- Failure to comply with these policies will result in loss of privileges -


Access

The MALDI MS is open from 9:00am to 5:00pm on weekdays when the University is open.  Users requiring access to the facility after hours must make prior arrangements with the Facility Manager.


Reservations

Sign-up calendars are available for each of the three mass spectrometers. 

For user walk-up access, the users are encouraged to sign-up for the instrument and ensure availability.  Please be advised that users will be charged for the reserved instrument time in case of no shows.

For technician-operated access, users should contact the Facility Manager and fill out the Sample Submission Form.  Reservation on instrument time by the user is not necessary.


Responsibilities of Users and their Supervisors

First and foremost, users should not attempt to use any instrumentation without the appropriate training or advice from the Facility Manager. Adequate training will ensure safe usage of the equipment and limit misuse.

Log books are provided for each mass spectrometers.  For user walk-up access, the users MUST begin their log book entry PRIOR TO working on the instrument.  Please provide all information as specified on the log books.  When work is completed the user should ensure that the work area is left clean and the instrument is ready for usage by the next user.  Finally the log book entry must be completed. 

Please use the log book to note any problems or concerns. In the event of a major issue with any instrument, contact the Facility Manager immediately.  Usage of the instruments without making the appropriate entries in the log books or misuse/abuse of the equipment by any user will result in loss of privileges.

In the event of instrument damage due to abuse, misuse, or unauthorized use, the research supervisor will be held financially responsible for the cost of repair or replacement.


Data and Computer Maintenance

Users are strongly encouraged to backup their data soon after acquisition.  Due to limited storage capacity, hard drives need to be cleaned off regularly, and the facility will not be held responsible for loss of any data files.

Downloading of programs onto the facility computers is strictly prohibited. If you feel that the computer is lacking a critical program, contact the Facility Manger and a decision will be made as to whether or not additional software will be installed on the computer.

Finally, each computer in the facility is set up with parameters specific to the programs that it is running, thus users are asked not to change any computer or program settings not related to their own experiments.


Billing

The facility will charge access fees in order to cover the cost of consumables and instrument operating costs as defined in the fee structure.  Users must provide a valid speedcode for invoicing BEFORE the instruments can be accessed.  Billing will be invoiced quarterly and a copy of the invoice will be sent to the research supervisor electronically.