Analytical Laboratory Policies and Procedures

Students are required to read the following documentation related to the policies, procedures and safety program at TRIES prior to utilization of the laboratory. The student must initial this form and submit it to TRIES indicating that the policies, procedures and safety documentation below has been read and understood.

All work related to research projects must be performed during the normal operating hours of the TRIES Analytical Laboratory, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Contracts for service to a TRIES client will take precedence over student research. In cases where conflicts arise, lab personnel will work with the student to reschedule their work time.

Faculty or staff of Sam Houston Sate University must submit a written request and have approval from the lab manager at least 72 hours prior to the utilization of instrumentation or equipment.

Only faculty, staff or students of Sam Houston State University are allowed to enter the analytical laboratory under the supervision of laboratory personnel. The laboratory manager or other employee of TRIES must accompany all other individuals requesting admittance into the analytical laboratory.

Students must be supervised by lab personnel at all times while working in the analytical laboratory. Unauthorized experiments are prohibited.

Students must sign in and out and fill out the Laboratory Usage Tracking form located by the main door in the laboratory.

All faculty, staff and students requesting access to laboratory equipment and instruments must demonstrate competency operating the equipment or instruments. TRIES laboratory personnel offers training on an as-needed basis.

Lab users will compensate TRIES for damage to equipment or instrumentation caused by negligence or malicious acts. Negligence and/or malicious acts will also result in immediate and permanent termination of laboratory privileges.

All individuals utilizing the laboratory are responsible for clean up of workstation and all glassware utilized during their work. Failure to do so will result in a two-week suspension of laboratory privileges.

Faculty will be responsible for the cost of reagents and materials for analytical work performed by either themselves or their students. If TRIES personnel will be performing the work for faculty, a $30.00 per hour fee plus reagent costs will be assessed. If the work to be performed is currently on the Analytical Laboratory Testing list, the fee charges would be as outlined on the price list.

Protective clothing (safety glasses, laboratory coat, gloves, etc.) must be worn while performing work in the laboratory.

Wearing of open-toed shoes, shorts, dresses, or skirts will not be allowed. Inappropriately attired individuals will not be allowed to use the lab facilities and will be asked to reschedule their appointment.

Horseplay, pranks or other acts of mischief are dangerous and will not be allowed and are subject to loss of laboratory privileges.

It is mandatory that before using any chemical in the laboratory that you read the MSDS form regarding the hazards of each chemical used (i.e. corrosivity, flammability, stability and toxicity).

Mouth pipetting is never to be used.

No chemicals or equipment may be removed from the laboratory without specific permission and supervision of laboratory personnel.