Laboratory Access

SSRL Building 120

Planning Ahead

1.  Request SPL Support

SPL User Access Agreement Form must be submitted each time you use SPLs (including when you use other staff labs at SSRL). The SPL User Access Agreement Form consists of several parts:  1) Description of SPL policy, 2) Responsibility Statement and Group Members List, 3) Space Reservation request, 4) Equipment Request, and 5) List of Chemicals/Samples to be used in SPL. 

Submit all required documents in the SPL User Access Agreement Form, such as the Nanomaterial Checklist and Standard Operating Procedures, if applicable.  The documents (found on the right of this page) must be received and approved at least one week prior to your arrival.  If there is any special requests for speciality equipment or chemical/gas orders, you must submit the request at least four weeks prior to your arrival.  For chemical and gas orders, go to 'Other Resources' tab for more information.

We may have limited quantities of consumables.  Contact the Lab Manager to discuss your needs.

2.  Contact Lab Manager

Upon receiving your SPL User Access Agreement Form submission, the Lab Manager will contact you via e-mail to confirm your lab requests and to communicate if there are any additional requirements or information needed from you.

SSRL EntranceUpon Arrival

1.  Arriving at SSRL SPL

Once you arrive at SLAC, receive or reactivate your SLAC ID badge at the Badging Office in Building 53.  You must have a valid SLAC badge to go through Sector Gate 17 to reach SSRL complex.  When you arrive at SSRL, check-in with the Lab Manager before you start your sample preparation in the SPLs.  If this is your first time using the SPLs or your Course 204 training has expired, please complete Course 204 training.  Once Course 204 training is completed and you are fully checked-in with the Lab Manager, you will receive RFID access to the SPLs.

After Hours Arrival

It is the user's responsibility to be available for in-person training and to check-in with the Lab Manager during the normal business hours.  If you plan to arrive at SLAC outside of normal business hours, you must follow up with the Lab Manager the next business day to start your work in SPLs.  Contact the Lab Manager for further instructions.

2.  Sample Preparation Laboratory Training

Each group member must be current with Sample Preparation Laboratory Training, which consists of two parts; online safety training (Course 204) and an in-person lab orientation (Course 204 Practical). Course 204 must be re-taken online annually and the lab orientation is only required once. To schedule an appointment for the lab orientation, contact the Lab Manager. Drop-ins are welcome but not guaranteed.  Weekend training sessions are not offered.

Course 204 Syllabus:

  1. Identify SPL contacts and resources including lab supplies, chemicals and forms.
  2. Understand the responsibilities associated with working in the SPLs.
  3. Understand SPL work planning and control policies, including chemical use policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  4. Demonstrate understanding of the NFPA and GHS chemical hazard communication systems.
  5. Understand use of the chemical storage system, chemical labeling requirements, and hazardous waste protocols.
  6. Understand PPE requirements in SPLs.
  7. Understand guidelines for emergency safety equipment.
  8. Understand protocols for emergency and incident notification, including chemical exposure, chemical release, and other life-threatening or non-life threatening situations.

Course 204 Practical (in-person orientation): Items 5, 6, 7, and 8 from the Course 204 syllabus. For first time users of the SPLs, required only once.

3.  Check-in with Lab Manager

Meet with the Lab Manager prior to beginning work. Review the User Access Agreement Form.  Do not change the Agreement without notifying the Lab Manager.  A new Agreement must be filled out with each visit. After completing these steps, you may begin work in the SPLs.​

After Your Beam Time

1. Check-out with Lab Manager

After your beam time is complete, clean up your assigned area in the SPLs and dispose of all hazardous wastes.  Leave the area clean for the next group who may use the facilities.  Return any borrowed equipment, chemicals, and supplies.  Equipment must be returned in original condition.  Any damage caused to the lab equipment must be reported to the Lab Manager.  Notify the Lab Manager when all of this is complete.