To help keep our SCS autoclave rooms safe, clean, and welcoming for everyone, please take a moment to review the following policies and guidelines. These are intended to help ensure that all users can safely and effectively use the autoclaves and shared facilities. If a new or refresher training is needed to feel more comfortable using the autoclaves, please email SCS Facilities.
1. Use of Autoclave Facilities
All autoclave users within the School of Chemical Sciences who are located in Chemical and Life Sciences Laboratory (CLSL), Roger Adams Laboratory (RAL), or Davenport Hall should use the designated autoclave facilities in A305 CLSL or B9 RAL only.
NOTE: CLSL-B autoclaves belong to another department and we don’t have permission to use them.
2. ChemFOM
All users are asked to log their autoclave use in ChemFOM. There are computers in each room to allow you to log your use in ChemFOM. These computers are intended to stay awake all the time but we're still working to resolve the issue where they go to sleep and ask for a password upon waking up. If this happens to you, you can restart the computer and it will bypass the login screen once it reboots. There are also QR codes on each autoclave that you can scan with your phone that will direct you to ChemFOM. Before starting a cycle, please complete the following:
- If you have not pre-scheduled your autoclave time: Please check the schedule for the autoclave you would like to use. If another user has an upcoming reservation, please only use that autoclave if you are confident your cycle will be completed before their reservation begins. If there is sufficient time, please create a reservation starting at the current time. Otherwise, check the schedule for another available autoclave.
- If you have pre-scheduled your autoclave time: Please log in to ChemFOM and start your reservation before beginning your cycle.
- Paper logs: After starting your cycle, please also complete the paper log located in the autoclave room. This helps us keep track of autoclave use and identify users if an issue arises.
3. Untreated Waste
To help keep the autoclave rooms clean and accessible for everyone, please do not leave untreated waste in the rooms. If both autoclaves are in use when you arrive, please return your waste to your lab until an autoclave becomes available.
4. Removing Materials After a Cycle
Please remove your materials from the autoclave as soon as reasonably possible after your cycle is complete. This helps ensure that the autoclaves remain available for other users and avoids placing the responsibility of unloading materials on others.
Biohazardous waste bags can be placed in the red trash barrels in each autoclave room as long as they have been overbagged first with a black trash bag.
If you are autoclaving liquids, please remember to allow sufficient time for the materials to cool after the cycle is complete when planning your reservation.
If you experience any issues with the autoclaves, notice any facility damage that needs to be reported, require refresher training on the proper use of the autoclaves, or encounter anything else that may affect your ability to use the room as expected, please contact SCS Facilities.