Usage Policies

New Users

  • New laboratory users must read and agree with the 鈥淟aboratory Expectation and Use鈥� document to help researchers safely and properly use the shared laboratory. The document is given to all new researchers from the Laboratory Manager.
  • New users are encouraged to speak with the Instrumentation Laboratory Coordinator or Laboratory Manager to determine what instruments will best serve their needs for analytical research.听

Training

  • All users must receive training from the Instrumentation Laboratory Coordinator prior to operating any shared equipment, including analytical instrumentation, acid baths, shaker tables, etc.听
  • Training cannot be conducted by other students or researchers unless approved by the Instrumentation Laboratory Coordinator.听
  • Researchers should read standard operating procedure (SOP) documents prior to training. SOP鈥檚 can be accessed by University of Colorado researchers here(link).
  • Analytical instrumentation training typically takes at least three training sessions for users to independently operate an instrument. Training may include a user鈥檚 samples to gain a better understanding of possible interferences and create the best possible method for sample analysis.听
  • If at any time, users want a refresher training or are unsure about running an analytical instrument, they should contact the Instrumentation Laboratory Coordinator.

Instrumentation Access and Scheduling

  • Once training is complete, instrument access is granted by the Instrumentation Laboratory Coordinator. Researchers will be given permissions to access the 鈥淪hared Instrumentation Sign-Up Form鈥� to schedule instrumentation and equipment use. Researchers may sign up for as many time blocks as are needed to complete their analysis.听
  • If researchers sign-up to operate an instrument and a conflict arises, researchers should remove their names from the sign-up to allow other users access.