The sample extraction and preparation laboratory in room 1140 VLSB which adjoins the mass spectrometer lab (1138 VLSB) was set up with the intention of serving the needs of a broad community of faculty, staff and students. In order to establish a "fair-use" policy for all users of this lab we have set forth the following rules:

1. You must get the appropriate training and then be approved to use the lab by Paul Brooks, the lab manager, Todd Dawson, the lab director, or Stefania Mambelli.
   
   
2. You must sign-up for a specified piece of equipment (e.g. freeze dryer, cyro-mill) you intend to use ahead of time; this is particularly important when there are several users that have needs for the same prep-line or equipment at the same time. Sign-up boards will be places just outside the lab office.
   
   
3. You cannot sign-up for more than two (2) days in a row, unless there is no one else waiting. If there are several users (e.g., 3), everyone should be given the chance to sign up in a rotation so that no one user monopolizes time on a particular line or piece of equipment for more than two consecutive days.
   
   
4. You should sign up for continuous blocks of time and partial days (e.g., just mornings). With so many users hiring part-time assistance it is far easier if they can plan on having one day for them to work.
   
   
5. If you need to use the lab off-hours (after 5 pm M-F or weekends), you will need to have this approved by Paul, Todd or Stefania and then obtain access to the Valley Life Sciences Building and the isotope lab^*.
   
   
6. If you are signed up but cannot make it, you are responsible for letting us know right away.
   
   
7. All users are responsible for keeping the work areas clean and the prep-lines or equipment in full working condition. If something is broken on your watch, it is your responsibility to see that it gets fixed by reporting it and then working with Paul, Todd or Stefania to get it back into working order.

^*Some users of the prep-lab are employees who work 8am-5pm M-F which constrains when then can work in the lab. If it is possible for users with more flexible schedules (e.g. grad students on post-docs) to work off-hours to make more time available during the regular work-week hours, this would be appreciated. However all users have equal access regardless of status.