Rules for using LMCF

So the facility works well for everybody, we have the following rules.

All users must be trained by LMCF staff to use the microscope(s). why?

Using the microscopes

  • Always reserve the microscope using the online booking calendar indicating which lasers etc you will use why?
  • Turn each microscope on and off as described, don't turn on components you won't use (eg arc lamp when only doing DIC)
  • All Arc lamps must be kept on for 30 min minimum and need to cool for 30 min before being reignited. why?
  • Fill in the microscope log book to indicate use. You will be charged only for the time used, but please try and be considerate to others and not book excessive time or be late.
  • If you finish early, please update your end-time on the booking calendar so others can see the scope is available or contact the next user so they know the scope is available.
  • Leave the microscopes clean and ready for the next user. Clean any oil/water objectives you used.
  • Check the online booking calendar at the end of your session; leave the system on if someone is booked next (within 2 hr for scanning confocals or the live cell scope, 1 hr for other scopes), otherwise turn it off. Keep lasers in standby whenever possible to prolong their life. why?

Cancelling

  • If you need to cancel your session, please delete your reserved time on the booking calendar as far ahead as possible.
  • Three "no-shows" result in all booked but unused time being charged for (fines are excluded from the $600 cap). why?
  • If you cancel your session you are responsible for ensuring the microscope is turned off, if appropriate. The person before you will leave the scope on if there is someone booked after them. This is particularly important if you are booked to be the last user of the day. $50 fine for a microscope left on overnight (fines are excluded from the $600 cap).

You are responsible for your data. Any images left on the computer hard-drives are unsafe; store your images on a server or move the data to other media at the end of your session. Please don't leave behind copies of your files because the servers/computers quickly get over-loaded by the volume of image files produced. More information is here.

Information about using the LMCF (emailed out after training)