Update: 15th of January 2021
Dear users of CIME,
An update about how the new measures will affect the use of microscopes at CIME:
– Every user requires an individual authorization to come to the EPFL campus and to the CIME. This authorization is given by the unit head (not the CIME)!
– The microscopes will be fully available but a maximum of 1 reservation/experiment per user per day (reservation is mandatory).
– The CIME maintains a strict minimum of technical and scientific support.
– Already started trainings will be finished as planned. New trainings will have to wait.
– Strictly respect the hygienic rules (masks and gloves ALL THE TIME).
Thank you for your cooperation
Marco Cantoni
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You can use the CIME equipment according to your individual access rights. If you come on campus during the weekend make sure that you have an authorization from your lab director.
For the work on the microscopes:
Once you have entered through the glass door into the main hallway you will find a table with gloves. Put gloves on for your entire stay in the CIME (for touching keyboards, mice, joysticks, door handles etc. ). Before you touch the sample holders and your samples put an ADDITIONAL pair of gloves over the first ones in order to keep the holders and your sample clean. After use, dispose them as usual. After your session, when you leave the CIME dispose the gloves into the trash bin at the exit. For the use of the binoculars and handling liquid nitrogen: Bring your personal safety “lab” glasses with you so that you don´t get into direct contact with the eye pieces of the binoculars.
For the main preparation room and other preparation facilities:
For short access (preparing a powder sample, metal coating, plasma cleaning, embedding etc.): please respect the maximum number of persons allowed per room (indicated on the door). Wait if necessary.
For the use of the polishing station in MXC-117:
There will be only one polishing station available and reservation will be necessary. If you plan to polish samples ask Daniele Laub (or Gregoire Baroz) for the rights on the “polishing machine MXC-117” in the reservation system. For the use of the microscopes and binoculars: Bring your personal safety “lab” glasses with you so that you don´t get into direct contact with the eye pieces of the binoculars.
All the rules and recommendations from the DSPS have to be respected strictly at any time.
After entering the MXC building and when you leave the CIME: wash your hands. There are restrooms at both ends of the hallways.
We are looking forward to seeing you back in the CIME
For the CIME Team
Marco Cantoni
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Dear CIME users,
We are as happy as you about the new directives and protection plan effective as of 8 June. These directives have to be respected at any time when using CIME equipment.
What does it mean in particular for the use of CIME equipment?
Point 5: People authorized to be on campus
EPFL staff who have been included in their units’ work schedules are allowed to be on campus in keeping with those schedules. DSPS authorization is not required.
Exceptions for master students etc. are possible only with an accepted request (for details see the full directive with link).
If you imperatively have to bring another collaborator with you: Respect the safety rules: gloves (available at CIME) & mask (bring your own mask like the ones distributed by the DSPS over nose and mouth)!
In order to be able to trace person that are not logged through the logging/billing system: add the name of your colleague in the remarks field at logout.
Point 7: working hours
Working hours run from 7am to 10pm. Start your experiment early enough in order to finish at 10pm!
Employees are not permitted to work on site over the weekend or on holidays unless absolutely necessary.
The unit head (lab director) determines what is imperative work (example: time critical experiments in a workflow chain). A free slot on a weekend is not imperative!
The unit head has to state by e-mail to [email protected] (with “imperative weekend work” in the subject line) that this work is essential in order for the unit to fulfil its mission. You need to be able to show this also to security personnel if asked.
Service and Training
Service work (in presence of client) executed by CIME personnel and trainings will be possible again. You have to bring your own mask (EPFL supply). Gloves are available at the entrance of the microscope rooms.
Thank you for your cooperation
Marco Cantoni
5 June 2020
Still valid for telework:
If you need a specific software to treat your data: Almost all the EM software can be installed on your PC. We have network licenses (that require a VPN connection), license-free software and single platform licences (we have received temporary licenses from manufacturers). You should be able to work on your data like if you were at the CIME.
Check our Support page for more information about software.