General Updates

Quick updates

The cleaning of delicate samples, especially highly surface-sensitive ones, can be difficult. For this reason, Sarah has procured 'gas guns' for the Prep Labs. While it is possible to use the plastic tubing to similar effect, the new guns are easier to use and generally more accurate. These can be used to safely remove loose, dry material from sample surfaces without the need to touch them or use solvents. The new gas guns are available in all prep labs.

As a part of their 5-6 year maintenance cycle, the 4 and 5 decimal place analaytical balances have been recalibrated by an external engineer to ensure high accuracy in their measurements.

Fridges

There has been a rearrangement of the fridges in the North 1 lab; Fridge 7 is being replaced by two shorter fridges, which has allowed the space above it to be made into additional bench space, increasing the amount of space in the lab and thus improving its ability to support multiple users. The final installation of these new fridges is coming soon. Fridge 7 was cleared of legacy chemicals as a part of the Legacy Chemicals project, mentioned both below and in the previous 2 emails.

Legacy Chemicals and Equipment

As mentioned in previous installments of the SEaSL Newsletter, work continued to remove legacy items from the Prep Labs; in addition to chemicals, other objects have also been removed. While waste chemicals and unnescessary items are removed as part of the regular operation of the Prep Labs, legacy chemicals and items have built up in long term storage areas, where they were not initially regarded as waste. Following the success of the project to remove legacy waste chemicals, the project has been expanded to include other items, including but not limited to glassware, boxes, and fittings. These items have been removed from all labs. Sarah and Rachel have now completed this in all labs. Could we ask staff and users that they please ensure that you have labelled all equipment you bring into or store in the labs to help with future cataloguing.

Shipping to and from ISIS

Further to the quick guide in the last issue, new official guidance has been published regarding shipping. The updated shipping guide can be found here.

For any further details on the Chemistry and Prep Labs, please contact the Senior Laboratory Support Technician, Sarah Langham and check out the Sample Preparation and Chemistry Labs website.