If you have questions regarding our facility that are not adequately answered on this website, please feel free to ask questions.
Compressed-Gas Cylinders
Users are not authorized to physically move compressed-gas cylinders. Compressed-gas cylinders can present many hazards if handled improperly. Cylinders in use must be secured to a rigid surface to prevent tipping over, and fitted with a proper regulator. When not in use, cylinders must be capped.
Use of hazardous gases is allowed only within the guidelines specified in your ESAF. Consult a member of the BioCAT Staff for assistance.
Liquid Nitrogen and Dry-Ice (Cryogenic) Safety
If you need to use liquid nitrogen, please ask a BioCAT Staff member. When working with liquid nitrogen, you must wear waterproof cryogenic gloves, a cryogenic apron, and a full face shield. You must also work to mitigate splash hazards. Do not dispose of liquid nitrogen in any sinks.
If you need to use dry-ice, please ask a BioCAT Staff member. You must wear waterproof cryogenic gloves and safety goggles. Do not dispose of dry-ice in any sinks.
Tricycle usage
Each tricycle at the APS belongs to a specific sector/ group. Our group operates two tricycles that have a ‘BioCAT, Sector-18’ identification plate on the rear basket. Please do not use tricycles that belong to other beamlines. Control your speed when riding, (should not exceed a fast walking pace) and return the tricycle to BioCAT when you are finished - parking it in one of the designated parking areas.
Pedestrian Safety
Pedestrians in the experimental hall share the walkways with a variety of motorized/ moving vehicles, such as forklifts, scissor lifts, and tricycles. Please exercise caution, and look both ways before stepping into a walkway from the labs, offices, or beamline areas.
Meals
Building 435 has a kitchenette, which you may use. Some users who are running longer experiments prefer to buy groceries offsite and store them in the kitchenette on the counter and in the refrigerator. Please keep your groceries neat and organized. Throw away any garbage and clean up your messes. You may also dine in our conference room, or have a light snack at the beamline workstation.