In the Tate lab, absolute honesty and integrity will be practiced in the acquisition, recording, storing and reporting of data. Any violation of this basic tenet of science will result in a review by all lab members, and if it is found that the basic principle has been intentionally violated, you will be asked to leave the group.

Visit OSU's website maintained by OSU's Office of Research Integrity

Useful links from these pages include the Department of Heath and Human Services' Office of Research Integrity DHHS ORI NSF-funded post-docs, grad students and undergraduates are required to take this on-line course: Responsible Conduct of Research CITI Web Training

The role of “lab manager” rotates among the senior grad students. The purpose is to keep good control of the state of the labs and to give students experience in being responsible for maintaining a lab.

Student lab manager role:

• Act as Safety Officer
• Organize lab clean ups each term.
• Review chemical inventory each term.
• Check on pump system on the Weniger roof.
• Notice when the space is becoming untidy - work left on benches etc. - and ask people to clean up or enlist Janet's aid to facilitate.
• Notice when supplies are low and either replace them, or ask the person who let the supplies dwindle to replace them.
• Notice when procedures are not being followed, logs are not being kept, and ask people to follow them or suggest more efficient procedures
• Check that the lab floors have been swept and labs are otherwise clean
• Advise Janet on matters that need attention, instituting new procedures, etc
• Be a person to whom students could voice concerns about anything.

Cleanliness is of utmost importance in the lab. OSU specifically requests that the janitors do NOT clean the lab floors because of the potential to upset the equipment. This leaves US responsible for keeping the floors and counters clean. Please sweep the lab floors weekly or more often if they need it, and wet-mop the lab floors monthly or more often if they need it.

• Make a habit of cleaning and wiping down surfaces to remove grime and dust on a daily basis.
• Keep the windows closed. Dirt and grit comes in from outside and wreaks havoc with optics and equipment. Opening the windows in the summer daytime is fruitless anyway because it is HOTTER outside than inside. If there is a breeze, it brings in HOTTER air, and the dirt that comes in with the hot air is unacceptable. The apparent relief comes from the passage of the air across your skin.
• Regularly schedule pickups of oil, chemical waste, etc. from EH&S (one can do this online - there is no charge). Take the hazardous waste training course (online - very simple and short)
• Put away anything that you remove from a drawer or other storage. Do not leave it on the counter. Clean up after yourself. If you leave something on a counter (please minimize the space that you leave occupied), it must be labeled with your name and the date, or else it will be removed.
• Sign out equipment that you borrow from another lab, sign it in when you return it, and make sure that people sign out equipment from our labs. Every lab must have a signout sheet.
• Never dismantle equipment and leave it apart, particularly in a multi-user lab. If you are in the middle of a project, you must leave a note with your name and the date to indicate that you are responsible.
• Label everything. Label ends of cords (helpful to new users to know what connects to what; that rats' maze of cables is not obvious). That said, make a habit of checking that cables you expect to be linked are actually linked. Label box, drawer, cupboard etc. contents.
• Sample labels must contain the date, including the year. Use yyyymmdd (e.g.20130605) convention; now that we're beyond 2012, I will reluctantly allow the yymmdd convention! Scratch sample ID on substrate. Label box with super-sharpie (not regular; doesn't last long enough) and use scotch tape to cover to last. Use clip-close boxes.
• Good organization & mindfulness cannot be overstated. Always have the end in mind when you start something. When I finish unscrewing these screws, how will this heavy piece of equipment be supported? When I open this valve, what will the consequence be - is it safe? When I dismantle this set-up, will I be able to reassemble it? In all cases, organization, labeling and note taking will help. Have you notebook with you.
• Always give your task your full attention. Have patience. Use two hands, not one. Be aware of where you are standing or sitting before you begin and make sure you have enough space. Pull and push knobs gently, carefully, and mindfully. They are mechanical and will break after many uses. Write down what you do - you will forget. Always focus. It is not good to be casual with equipment.
• If you break something, or a system starts to malfunction, you must log the performance or lack thereof, in the equipment log. You should also take responsibility for fixing it, or for making a plan to deal with the situation with the lab supervisor.

