Graduate Program > Graduate Student Handbook > Regulations on Use of Research Facilities

Graduate Student Handbook: Regulations on Use of Research Facilities

These regulations are imposed for two reasons: first, to minimize hazards to all persons in the research areas; and second, to attempt to avoid conditions which frustrate and hinder the progress of experimental research.

• The students with the advice and approval of their research advisors generally design research equipment. It is imperative that the advisors be consulted, especially during the planning stage.
   
• Any failure in the building services (gas, electric, water, etc.) should be reported immediately to the manager of Engineering Operational Services, extension 8-5598.
   
• If repair work needs to be done in an office or lab (including plumbing, replacing fluorescent lamps, changing locks, painting) Engineering Operational Services must be contacted at extension 8-5598 or . Unauthorized repairs present a safety hazard, as well as a union violation, and the department would be made liable to reprimand and fines.
   
• All high-pressure equipment must be treated with particular care. Gas cylinders must be chained to the wall or a bench. Procedures for gas cylinder deliveries may differ from company to company. Please check out delivery procedures in advance. Most deliveries will come to the Mail Room, 166 Weiss Tech House (formerly GRW). Due to safety and to high rental charges, cylinders should be returned either when empty or when not in current use. Cylinders must never be moved without the safety cap in place. Empty cylinders must be clearly marked "MT". One of the many venders, AIRCO Welding Supply, has two clearly marked tags on their cylinders. "Full" is ripped off when the cylinder is opened, leaving "Part Full" shown. "MT" should be marked on the cylinder when empty. The tags should not be removed from any of the cylinders.
   
• All equipment must be electrically grounded.
   
• In general, students should not work alone in their laboratory areas. This applies particularly to evenings or weekends, except under special permission of the advisor.
   
• Any equipment which requires running water must use at a minimum reinforced Tyson or rubber tubing which is clamped on hose barbs, not merely pushed on. Copper tubing is superior and is highly recommended. We have had many floods resulting from Tyson which pops loose from a fitting (usually at night when the water pressure is higher).