Electron Microscope Lab SOP for Phase 2 Ramp-Up

*Last Updated September 4th, 2020.

The EML, has been approved by the VCR to enter Phase 2 of ramp-up research activities. However, this does not mean that the EML will operate as normal- we have strict limits on the number people allowed in our facility spaces at one time. 

Building and EML access:

  1. Any person coming to campus will require COVID testing in order to get access to any campus property - this includes one time access requests.  See this link to the UHS website.  This new requirement starts on 1/26/2021.  Previously the only requirement was to fill out the symptom screener.
  2. Entrances to Barker Hall will remain locked at all times.  Access must be arranged in advance; however, if you had access to Barker Hall before the shut down, you should still have that access once authorized for return to work.  Please email ucbeml@berkeley.edu if:
    • You are from UC Berkeley and do not usually have access to Barker Hall.
    • You are from outside UC Berkeley and need to access the EML for a scheduled session. 
  3. You must be authorized to perform lab work in your home lab to access the EML. Specifically, you also must be SCHEDULED for labwork in your home lab to be able to perform work on-site at the EML. 
  4. External (non-UC Berkeley) users are being handled on a case by case basis – please email the staff member you normally work with to arrange access or email ucbeml@berkeley.edu. 

Scheduling: 

  1. We have updated our calendars to gate the occupancy within the EML. 
    • Room 3 access is limited to 1 person at a time. There is now one calendar form to schedule time on the instruments within room 3A,B&C. We expect this to reduce access to microtomy and the TM-1000 SEM, so please plan accordingly. Weekend access will be granted on a case by case basis. 
    • The main EML suite (rooms 17, 21, 25 – including all microscope suites) is limited to 5 people at any one time.  There is now one TEM calendar form for both the Tecnai and JEOL. The S-5000 has its own calendar and will 
    • The exceptions to the occupancy limit are when users are: 
      • Dropping off samples 
      • Picking up materials. 
      • Using the Pelco Easiglow glow discharge unit, which takes less than 5 minutes to complete. 
  2. After scheduling time in any part of the EML, an automatic 30 minute cleaning time-block will be placed after the scheduled time to ensure proper cleaning between users. 
  3. Avoid “dropping by” the EML for unrelated needs, please reach out to staff in advance of coming to the EML if you need to discuss something with us as we can easily meet with you outside the EML, if needed. 
  4. Again, you must be authorized to perform lab work in your home lab to access the EML. Specifically, you also must be SCHEDULED for labwork in your home lab to be able to perform work on-site at the EML. 

Health and Safety:

  1. Users must bring and wear their own masks at all times in the facility. 
  2. EML will provide gloves, and face shields, as needed. 
  3. Please bring your own lab coat for the wet lab! A small supply of cleaned coats will be available, but this shouldn’t be relied upon. 
  4. EML will supply disinfectant wipes for cleaning touch points on chairs and 70% ethanol (or stronger) for cleaning instruments.  
  5. Hand sanitizer and soap is provided from touchless dispensers at entrances and exits of the lab.  Users should wash their hands frequently while in the lab. 
  6. On the TEMs and SEMs:
    • Staff will clean touch points on the electron microscope controls, computer keyboards, mice, and samples holders. This will ensure no damage is done to our older microscope systems. 
    • Users will be expected to wipe down chairs (armrests and any other touch points). 
  7. Training: EH&S has authorized us to continue training with specific PPE in place: the use of gloves, face masks, and face shields.
  8. NO ONE is permitted access to the facility if they are experiencing any Covid symptoms. 
  9. Each user must follow the requirements of campus and must submit to the daily symptom checker, take EH&S 207, and read the campus guide to returning to work safely.
  10. We must discontinue the use of our common break room for users. Bottles of water and some snacks will be available for users, but the water dispenser and office break area is now for staff only. 
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