number for charges to be applied to during use of facility equipment
• All users must comply with the mandates of Facility staff and the CMRA and follow their directions at all times

Failure to meet all of these requirements will result in the user having his/her privileges revoked for and indefinite period of time.

Qualification Procedure

The general procedure for gaining access to the facility and its equipment is as follows:

1. Register your desire to become a user of the specific piece of equipment with the CFEM Specialist
2. Read and understand the Standard Operating Procedure, Emergency Operating Procedure and Scheduling Policy for the specific piece of equipment.
3. Pass a written examination on the use of the equipment
4. Pass a "Driving Test" on the equipment with either the CFEM Specialist or Faculty Advisor present
5. Establish a company center number for billing purposes

This policy, although lengthy, is necessary to insure the proper and safe use of all lab equipment; minimizing damage to equipment and the subsequent loss in productivity by other users and expense to the Facility and University.

Safety and Chemicals

Any samples or chemicals brought into the Facility should be accompanied by their respective Material Safety Data Sheet. These should be brought to the attention of the CFEM Specialist before any work is done. The CFEM Specialist will review the materials and decide whether the work will be allowed in the Facility and what safety precautions will be made.