• A bound lab notebook must be kept at all times.
• Lab notebooks are the property of OSU, and remain in the laboratory even after you leave OSU. Do not take them home on a daily basis and do not store them at home.
• Pages must be numbered, and every paged dated with the day, month and YEAR. If an important discovery is made, you should have a lab mate initial your notebook entry.
• Lab notebooks should contain a hard copy record of important graphs and analyses if the primary record or analysis was conducted on a computer. At the very least, the notebook records the file names and path to files where the electronic data and analyses are stored.

All data and lab-related information should be stored on the storage drive on the CoSINe server (“T-drive”). This ensures that information is safe and adequately backed up, and available to future generations of students. You may work with your data on your own laptop or lab computer, but make sure it is transferred to the CoSINe server at frequent intervals, and at least weekly. Make a habit of keeping your primary files on the CoSINe server.

• College of Science Information Network (CoSINe) http://my.science.oregonstate.edu/
• You no longer need a science account - ONID credentials work!
• Mac: Go/Connect to Server; enter smb://storage.science.oregonstate.edu.
• Go to Physics/Tate Group/Shared. You should have a folder called “Last, First 20xx-current”. Store your information in this folder.
• Everyone has read/write/modify permission in all these folders. Do not modify anything in others' folders without their permission or Janet's.

Equipment manuals NEVER leave the room in which the equipment is located. NEVER. Many manuals are online or available electronically, and some are posted on the Equipment manuals page of this wiki (add to this page, please!). Older manuals may exist only in hardcopy, so if you want to study the manual, make a copy of the relevant section and take that to your office or home. Better yet, scan the manual, and put it on the wiki. Please respect copyright. We have had requests to remove manuals, so we should protect pages if manuals are copyrighted.

When equipment is received,

• write “TATE LAB” prominently on all manuals.
• In the main manual, record the serial number, model number (many manuals are generic or cover a number of models), date of purchase.
• Establish a log for the piece of equipment. For some pieces, the manual itself is the best place for the log. E.g. voltmeters etc are likely to be repaired infrequently and need no regular maintenance, so a blank page near the front of the manual is optimal. Pumps and other equipment that needs regular maintenance require a separate log.

It is essential to log the maintenance of equipment. This practice extends the life of equipment, and helps troubleshoot. Make sure to log date (including year) and what maintenance was performed. Keep log close to the equipment. When technicians repair equipment, the first thing they ask for is the maintenance log, and they expect to go back to day 1.

Every target that comes into the lab must be logged with the sample ID (traceable to the lab notebook of the person who made it), chemical composition, density, date of receipt, and general comments on color, quality etc. Each use of the target should be logged. Maintain all target logs in a single ring binder and store this in the PLD lab. (Electronic log? Must be hardcopy, too)

Every thin film that is made MUST have a unique identifer that includes the MANUFACTURE DATE (including year). DO NOT STRAY FROM THIS RULE. Log the film target, the type of substrate (and cleaning procedure), temperature of deposition, laser fluence, rep rate, target-substrate distance. These records should be stored in a ring binder in the lab.

Any equipment removed from a lab by anyone must be signed out on the sheet attached to the inside of the door of the lab. Make sure that there is always such a sheet. Remember to update the sign-out sheet when equipment is returned. Download the sign-out sheet.

If you borrow equipment from someone else, sign it out. If that lab does not have such a procedure, make a note on the sign out sheet of the Tate lab to which you bring the borrowed equipment. Remember to update the sign-out sheet when equipment is returned.

Equipment is valuable, not only monetarily, but also in terms of time invested. Tracking its whereabouts saves time. It may be months or years before it is needed again, long after you have left the lab.

OSU maintains a chemical inventory, and we are required to keep it current (they require a sign-off on the chemical inventory every April). The login page is http://fs-ehs.tss.oregonstate.edu/ehsaweb/ehsawebisapi.dll. You log in with your ONID credentials, but you need to be an approved user. Ask Janet to get you set up.

All chemicals should be entered, including pump oil, cleaning solvents (acetone, etc.) and gases. Try to maintain as little inventory as possible. Schedule a chemical pickup by EHS, if needed. Mostly fill in just the required boxes, but do add comments if it is helpful and add “gas cylinder” as the storage medium for gases. Use the info buttons (a little blue “i”) on the data entry page to automatically look up the required CAS Registry numbers, and different chemical forms.

