Bring published articles that utilize the same or similar protocols for the experiment being attempted.
This is important if the Center’s staff is not familiar with the sample or if you attempting an unusual protocol. It is much easier to modify an existing procedure than to create a new one.

If you or your staff will do the work: be prepared to spend time learning the protocol and/or equipment.

After consulting with us, you decide to have the Center’s staff do the work, be prepared to spend time acquiring the data (it’s your research and you are more familiar with what is important and what is not). This may mean sitting over the operator’s shoulder, or learning how to acquire data. The Center has a very small and very busy technical staff and it is much more efficient to train you to collect the data.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT if it your first time to use the equipment, or if you have not been checked out as a solo user, or if you think you will need assistance. Our available times may not coincide with free time on the equipment. If you reserve an instrument, do not assume that there will be someone to help you.

Sign up sheets are posted in the Center’s hallway next to the main office (Rm 151). Please sign up, including a phone number, and let the Center staff know if there is a cancellation or change. You can contact the Center by phone (706-542-4080) or by e-mailing the Administrative Assistant to make appointments and sign up for equipment as well.

FILL OUT THE CHARGE SHEETS and LOG BOOKS for each instrument used. A signature and an account number is required. These records not only charge for usage, but allow us to keep track of usage for maintenance purposes.

NO FOOD OR DRINK when operating the equipment. A service visit to repair the damaged electronics can be very expensive! Some of the materials used around the equipment can be toxic.

If the equipment does not appear to be operating properly, do not hesitate to alert the staff. Interrupt us if necessary! Our after-hours telephone numbers are posted on each laboratory door.

If you damage the equipment or think there is a problem - DO NOT PANIC! Just let the staff know so we can correct or replace the item in question. We promise not to hurt you (too badly).

Do not leave equipment running unattended! Make sure the equipment is left in a safe and acceptable shut down mode. UV bulbs and running lasers can be serious safety and fire hazards.

Clean up after yourself. Do not leave used Kim Wipes, used slides, applicators, pipettes, etc… lying around for us (or the next user) to clean up.

Remove your files from the computer at the end of each work session. Maximum memory space is required for optimal operation of most of the imaging equipment. All files left on the computers may be deleted without prior warning.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT if you need assistance from the staff.

NO LIVE PATHOGENS are to be brought to the EM facility. We do not have the appropriate equipment or environment for safe handling.

CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF. Proper disposal of user’s containers is the user’s responsibility. If it must be autoclaved or handled as hazardous waste, then bring a biohazard bag for transport back to the lab of origin.

If you want the Center staff to prepare the samples, prior consent must be obtained from the PI (when appropriate) and the Center’s staff since there will be a charge to the account for this service (for fee schedule: http://www.uga.edu/caur/fees.htm).

Be aware of the safety information for the chemicals you will use.

MSDS sheets are available in the Break Room (163), and in the Teaching Lab (Rm 165).

Know where the fire extinguishers, safety showers and eyewashes are located.

Wear appropriate safety equipment (gloves, lab coat, goggles, dust mask, etc..)

LABEL your solutions with your name and date. Unlabeled material will be considered waste and will be disposed of accordingly.

CLEAN up after yourself! No one likes to find a dirty bench or tools covered with an unknown chemical!

WASTE CONTAINERS are available for all of the chemicals at the Center. If you have trouble finding a waste container, ask for assistance.