MSI Equipment

MSI Shared Equipment 

Use of MSI Equipment

Lab-specific equipment

If you’d like to use equipment in another lab, ask for permission and training first. Check with lab members each time before using, and do not attempt to repair or modify any equipment in another lab. Training on equipment in other labs must be directly from the lab that owns the equipment, not from other members of your own lab.

Most MSI common equipment

For most MSI common equipment, a contact person has been designated (listed in the “MSI Equipment List” on the Resources page of the MSI website). It is required that you talk to the contact person before using the equipment, if you have questions, and if you have problems. Training on MSI common equipment must be directly from the contact person for the instrument. Do not attempt to repair or modify any MSI common equipment.

Biosafety

The use of BSL-2 organisms is restricted to specific rooms and specific organisms. BL-2 status and the lab maintaining the BL-2 permit is posted on the room door. Talk with the lab maintaining the permit before bringing a BL-2 organism into a room. Training, usage, and waste disposal must follow EHS guidelines.

Emergency -80 freezers

  • To use the MSI Emergency Freezer in ABC 214, please:
    • Email Natasha Barry to let her know you are using the freezer
    • Indicate on the signin/signout form the date you start storing items and date you remove items
    • Be sure to remove items as soon as possible after use.
  • To use the MSI Deep Storage Freezer in ABC 108, please only store samples that don’t require frequent access on ~1 shelf per lab.

Freezer Alarm Instructions 

  • Emergency Freezer: Is there stuff in there?

    YES: contact the lab that has materials in the freezer, and make sure someone from that lab takes responsibility for taking care of it. This can’t wait until regular hours and needs to be done immediately. If that lab asks you what to do, refer them to the general directions below.

    NO: coordinate with each other to follow general directions below. If the freezer is empty, this can wait for regular hours.

  • Deep Storage Freezer: Follow general instructions below. 

General Freezer Instructions

Is the temperature holding at approximately -60, or continuing to rise?

  • Holding at -60: this is typically a problem with frost in the secondary compressor, and the primary compressor should continue to hold at -60 for ~12 hours. To fix the secondary compressor, the freezer contents need to be relocated, the freezer needs to be defrosted, and then plugged back in and allowed to return to -80.
  • Temperature continuing to rise (warmer than approximately -60): this is typically an open door, lack of power, or bigger problem and needs to be addressed immediately. Confirm that the freezer door is fully closed and the cord is plugged in, and try a different outlet. In some freezers, the display is battery-powered (so an active display doesn’t mean that the freezer is getting power).  If the temperature doesn’t start dropping, contents will need to be moved to a different freezer. The next steps are to try defrosting/restarting; if that doesn’t work, we’ll call in a service visit.

WC Research Operations also maintains emergency -80 freezers.

Autoclaves

WC Research Operations maintains our two autoclaves.

1)    Each lab should designate a contact person for autoclave training. Do not use the autoclaves without completing this training.

2)    The autoclaves will be unavailable every Friday from 6am-9:30am for weekly drain cleaning.

3)    Please remember to complete all sections of the log sheet every time you use an autoclave and to remove your items promptly when the cycle is finished.

4)    If the autoclave is in use, put your cart along the side, write your name AND lab in the log sheet, and come back promptly when the current cycle is finished. If there are carts already waiting along the side (or there’s a name waiting on the log sheet), do not cut in line even if the autoclave is empty. Use the name on the items, or the name on the log sheet, to tell the next person in line that it’s their turn.

5)     Use a secondary container.

6)    Each autoclave has a laminated sign with “Operational” on one side and “Out of Order” on the other. If you have an autoclave issue, please flip the sign to “Out of order” and contact Stephen Luzietti. After the problem is resolved, Bianca (or someone she designates) will flip the sign back to “Operational”.

7)     If you have a spill in an autoclave, you are responsible for clean up.

a)    Contact EHS if the spill involves hazardous material and Stephen Luzietti if you have questions.

b)     Flip the laminated sign to “Out of Order”

c)     For the small autoclave:

i)      Turn the keyknob clockwise and pull the face cover open

ii)     Flip the switch to ‘OFF’ on the white box

iii)    Allow to cool for few hours or overnight

iv)    Clean the spill either by sweeping up with broom/dustpan, Swiffer type tool (if liquid), or vacuum (may be easier if the spill is glass)

v)     Flip the switch to ‘ON’ on the white box (unit may need to have the date and time readjusted) and flip the laminated sign to “Operational”.

vi)    Unit will need approximately 1 hour to heat up before using again

d)     For the large autoclave:

i)      Flip the laminated sign to “Out of Order”

ii)     Contact Stephen Luzietti to power off the unit (the power button is in back behind the machine and not accessible from the front)

iii)    Once the unit is cooled, cleaning can be commenced (see small autoclave steps)

iv)    Once cleaned, notify Steve and he will power the unit back up

v)     Flip the laminated sign to “Operational”.

vi)    Unit will need approximately 1 hour to heat up before using again