Guidelines Secretariat: Emma Eltink, Helix STW 3.35
Table of contents World of welcome 1 1. Introduction 2 2. Practical information 6 1. Contact address 7 2. Working hours, time registration, breaks, and absence 7 3. Travel 8 4. Administrative matters 9 5. Laboratory matters 10 6. Working in the lab 12 7. Seminars 12 8. Publications, presentations and posters 12 9. Promotion and thesis 14 10. Departure 14 3. Safety regulations 15 1. Emergencies 18 2. Safety 19 3. Storage of chemicals 20 4. Chemical waste 21 5. Laboratory checks 21
Welcome to Inorganic Materials Chemistry The group of Prof. Dr. Emiel Hensen This brochure contains important information regarding your stay in the Inorganic Materials Chemistry group at Eindhoven University of Technology. The brochure consists of three parts: 1. Introduction 2. Practical information 3. Safety regulations Please read these guidelines carefully, paying utmost attention to the safety regulations for your and our safety. Feel free to consult any of your colleagues in case you need an explanation or further information. We wish you a pleasant and fruitful stay in our group!
1. Introduction Staff Inorganic Materials Chemistry Dr. Evgeny Pidko Prof. Dr. Emiel Hensen Dr. Jan Philipp Hofmann Group leader Part time professors Prof. Dr. Rutger van Santen Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber Secretariat Technical staff Emma Eltink Adelheid Elemans Brahim Mezari Johan van Velzen Tiny Verhoeven 2
Inorganic Materials Chemistry Catalysis by design is the motto of our group: we aim to reason intelligently about the desired structure of inorganic catalysts for optimal chemical reactivity. The Inorganic Materials Chemistry (IMC) group at Eindhoven University of Technology was established in 2009 with the appointment of professor Emiel Hensen. In the IMC group, scientists working in the field of inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, computational chemistry and catalysis engineering collaborate to further the field of catalysis and apply new insights to societal challenges such as the need for renewable energy. Our mission is to design new catalyst materials for chemical processes that contribute towards a sustainable and carbon-neutral society. We aim to become a leading international catalysis group excelling in research and education. Knowledge on the atomic-scale description of catalyst structure and how they speed up chemical reactions paves the way to tailor catalysts for existing catalytic processes and novel catalyst materials for new sustainable processes. Our investigations cover advanced characterization methods under well-defined in-situ/operando conditions, computational modeling at multiple length and time scales of catalytic reactions, tailored synthesis of inorganic model catalyst systems and accurate kinetic studies. The resulting insights into structure-performance relation in catalysis are used to improve catalysts for important industrial chemical processes for conversion of current fossil feedstock (oil and gas) and to develop novel catalyst formulations for efficiently converting future feedstock (biomass, solar light/co 2 /H 2 O) with the goal to contribute to technological advancement towards a sustainable society. We do this by: - Performing top-notch research in the field of catalysis. - Training talented young scientists. - Attracting excellent collaborators from academia around the globe. - Collaborating with key industry players. Our scientific agenda consists of four major lines of research: - Zeolites and Mesoporous Materials - Biomass Valorization - Structure Sensitivity - Solar Fuels Catalysis The group offers an ideal training environment for BSc and MSc students with a keen interest in the chemistry and technology of catalysis as well as to scientists 3
including PhD students and postdoctoral fellows to prepare themselves for a future career in science and engineering, be it in academia or in industry. The group is part of various national and international research organizations. It is the founding father of the renowned Netherlands Institute of Catalysis Research (NIOK). Prof. Hensen currently acts as its chairman. The group is also one of the six partners in NWO s excellence Gravitation Program Multiscale Catalytic Energy Conversion. IMC is also involved in the European Research Institute on Catalysis with Hensen as one of its board members, and hosts an FOM focus group on solar fuels catalysis. The Inorganic Materials Chemistry group has many collaborations with academia in the Netherlands and abroad as well as active bilateral collaborations with industries such as Shell, Sasol, Sabic and BASF. The group is also involved in several public-private partnerships such as CatchBio, NanoNext, ADEM and CatC1Chem. 4
