CVD Lab: General Practices and Thoughts

CVD Lab, B-308

Cleanliness is what everyone sees first: not our research proficiency or data interpretation.  Most of the items below fall under Dr. Lee’s request to “Please keep the labs in working and show & tell conditions” for visitors.  This should really be the case all of the time: for safety, guests, our selves, and consideration for each other.

A) CVD Office (B-308a):
1.	Keep your desk and shelves neat—not so much clean—just neat. We don’t want to look like pack rats.  If all desks look messy, the office looks messy.
2.	When you leave, push in your chair.
3.	If you borrow someone’s (or an empty) chair or desk, clean it before you leave.  Do not use it for storage of boxes/papers/etc.
4.	Any hanging posters which become frayed/discolored must be removed or replaced.  When you graduate, take all your stuff with you and throw out your junk.  (We don’t need it.)
5.	If something does not fit in the trash, take it out to the back of the building.
6.	If you eat lunch in the office, close the door most of the way.
7.	Nobody has a key for the office door.  Don’t lock it.
8.	Please keep cell phones and beepers on vibrate.
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B) Post-doc Offices (B-308b):
1.	They should know what they are doing.  Listen to them (at least sometimes).
2.	Keep your files (papers, etc.) up to date and very well organized and labeled.  People on the project after you need to be able to find papers, etc.
3.	Keep the lab main door locked (unless there is heavy traffic).  If you don’t see anyone around when you leave, lock it!  We don’t want more laptops and equipment stolen!
4.	If you order a new chemical, update the MSDS file on the wall by the main door.
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C) Computer Area (B-308c):
1.	There is no eating in the lab.  (OSHA regulations)   Infrequent beverages can be overlooked (but not near chemicals!).
2.	Use of the computers and their accessories must follow the Computer policy.  See the Computer Manager if you have questions.
3.	Do not leave a computer for even a few minutes without logging out of everything or locking the computer.  Push in your chair!
4.	Do not touch CVD00 (the file and print server)!  If something looks/sounds wrong, call the Computer Manager.
5.	No food is to be stored in the refrigerator in the lab, please use the one in Dr. Du’s lab (just inside the door of B-309).
6.	Do not print every article which looks vaguely relevant.  Read the abstract, scan the results/conclusions, then decide.  We are killing trees with all the articles we are printing.  This goes for other items too—maximize paper usage and recycle the rest in the can by the elevator.
7.	The printer uses only OEM HP cartridges, the remanufactured ones increase quality and printing problems/issues.
8.	If you take the last ream of paper to fill the printer, go to the department office and get 4 more reams.
9.	Packing peanuts are stored in a large box under the counter in the N-E corner of the lab.  Please recycle them!
10.	The lab’s digital camera is stored in a drawer between CVD03 and CVD04.  Do not remove it from the lab without leaving a note saying you have it.  Normal batteries don’t last long, use the rechargeable.
11.	Catalogs are organized by topic.  Put them back in the right topic.  Do not keep catalogs on your desk for any longer than you are using them (which is unlikely to be longer than a day or two).  Do not let catalogs leave the lab.
12.	Please keep cell phones and beepers on vibrate or low.  (This is important enough to mention twice!)
13.	Cover equipment which needs to be kept covered (and dust-free).  Do not stack equipment.
14.	If you have a computer problem, call the computer manager.
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D) Lab / Equipment Area (B-308d/e):
1.	General cover-all: clean and sweep your system and the floor/area around it at least once per week.  We have many visitors (even if they’re just professors from other departments), and image is very important for first impressions.  Temco does not sweep or mop unless requested, they only empty the trash cans and replace paper towels.
2.	There is no eating or storage of food/containers in the lab.  (OSHA regulations)
3.	Clothing: no shorts, skirts, sandals or open-face shoes, contacts, or very light clothing.  Clothing is to protect you.  (OSHA regulations)
4.	If you use a tool, put it back in the correct place (not necessarily where you found it) at the end of the day.
5.	If you tend to use a few tools very regularly, go to Sears and buy extras!  Put them in a box that says “NiAl System tools- do not remove!”.
6.	Do not leave glassware soaking in sinks, wash it!  If you see something there, wash it!  Clean the sink behind you after use.
7.	Do not pour chemicals down the drain!  We have disposal containers by the hood.
8.	Do not leave wash bottles around the lab (even water).  Put them in the hood when not in use.
9.	Clean up the hood after use…do not leave anything out in it.
10.	Do not leave chemicals out if you have to walk away.  Label the container: leave a sign with your name, contact info, data/time, and any hazards/dangers.  Never leave chemicals out overnight.  Use the fume hood or blue chemical storage cabinet.
11.	The cabinets under the right side of the hood is not to be opened or used except for cleaning.  Old chemical residues are present.
12.	All chemical orders must go through the chemical supply room/office.
13.	When you are done with a chemical (or the container is empty) call the chemical supply number to arrange a pickup.
14.	Compressed gas bottles must be labeled with the purchaser’s name.
15.	Compressed gas bottles must be tied up (even empty ones, because you can’t tell status by looking at them).
16.	Bottles may not be stored on the rack in the hall—it is for empties and deliveries only.  Once you see your order has arrived, store your bottles in the lab.  If someone else takes your bottles, you’ll have to hunt them down yourself (good luck).
17.	Do not leave cables laying across walk ways.
18.	If you a have garbage which does not fit in the trash cans, put it out back behind Burchard.  Temco will not take trash if there is any possibility it may be in use.
19.	Fire extinguishers and electrical panels must not be blocked.  (FD regulations)
20.	Do not touch, adjust or operate other peoples’ equipment without their express permission.
21.	Newer lab members/people working in the lab should be encouraged to go through every drawer/cabinet in the lab so they learn for themselves where most things are stored.
22.	If you want a part from an old/unused system, as the Lab Manager or an old group member (because he’ll probably know if it works, how it works, and where the manuals are).
23.	If you see a running faucet, turn it off.
24.	We have several cabinets with fittings and components.  Put pieces back where you know they go, don’t guess.  Feel free to help by sorting some of the “to be sorted” fittings into the cabinet.
25.	When the lab runs out of a something, ask around to see who ordered it last.  Newer groups pay for newer bulk orders (it tends to rotate, with the exception of group-specific items).
26.	Call in HVAC and facilities issues as soon as you see or hear them (when it may be cheaper to fix).  Do not assume someone else already did.  Then email the group so we know to expect someone to fix it.  If the problem is not fixed or looked at, follow up on it.
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E) Other:
1.	Updating lab presentations/archive
2.	Using server space (at least as a backup) at least 2MB/sec per connection.
3.	Storing pictures – jpg.  Sem may stay as tiff (high quality is best for publications), but if you’re sure you won’t need them, you may compress them or use jpg (png is also a very good and well known format to use).
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5.	Last updated 01Mar2004 by Justin Daniel Meyer, CVD Lab Manager.
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