Biosafety Requirements
All users are responsible for understanding and communicating the biosafety risk classification of the materials they bring into the Facility for Electron Microscopy Research (FEMR). Before any sample enters the facility, users must be prepared to discuss potential hazards and provide documentation when required.
Prohibited Without Prior Approval
The following materials cannot be brought into FEMR without explicit, advance authorization from FEMR staff:
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Hazardous chemicals
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Biohazardous or infectious agents (e.g., viral particles, prion constructs)
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Radioactive materials
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Any material requiring containment above Biosafety Level 1
If your work involves biohazardous materials, you may be required to submit:
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A copy of your McGill Application to Use Biohazardous Materials
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Your Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) permit number
These documents help ensure that all samples entering the facility comply with McGill’s biosafety and regulatory requirements.
Sample Storage & Transportation
Due to limited space and strict safety requirements, all sample storage within FEMR must be approved in advance by FEMR staff.
On‑Site Storage
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Storage of samples, solutions, or materials is not permitted without prior authorization.
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FEMR provides liquid nitrogen storage dewars equipped with the MiTeGen Cryo‑EM Puck System for temporary storage of frozen cryo‑EM grids.
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Users may store samples in these systems only with staff approval.
Sample Retention Policy
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Any samples left in FEMR storage for more than 60 days without prior arrangement will be discarded.
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Users are responsible for tracking their stored materials and retrieving them on time.
Retrieving Samples
To pick up stored samples, users must:
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Contact FEMR staff in advance
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Schedule a specific day and time for retrieval
This ensures proper handling and avoids disruptions to facility operations.