New laboratory users must read and agree with the “Laboratory Expectation and Use” 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.
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.
Training cannot be conducted by other students or researchers unless approved by the Instrumentation Laboratory Coordinator.
Researchers should read standard operating procedure (SOP) documents prior to training. SOP’s 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’s samples to gain a better understanding of possible interferences and create the best possible method for sample analysis.
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 “Shared Instrumentation Sign-Up Form” to schedule instrumentation and equipment use. Researchers may sign up for as many time blocks as are needed to complete their analysis.
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.
