Safety Procedures in the X-ray Lab (B37) and in the Monolayer Lab (B39)

Any independent user that wishes to operate the X-ray reflectometer and generator in room B37-B36, and B39 Spedding must read this form and fulfill the Ames Lab as well as the specific requirements of the group.
 
 

General Requirements
Complete the following safety training modules:
1. Radiological Worker II for Analytical X-ray Users; have a valid certification card.
2. Computer safety awareness
3. Emergency Awareness Training
4. General Employee Training
5. Hazardous Waste Generator
6. Cylinder Safety

The main hazards specific to our lab are:

  1. X-ray Radiation
  2. Hazardous chemicals (carcinogens, flammables, acids)
  3. Heavy and toxic metals, lead and beryllium
  4. High Pressure inert gas cylinders
The following procedures should be followed when operating the X-ray Generator:
  1. Make sure the X-ray monitor in the hutch is ON, and that you know how to operate it.
  2. Always wear your dosimetry rings in the lab.
  3. Keep at least one door open and lights on while you are in the lab.
  4. No food in the lab.
  5. Enter the hutch only when the shutter is closed after pressing the door switch on the generator.
  6. No one is allowed to enter the hutch with an open shutter with the Lock-out Tag-out procedure at any time.
Chemicals (Carcinogens, Flammables, and Acids)

The most common carcinogen in the lab is Chloroform. Flammable materials include methanol and corrosive materials include hydrochloric acid. Helmanex soap should be handled with gloves only.

Precautions with chemicals:

  1. Read the MSDS sheets regarding chloroform. Be ready to act in case of a spill.
  2. Perform all preparations of hazardous materials under a ventilated hood.
  3. Keep the hood working when spreading monolayers.
  4. After spreading the monolayer from chloroform solution close the lid tightly and circulate He through the charcoal filter.
  5. Wear your lab coat.
  6. Wear gloves that are appropriate. Consult with ES&H if you have questions.
  7. All waste should be collected in labeled bottles. Follow the Ames Lab regulations regarding hazardous waste.
  8. Keep all hazardous materials, including waste, in a secondary container.
  9. Keep chemicals in appropriate containers separated according to their hazard.
Lead and Beryllium

We use lead for shielding equipment or human beings from X-ray radiation .

* Do not file or cut with a saw.
* Once the shield is prepared, paint it or put safe tape around exposed areas.
* Wear gloves and a lab coat when you are handling lead.
* Wash your hands after handling lead.

Beryllium is hazardous in powder form. In the lab we, use prefabricated sheets of Be that serve as (almost) non-absorbent windows for X-rays in sealed tubes or sample holders.

* Do not modify (break, file, drill a hole, etc.) any Be window under any circumstances.
* Wear gloves and a lab coat when handling beryllium.
* Wash your hands after handling beryllium.

Cylinders

Always secure cylinders to the wall with a appropriate belt.
Never open the valve of the cylinder without a regulator.
Make sure you know how to operate a gas regulator.

I have read this document and I understand that it does not include all the details regarding the safe operation of the instruments as they were mentored, and specified in the training modules.
 
 

Name: ________________________
 
 

Signature: ________________________ Date: ________________________