Our Fundamental Values 1. Integrity: Scientific integrity is our number one priority. 2. Safety: Always plan and conduct experiments in such a way that your safety and that of your group members is never endangered. Report any unsafe situations you or others are exposed to. 3. Responsibility: Take responsibility! For your own work but also for grouprelated business. Take also responsibility if things go wrong in the lab. Making mistakes is not a problem, concealing them is. 4. Productivity: IMC is output-driven. Think in terms of high-quality scientific publications and presentations at conferences and about how we can convey our message best, also on a popular-science level. 5. Collaborativity: work together with your colleagues, give and take, working in a team brings many benefits to everyone. Communicate about your research work within the group! 6. Creativity: Think out-of-the-box, generate new ideas and create new approaches to problems and try to implement them through Friday-afernoon experiments. Spread the positive results if they work. 7. Trendy: Be open-minded and aware of the latest trends in your area of science and technology. Show interest in general developments in science & technology and specifically in your own field of expertise. Be up-to-date with reading scientific literature on your topic and do not shun from reading the top journals to get inspired in a broader sense. Discuss with each other! 8. Diversity: We aim to understand! Linking your experimental work to a theoretical foundation (e.g., simulations) and the other way around is highly appreciated. Experimental research should be more than empirical. 9. Community: Serve and build your own community of scientific peers. Scientific peer exchange is vital to (y)our success! 10. Attitude: Be pro-active, enthusiastic and self-propelling. Be your own manager. Our mission is to advance catalysis and inorganic materials synthesis through indepth understanding. 5
2. Practical information On your first day in our group, your contact will be the secretary Ms. Emma Eltink, Helix building, STW 3.35. She will register you and provide the following items: Form new IMC member Form TU/e pas Form working after working hours Form TU/e e-mail account Form hour registration Internal telephone List Lync headset and number Form departure IMC Birthday calendar We will also take a picture of you to be able to introduce you to the other group members. Ms. Eltink will inform you furthermore about daily matters. Usually, a room, desk, chair and computer will be available when you arrive. After this you have to: Visit the personnel department and inform them that you arrived. They will invite you as a new member of the TU/e community and make a further appointment to discuss general issues such as an introduction meeting to TU/e. Before starting to work in the lab, you need to follow the safety instruction provided by our technician Johan van Velzen. You will need to familiarize yourself with the departmental safety rules. From the reception you will get an e-mail when your office key is available for pick-up. For employees/guests who are not directly employed by the university: you must have a proper health insurance in the Netherlands. On a regular basis, A&M (Arbo & Milieu) safety sessions will be organized by the HRM department. Newcomers have to attend at least once such meeting as soon as possible after arriving. These sessions are announced by e-mail. 6
2.1 Contact address: Eindhoven University of Technology Inorganic Materials Chemistry Prof. Dr. E.J.M. Hensen, Helix STW 3.33 Den Dolech 2, 5612 AZ Eindhoven, The Netherlands P.O.BOX 513, 5600MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands http://www.catalysis.nl http://www.tue.nl/en/university/departments/chemical-engineering-andchemistry/research/research-groups/molecular-catalysis-smk/ 2.2. Working hours The opening hours of the Helix Building are 7.30-18.00. At IMC you have the freedom to plan your daily schedule (at least 8 hours with break, use sense of responsibility). To work efficiently, we expect you to be present during the block hours 10.00-16.00. In case you will be working after 18.00, you need special permission. Note that you are not allowed to be present in the building after 23.00 (in the evening) and before 7.00 (in the morning). Very important: outside regular working hours you are not allowed to work alone in the lab. Be sure to have someone with you within hearing distance. The university buildings are public buildings. Never leave any valuable personal belongings unattended. Carry them with you or store them in locked cabinets. Time registration (depending on your project funding): a) When paid by university or governmental funding (STW, NWO, EU) At the end of the month you have to fill in one page with your working hours. Note the regular working hours and all the variations that occurred during the last month (holidays, business travels and sick leave do not to be included! This form should be printed, signed and provided to ms. Emma Eltink. b) When paid by an external partner When you participate in one or more projects, you should monthly fill in your working hours in our digital system Timetell. If applicable, also specify research and time spent on education and holidays. At the end of the month/year, Prof. Hensen will approve these hours by a digital signature. 7
