To keep people and instruments safe, all Materials Characterization Fabrication Facility (MCFF) users—students, staff, faculty, and external partners—must review and follow the policies below before working in any MCFF space or scheduling instrument time.
Personal Conduct
- Respecting Staff: I will treat all MCFF staff with respect and agree to work with them cordially and collaboratively. I recognize that the MCFF staff manages training and access to all equipment and laboratories. I will communicate with MCFF staff via their preferred channels. I will respect the time they take to assist me with training and tasks by communicating in a detailed, efficient manner.
- Respecting Other Users: All of my interactions with other MCFF users will be respectful and understanding. I will respect other users’ samples and data. If I take issue with another user's behavior, I will contact the appropriate MCFF staff to address the situation.
- Respecting Shared Facilities: I understand that the MCFF is a shared facility available to the entire Michigan Tech community. I will take care of all spaces and equipment I use to the best of my ability so others can use them in the future. I will do my part to keep MCFF spaces as safe and welcoming as possible.
Protective Equipment (PPE) & Practices
In laboratories containing chemical or physical hazards:
- Attire: I will wear long pants or skirt to cover legs and closed-toed, full-foot shoes at all times. Long hair must be tied back, and loose jewelry must be removed or contained.
- PPE: I will wear appropriate PPE (lab coat, safety glasses, gloves) as required for specific lab access and the task to be performed.
- Hygiene: In the labs, I will not eat, drink, or chew gum. I will not use lab spaces to prepare or store food.
- Safety Training: I will complete and maintain all appropriate laboratory hazard-related safety training prior to entering MCFF labs.
Chemical Safety & SDS Management
- Documentation for New Chemicals: Prior to the purchase and use of any new chemical, I will provide the appropriate MCFF staff member with a standard operating procedure (SOP) for approval. This SOP will include instructions for proper use, storage, and disposal of the chemical and any subsequent mixtures or solutions.
- Use of Existing Chemicals: I will only use existing chemicals in MCFF labs covered by use fees for the process/analysis being performed. I will consult the appropriate SDS and SOPs before handling any existing chemicals.
- Protocol: I will follow all PPE and safety guidelines outlined in approved SOPs when handling hazardous chemicals. I will ensure all necessary safety precautions are communicated to other lab users in the vicinity.
- Waste: I understand that I am responsible for initiating the disposal of all chemicals (and all subsequent mixtures) I purchased and used in MCFF laboratories. I will place waste chemicals in designated hazardous waste containers, ensuring they are sealed in a proper container and labeled with the RCRA code, contents, name, and date. I will notify lab staff when waste containers are full or when chemical waste needs to be removed.
Equipment Operation & Maintenance
- Integrity: I will only attempt to operate equipment for which I have received training from MCFF staff. I understand that I may only be granted access to equipment by MCFF staff.
- Reporting: If an instrument malfunctions, I will report any unusual equipment behavior to the lab supervisor or MCFF Director. If the equipment is broken, I will not continue to use it. I will not attempt to repair or modify any facility equipment.
- Transparency: If I cause accidental damage to an instrument, I will report it immediately. I understand that failing to report damage is grounds for revoking instrument and lab access.
Scheduling & Facility Access
- Reserving Time: I will use the established scheduling system whenever I use MCFF equipment or labs. If I do not have appropriate access to reserve equipment or lab time, I will contact the MCFF staff through appropriate channels.
- Time Management: I will be respectful of others' time by following all scheduled start and end times.
- Respecting Lab Access: I will not knowingly or unknowingly facilitate the entry or use of MCFF lab spaces by individuals who do not have appropriate access.
Facility Housekeeping
- General Cleanliness: I am responsible for cleaning all spaces, surfaces, wares, and equipment I used for my task immediately after use. I understand I am responsible for maintaining a neutral and clean space for the following users.
- The "Now" Rule: When completing a task, you must allot an appropriate amount of time to clean up immediately following completion. In terms of cleaning in community space, there is no "later"—there is only "now".
- Storage: I will not store samples or supplies in the facility without prior approval. All approved items must stay in designated areas to maintain organization. All items must be labeled with Your Name, Supervisor Name (when applicable), Date, Sample Identification, Hazard Communication, and Project Index.
File & Data Management
- Data Integrity: I will not alter or delete data belonging to other users.
- Capacity: I will immediately move video files and large datasets to external drives or Google Drive to ensure the instrument's hard drive capacity is not compromised.
- Management: Data management and storage are the sole responsibility of the user. I understand that if storage is needed, data may be deleted without warning.
- Safe Technology Practices: File corruption is possible, so all users must be diligent in avoiding the transfer of viruses to equipment computers. I understand that I must follow the data transfer guidelines set for the equipment.
Financial Responsibility
- Incurred Costs: I understand that in the event of an accident, spill, or equipment failure caused by negligence, the costs for clean-up, repair, or replacement may be my responsibility.
Who These Policies Apply To
- Campus users (students, staff, faculty): operate instruments only after training and authorization; follow all posted and linked policies for each facility and instrument.
- External clients: MCFF staff operate instruments on your behalf (no external self‑operation). Coordinate sample intake, timelines, and deliverables with facility managers.