All Users of the IMSE must have completed the University’s Environmental Health & Safety - Annual Regulatory Compliance and Safety Training. The University’s Environmental Health & Safety web site is www.ehs.wustl.edu email is ehs@wustl.edu; phone number is (314) 362-6816.

The user is required to understand IMSE lab policies and follow the protocols.

I. Dress code

  1. Shorts, skirts and open toed shoes are prohibited.

II. Individuals in laboratories

  1. Eating, drinking, gum chewing, or other such activities are not allowed in the lab rooms.
  2. Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times in the lab room.

III. Materials

  1. Any new chemical or materials use (such as biologically active, radioactive and hazardous) must be approved before brought into (or removed out of) the room. If the user is in doubt on whether a material is prohibited, he/she is required to consult with IMSE staff before bringing that material into the lab.
  2. Storage of material in the IMSE labs must be approved by the IMSE staff. Unattended material is subject to be discarded as unwanted material and reported to PI
  3. Each user should read the safety data sheet and submit it to SDS binder in L27A
  4. User should follow proper waste material disposal as described during the training.
  5. Material/Process scope must be documented in bluebook by IMSE staff member.

IV. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  1. Safety glasses are required when working with chemicals, cryogenic liquids or gases (whether changing cylinders, operating cylinders, or in near proximity)
  2. When working with organic type chemicals (such as acetone, IPA, pump oil, etc.), nitrile gloves must be worn. Additional PPE will be required depending on chemical use.
  3. A long sleeve shirt must be worn when working with chemicals and when lab coat is not required.

V. Use of PPMS System

  1. Safety glasses must be worn when eye hazard exists in operating the system or specified in the system’s operation manual.
  2. Only IMSE users that have an IMSE License to operate can operate. Instrument and Safety Training is provided by Prof. Erik Henriksen or by students assigned to train others. IMSE staff is not involved in training.
  3. Always follow the operation and safety instructions detailed in the user manual for the instrument.
  4. Do not repair or modify equipment including defeat of safety interlocks.
  5. Do not remove any protective panels from instruments.

VI. Use of Cryogenic Liquids

  1. Wear face shields and cryogenic gloves when handling cryogenic liquids.
  2. Lower oxygen can occur when the PPMS system is operated with Liquid helium or Liquid Nitrogen. It is also confirmed by EHS
  3. Please make sure to leave entry door wide open during liquid nitrogen use and also monitor the air flow (qualitatively with wipe) in room.
  4. Verify Oxygen sensor functioning before each use.

VII. Use of high pressure inert Gas cylinders

  1. If any gas besides helium and nitrogen is planned, please consult with trainer.
  2. Wear safety glasses when operating.
  3. Cylinders should be capped while moving from one location to another or while moving on cart.
  4. Cylinder should be secured to wall before use.