As an adjunct Chemistry Professor, I am required to abide by the following rule: “The Department of Chemistry will at all times maintain holdings of chemicals in Gilbert Hall and Gilbert Addition below the respective Screening Threshold Quantity (STQ) as defined by 6 CFR Part 27: Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS). Accurate chemical inventory will be maintained sufficient to allow OSU Environmental Health & Safety or DHS representatives the ability to review status at any point with minimal notice. It is understood that failing to maintain chemicals below the respective screening threshold quantity will subject OSU in general, and the Department of Chemistry in particular, to the full security requirements of the CFATS regulations.”

As an adjunct Chemistry faculty member, I will be a co-signatory on this statement and must act in good faith in adhering to it, which means that we must:

1. update our on-line chemical inventory such that it accurately reflects the holdings of all materials in laboratories under our control, and/or
2. relinquish any chemicals that are no longer required that we do not wish to enter into the inventory

Most chemicals that we use do not fall under "Appendix A" of the CFATS, but we do need to observe the recording guidelines. Some of the acids, phosphates, reactive metals & their compounds, some gases are on the list. Oxides, in general, are not.

American Chemical Society recommendations on promoting good safety culture (2012 report): Creating Safety Cultures in Academic Institutions (ACS 2012)

All major equipment items have OSU bar codes that identify them in the OSU inventory. Every year, someone from OSU comes around to verify that the items are still ours, and we are asked to report the condition (excellent/good/fair etc.) We do not need to be proactive on this; we wait to be asked.

Some items are located inside others (e.g. magnet inside cryostat). In such cases, the magnet bar code is located on the cryostat, or possibly on the frame holding the entire system. Please ensure that bar codes are accessible.

Most recent inventory was by Amy Donnelly (Fixed Assets Property Coordinator; Phone: 541.737.4084Amy.Donnelly@oregonstate.edu) on March 17, 2021 (previously: April 15, 2019; April 24, 2017; May 28, 2015, Feb 7, 2009). Other records missing?

Vacuum basics:

• RULE #1: ALWAYS wear gloves when working in a vacuum system, or handling anything that will go into a vacuum or heating system. Finger grease is a vacuum system's worst enemy. Grease outgasses forever. Never violate this rule, and see #2. Finger grease is also the enemy of heating systems, creating hotspots that burn through. Wear gloves, and clean surfaces.
• Clean everything you put into a vacuum or heater system with acetone at least, and preferably a much more thorough cleaning (and remember rule #1).
• Use a face mask when you work on a vacuum system. It protects you from chemicals that may have been in the system, and it protects the system from water vapor in your breath.
• Always log the pump-down time of a vacuum system, or heating/cooldown time of a heater. This lets you know when maintenance is needed and helps compare to prior performance after major changes.
• You should be able to draw a vacuum system with all its valves and gauges before you operate it. Always know the consequences of opening a valve or turning on a pump.

Connectors & fittings are many and varied; families should not be confused. Many are similar and seem to fit, but actually don't (like metric and imperial threads!) and you will damage both it you try to mix them.

• Tube/VCO/VCR/pipe fittings by Swagelok
• Cajon
• Eastman/SMC
• Flanges: Conflat, QF/KF, ANSI. Good description of different flange systems at the Lesker site. See also technical note on flange terminology.

• Optics should never be exposed to dust. Keep lenses and mirrors covered. Keep windows closed to keep down dust. Wet-mop floors more often than for regular labs and wet-wipe counters more often too. (Dry wiping just makes the dust fly into the air and settle on the optics.)
• Clean optics according to best practices (need link). Lens tissue only; no kimwipes or generic wipes.
• Use gloves when handling optics and even when wearing gloves, always handle optical elements by the edges. Never put your fingers in the middle of an optical element.
• Never force optics into place.

• NEVER stand on cables that have to lie on the floor. Step over them. Try not to let them lie on the floor, or protect them with wooden guards, but if a cable is on the floor, NEVER step on it. Coax cables in particular perform poorly when they are deformed. Their capacitance changes, the insulation cracks, etc.
• Make good, clean solder joins. Clean up the flux, which if left can corrode the join and result in noise.
• Shield cables from electrical noise. Pay attention to ground loops. You should know the electrical set up before you measure.
• Reverse dc currents and average two measurements to remove Seebeck effects.
• For low-noise measurements, allow equipment to warm up for several hours before measuring.
• In general, turn off equipment when not using it (it has a finite lifetime), but see rule above.

