MuSIF User Policy

Before you schedule a Training Session, please read the Rules and policies governing the use of the Multi-Scale Imaging Facility. Note that in the particular case of the CT Scanner, the Facility Manager will coordinate training, access, and booking with the Responsible Academic for the CT Scanner and the assigned technician.

A training session is mandatory for each user before being allowed to operate any equipment. Only once the Manager approves a given user for independent operation can the User proceed without assistance. The number of required training sessions may vary depending on instrument and user. Please fill out the Online Training Form to schedule a training session.

No training on a third-person basis is allowed.

After approval of the Training Session by the Supervisor, a Facility staff will contact the user to book a 30 min consultation session to review their training request and needs. At the end of the consultation a training time will be scheduled. User should come prepared for this session by answering all the questions on the Training Request Form and providing the appropriate literature when applicable.

Initial training sessions usually last 1 to 4 hours. User will NOT be charged for the technical time required for this session.

It is mandatory that you bring samples similar or identical to those being used for your project to address specific sample issues during the training session.

Following the training, you will be granted access exclusively to the Instruments you have been trained on, and only provided you have proved able to work independently on the system. Access can be revoked, or additional training sessions be made mandatory if the Facility Manager deems these to be necessary.

Under no circumstances are you allowed to access and use the Instruments without prior reservation or without notifying the Facility staff. You are responsible for the Instruments during your presence in the lab.

As a confirmed User, you retain access to the booking system and the instruments as long as:

1. You have not been banned from using the Instrument or from the Facility.
2. Your Supervisor did not revoke in writing your permission to work in the Facility.
3. You are working with a Supervisor who has an account with the Facility (any change in Supervisor or account must be communicated immediately).
4. Your (or your Supervisor’s) account is not overdue – See billing policy for details.

• BSL1 samples can be used without prior written authorization.
• BSL2 samples need to be approved by the Facility Manager before they can be introduced into the Facility.
• Certain BSL3 samples are ONLY allowed in specific areas. Before using BSL3 samples, you must musif-ecp3 [at] mcgill.ca (subject: BSL3%20samples) (contact) the Facility Manager.
• Animal and human derived samples should be approved by an ethics committee following McGill regulation policy. It is your responsibility to obtain the required approval. 

1. Booking is required at all times before using any instrument, even if the instrument is not reserved or used during this period. Anyone using an instrument without prior reservation will be denied access to the Facility.
2. Under no circumstances may you book time on a system for others.
3. Place and manage your reservations online (McGill Core Services reservation system).
4. A delayed arrival of > 30 min can result in the cancellation of your reservation. You will still be charged for the full-time reservation period.
5. A reservation can be cancelled up to 2 hours before the scheduled start time. Any cancellation within the hour before the scheduled start time will incur reservation fees equivalent to the full-time reservation.
6. You need extra time?
   1. Log into your account.
   2. Make sure that no one has reserved the instrument for the desired additional timeslot.
   3. Book the instrument for the desired extended duration.
7. You are giving your timeslot away to another registered User at the last minute? Notify the Facility Manager by email and the person replacing you will be charged for the reserved timeslot.  

1. Fill in the log book every single time you use the instrument.
2. You notice anything abnormal or broken, samples or material lying around, dirt around the instrument? Immediately musif-ecp3 [at] mcgill.ca (subject: Equipment%20problem) (notify) a Facility staff member.
3. Refer to the simplified (Startup user manuals) and detailed user manuals that you will find near each instrument and on the Facility website.
4. If you are unsure about anything, musif-ecp3 [at] mcgill.ca (contact) a Facility staff.
5. Follow the safety instructions for each device.
6. You are responsible for the instrument you operate and for the safety of the people around you. Operate the device within the limits for which it was designed. You are responsible for any damage sustained to the Instrument while it is under your use. The cost of any resulting repairs will be billed to your Supervisor.
7. Do not try to resolve problems related to the instrument by yourself if you were not appropriately trained for that.
8. You must never use gloved hands or wear lab coats to manipulate any microscope in the BSL1 area.

1. Clean your workspace and leave the instrument in the condition you would like to find it.
2. Do not forget to take out your samples and material with you. Any material or sample that does not belong to the Facility will be disposed. If you need a temporary storage space, please musif-ecp3 [at] mcgill.ca (subject: Space%20required) (contact) the Facility Manager.
3. Fill in the log book.
4. Backup your data regularly. Hard disks are not infallible and will be cleaned regularly. The Facility assumes no responsibility whatsoever for any loss of data.

New measures defining the access to the MuSIF can be implemented at any time. The Users and their Supervisors will be notified by email.