Basic+Lab+Stuff

Glassware and plasticware

 * Clean glassware is located in various places around the lab, primarily organized by experimental stations. Do not remove anything from personal spaces without permission
 * Dirty glassware should never be allowed to sit in a sink area.

Photocopies

 * Photocopies are not free - they are billed to the grant that supports your project
 * At this point, each grant is assigned a unique copy code that works in the departmental copier. Copies made on that code are billed directly to the corresponding grant.
 * The departmental office has Steenbock Library copy cards that are sold to individual people or grants. The current cost for these is $25 and they are available from the department administrator.

Printing

 * Every computer in our lab should be connected to the shared printer by our departmental computer support person.
 * Our lab is responsible for ordering paper for the shared printer in the Hickey lab, they are responsible for ordering toner and drums.
 * Posters can be printed in wide format (up to 42") on a variety of paper types on the departmental poster printer. Ask your lab manager about this service. Laminating is at your expense.
 * Be warned that before meetings, this printer might be under intense use and not available at your whimsy. Along with that, plan ahead as far as possible and check supply of paper and ink before printing.

Telephone usage

 * The lab phone is a shared resource between everyone in this lab and the Hickey lab. Use the phone for lab-related calls, and keep personal calls to a minimum.
 * The shared phone line is restricted to local and toll-free phone numbers. Long distance numbers should be dialed from the departmental office, I am sure they will be billed to a grant.
 * The lab phone number is 608-265-4850.

Faxing

 * The department office has a fax machine that can be used for lab-related things
 * See office staff for its location and instructions on use.

Trash disposal and recycling

 * __Normal trash__ of the non-recyclable variety goes in the round trash cans and is emptied daily (M-F) by custodial staff
 * __Items that will not fit in the trash__ should be neatly placed next to a trash can with a note saying "Trash - Please dispose" on it
 * __Recyclable materials__ like paper, cans, and bottles go in the appropriate recyclable containers (there are separate bins for each of these)
 * __Bound materials__ like catalogues and magazines should be neatly stacked next to a recycle or trash container and labeled with "Please Recycle"
 * The __glass disposal box__ when full should be sealed and reinforced carefully with tape, checked for liquid leaks, and placed outside the lab door with a note for disposal on it. The first time you do this have the lab manager show you how to avoid accidents. The custodians will remove this.
 * __Empty chemical containers__ (for liquids or solids) should be thoroughly rinsed with tap water and clearly labelled "RINSED," then placed next to a normal trash can.
 * __Autoclaved waste__, once sterilized, cooled, and/or solidified can be placed in normal trash. **NEVER PLACE MOLTEN AGAR IN THE SINK.** For instructions on use, see the lab manager or the page Media & Autoclave

General etiquette

 * Ask, don't demand
 * Take notes on things you won't remember: Names, incubation times and temperatures, locations of items, instructions on autoclave use, etc.
 * Request time with people
 * Don't remove anything from the lab that isn't yours, or that doesn't have explicit permission from the owner
 * Return shared lab keys to their designated place,
 * At minimum restock baked materials you use (i.e., glass tubes and transfer pipettes)
 * Clean up after yourself and wash your dishes.

Bench etiquette

 * Do not use personal reagents or buffers without permission
 * If something is low or runs out, order more - //never put an empty item back//
 * Never ignore a broken piece of equipment or alarm - Notify someone or fix it yourself
 * Do not change the location of commonly used items in the lab
 * Don't leave anything anywhere
 * Clean up immediately after each part of an experiment - __cleanup is part of the experiment!__
 * Approach someone working at the bench with caution, or better yet, wait until they are done working to ask questions
 * Plan your experiments at least one day ahead and use reservation systems like the sign up board for PLFA
 * Only place chloroform waste in the yellow carboy