• Amy Carter 6 Feb 2017. Identified 1 person must complete training (notified 2/7/18), and crystallized HCl bottle and HF should be removed in 475 (HW pickup requested 2/6/18). JT
• This section of the wiki isn't kept up to date because of new, better record keeping at the EHS site. Inspections are recorded there.

The Office of Environmental Health and Safety at OSU has an excellent page with important information about hazardous waste pickup, safety data sheets (use ONID ID). Read the SDS. Some materials we use in the lab are toxic, and must be carefully handled and stored.

Record most recent training.

Required reading:

1. Lab-specific chemical hygiene plan.
2. EHS Lab safety instructions, specifically the sections:
   • Accident / Incident Reporting and Investigation
   • Chemical Container Labeling
   • Chemical Inventory Guidelines
   • Cryogenics
   • Eye and Face Protection
   • Eyewash and Safety Shower
   • Gas Cylinder Safety
   • General Safety Awareness
   • Glove Use
   • Halogen Lamp Hazards
   • Lab Fume Hood: Safety
   • Lab Hazard Sign
   • Laboratory Safety
   • Laser Safety
   • Shop Safety
   • Ultraviolet Light
   • Waste: Hazardous Materials Disposal

FIRE safety is critical

• Know the locations of fire extinguishers near your lab
• Take the Fire Safety training (online - very simple and commonsense) & enter date above

Gas cylinders are usually purchased from Industrial Welding Supply (541) 752-8686.

• Gas cylinders must ALWAYS be firmly secured to a bench or wall with a chain or strong webbing strap ; NEVER be free standing (If they fall and the pressure is released, they turn into dangerous torpedoes.)
• Reactive gases must be stored 20 feet away from flammable gases.

• Gloves and face masks: wear a face mask and nitrile gloves when opening any of the evaporators or working in the fume hood or with chemicals. Purchase at Chem Stores. Make sure we always have a plentiful supply. You will work in labs for at least five years or maybe longer, and over long periods, many “negligibly” small inhalations or contacts build up. Wash your hands after working with metals or other chemicals.
• Wear a lab coat to protect your clothes & skin. Wear closed-toe shoes in the lab, and wear long pants if you plan to work with chemicals.
• Wear laser safety glasses (>OD 6) if you are aligning with the excimer laser. Wear plastic glasses if only stray light is an issue.

“The OSU laboratory safety coat program is being sponsored by EH&S and provides laboratory safety coats for all OSU laboratory employees at no charge to the department. Laboratory coat delivery and laundry services are being provided by CINTAS Inc.”OSU Laboratory Safety Coat Program Webpage

Every laboratory member will have 3 lab coats assigned to them for continuous circulation: 1 in use, 1 in wash, 1 in transit. There are 2 drop-off points in Weniger Hall for lab coats.

NOTE: Dates, sizes and numbers on the table down below are placeholders. They will be updated when the new orders are complete.

The Excimer laser is a class IV uv laser (248 nm). It is imperative that you wear maximal eye protection (OD 6) when you work with the beam. Any observers must wear protective polycarbonate glasses and remain out of range of the beam and its first reflections. Normal eyeglasses are generally not protective enough because they don't wrap around. Note that ophthalmic surgeons use excimer lasers for cornea shaping.

OSHA laser document

• All users must complete the OSU EHS Laser Safety Course (online). It takes less than the 1-4 hours quoted.
• All users must receive specific training from the senior laser operators. This training must be recorded in the log book.
• The laser warning light outside the room must be on during laser operation.
• If the laser is operated unattended, the door must be clearly posted with a warning sign (“Do Not Enter, Invisible Laser Light In Use, Unattended Operation”) and emergency contact information.

• You must take the EHS XRay training to become familiar with X-ray hazards before using X-ray diffractometers (Chemistry and Mechanical Engineering).
• You must also receive specific training on each X-ray diffractometer from the operator. This person signs off on your performance after you have received training.

Please check off here when each item is done. Add new items as they come up.

Please check off here when each item is done. Add new items as they come up.