Laboratory Access

Welcome to the SSRL sample preparation laboratories. Due to safety concerns for you, other users of the laboratory, your samples and our equipment, the laboratories have restricted access. EACH MEMBER of your group using the laboratory MUST review the text below, receive our laboratory training, and submit the signed User Access Agreement. Thereafter the group will be assigned bench space and given a code to the laboratory combination door lock. The combination cannot be given to anyone else.

Planning Ahead

In order to help us plan for your visit and coordinate resources for our many visitors, please advise us about your materials and needs using the Beam Time Request and Support Request forms.

Please advise us about any chemicals and samples you are bringing by completing the Safety section of your Beam Time Request form. Changes can be made to your Beam Time Request form post-submittal by contacting Cathy Knotts in User Administration.

Please remember that radioactive materials, nanomaterials, and biohazardous materials have additional safety requirements. Refer to the SSRL Safety page, or the SSRL Safety Office for further guidance.

Support Request Forms

Please request laboratory access at least 2 weeks prior to your scheduled beam time using your Support form. Under the section titled "Sample Preparation Laboratories", you can tell us about the types of equipment you may need during your visit.

Common equipment requests: Ultracentrifuge, Stereomicroscope, Spectrophotometer, Fume Hood, Glove Box, Ultrapure Water, Bench Space, Cold Room, Anaerobic Chamber (MEIS).

Special Requests

If you will need any special considerations during your visit, please notify Cynthia Patty in advance. For example, special considerations could include unusual or elaborate set-ups, space requirements, or the use of exotic or especially hazardous materials in the Sample Preparation Laboratories. Will you arrive at SSRL outside normal business hours? Go to the "After Hours Arrival" section for more information.

Lab Resources
Upon Arrival
John Bargar at Beamlines with Researchers

Once you arrive at SSRL, you will need to complete Laboratory Training and submit your Sample Preparation User Access Agreement to Cynthia Patty.

You must submit the Sample Preparation User Access Agreement form every time you visit SSRL and want to access the Sample Preparation Labs. On the User Access Agreement you will need to provide a list of chemicals and/or samples you are bringing into the labs as well their associated MSDS's. Go to MSDS Search.

Will you need to borrow any specialty equipment or supplies?

See our Check Out list.

After Hours Arrival
Beam Line Floor

If you plan to arrive at SSRL outside of normal business hours and will need to access the Sample Preparation Labs immediately, please make prior arrangements with Cynthia Patty.

If you are not able to make prior arrangements, please contact the Duty Operator (1-650-926-4040) when you arrive. The Duty Operator can give your group temporary access to the laboratories, but you MUST contact Cynthia by the morning of the next business day.

Will you need additional assistance with your after hours set up?

Contact Cynthia in advance if your will need materials reserved or pre-set for your after hours arrival. For example, will you need any check out items? Will you need space reserved in multiple areas (bench, fume hood, cold room)?

Laboratory Training

Schedule an appointment or call
650-926-3925

Every individual who will access the Sample Preparation Labs must complete laboratory training.

If you have not yet completed laboratory training, training is available Monday thru Friday at 10:00am and 3:00pm.

The Laboratory Training program orients users and staff to basic policies and offerings of the Sample Preparation Laboratories. Participants are informed about PPE available, chemical requirements and availability, equipment & supply availability, waste disposal, sharps disposal, and emergency protocols.

You should plan on about 25 minutes for laboratory training.



SLAC