MPRL Facilities
Training and staff support
Potential users unfamiliar with operating procedures for any item of equipment must receive training in order to operate safely, knowledgeably and productively.
A sample application form for training on MPRL equipment to conduct specific experiments appears as Appendix C1. A separate form C1 must be filled out when training on each system with different equipment, different operating principles, or in different laboratory spaces. All such training forms must be on file with one of the laboratory technicians or research equipment specialists, who are responsible for maintaining such a file on all MPRL users. Training will only be undertaken in conjunction with approval of MPRL facility usage. Advanced graduate students with acknowledged expertise in usage of instruments and whom are certified in the given use and for the specific equipment for which they are training may provide such training, but still must file the proper forms in each case with MPRL staff. Prior to facility usage, training must be completed to the satisfaction of the individual conducting the training, including demonstration of knowledge of all basic safety considerations, both for the usage and for general hazards in the laboratory. Please remember that requests for training impact the programs of other faculty and students involved in the laboratory; accordingly, it is expected that considerable effort will be devoted to the process by the trainee, and that your own students or technical staff, once properly trained and experience, will in turn be made available to train others.
Appendix C2 provides an Environmental Health and Safety Awareness certification form for each student who works in or visits a MPRL-related workspace (e.g., MaRC Hi-Bay, Bunger Henry 175 or 185, MRDC 2338 or 2340, including both undergraduate and graduate students. A separate form should be filled out for each major workspace area as EHS issues vary. Certification must be provided by either a MPRL technician or research equipment specialist who has reviewed all documented EHS issues within each workspace. These forms must be on file with one of the laboratory technicians or research equipment specialists, who are responsible for maintaining such a file on all students who work in or regularly visit given MPRL workspaces. Normally, the training for this awareness certification will be conducted via walkthroughs of space conducted by a MPRL technician or research equipment specialist upon request.
Often, it is necessary to develop fixtures or adaptors to conduct a unique set of experiments. In such cases, it is incumbent upon the party wishing to conduct the experiments to provide all funding for both the materials/machining costs as well as technician time for design and implementation. It is highly preferable to supply your own technical support for such endeavors, interfacing with the MPRL technical staff as necessary. Time spent by MPRL technical staff in support of activities outside of the realm of the MPRL must be requested of the MPRL administration and funded directly. See Appendix D for an application form. Preference will be given to faculty whom have been involved with and supported the MPRL infrastructure in such requests. Access to such technical support is often very limited, depending on the current level of utilization of the laboratory.
Safe operation of MPRL equipment is a key issue and is a major objective of the training. Hence, all individuals who conduct training exercises should seek periodic refresh of their safety procedures from the laboratory technician/equipment specialist, or seek instruction from same if any questions arise. Certain safety procedures must be obeyed at all times in the MPRL, including the use of safety glasses in all MPRL lab spaces, hearing protection as appropriate, and warning others of any potentially hazardous conditions such as service of high pressure oil lines and operational induction heating systems, and identification, notification of MPRL staff/students, and proper handling of any potentially hazardous substances or chemicals.