Absence: Your absence (business trip, holidays) must be registered on the list available in the corridor in front of room STW 3.35. When you are ill or unexpectedly absent for another reason: call the secretariat ASAP. You should notify ms. Emma Eltink or, in case of her absence, one of the staff members before 10.00. Also remember to inform ms. Emma Eltink, once you resume your work. Coffee/tea breaks: You are welcome to drink coffee/tea inour coffee corner in STW 3.04. These breaks are at 10.30 and 15.30. You are encouraged to attend these social breaks (max. 15 min.) All are expected to participate in making coffee/tea, a scheme is available in the room. 2.3 Travel Each travel needs the approval of prof. Hensen. This has to be done before you make any travel arrangements! Be sure to announce staff in time about your intended travels. It is a custom that travel to international conferences is only permitted when you have an oral contribution. Note that we have policy to travel at as low cost as possible, and this applies to all group members. Travel in the Netherlands: For travels within the Netherlands, you need permission of prof. Hensen. Preferably travel by public transportation. Please retain your travel tickets for reimbursement of travel costs. Stick the tickets on a blank A4 with tape, fill out the internal travel expenses form, available on the website My TU/e. Print it, sign it and hand it over to ms. Emma Eltink. It will be signed by Emma Eltink or prof. Hensen and forwarded to the financial department. Travel abroad: For all travels abroad you must first fill in a travel permit which can be found on the website My TU/e. This should be done at least one week in advance of your travels. This travel permit needs to be signed by prof. Hensen. You are allowed to book the tickets by yourself (e.g., via internet, again low-fare policy applies here). You can also opt to have travel arrangements made by a travel agency appointed by TU/e. You can discuss this option with ms. Emma Eltink. Discuss with your supervisor, staff members or the secretary if in doubt about the cost of flight tickets or other travel components. You can easily get remunerated for your advance payments via the pre-payment form, which is available on the website My TU/e. 8
Travel by car: In principle, you should travel by public transportation. Travel by car is only allowed after permission of your supervisor. Declaring international travel expenses: Within one month after your return, you need to complete the declaration form (combined with accompanying receipts of meals and tickets for train fares, etc.) on the appropriate electronic form, available on the website My TU/e. Print and sign this form and hand it over to the secretary. Prof. Hensen or the secretary will sign and forward it to the financial department. 2.4 Administrative matters Office supplies: The consumables you may need in your office are in a special cupboard. The key can be obtained at the secretary. Please inform the secretary if you took the last item so new supplies can be ordered in time. Printer/Photocopies/Scans: The multifunctional copier of our group is located on floor 3. The group key-code is available from the secretary. This copier can also be used as printer (\\stprint2\st-mfc009) and scanner. Note that this copier has the ability to copy and print double sided! Computers: You will have access to your own PC for your daily work. It is not allowed to use someone else s computer without having approval of the owner. Students from other groups should may not use computers at IMC. Laptop, digital camera and beamer: These items can be borrowed from the secretary. Inform the secretary and indicate on which day(s) you need this equipment. Make sure to make your reservation in time, especially for the beamer. Note that the laptops can be borrowed for a maximum period of 1 week. Mail: The SMK mail box is near the reception. Mail will be picked up daily around 11.00. It will be distributed in the mail boxes in the corridor on the third floor. You can place your outgoing mail in the black box in front of the secretariat STW 3.35 or downstairs at the reception desk. Mail posted before 11.00 will be sent the same day. In urgent cases, you can bring your outgoing mail until 13.00 to the 'Logistiek Centrum' (Helix STO 0.28, Mr. Rudy Paol). Packages with scientific samples: write on the exterior of the box/envelope 9
'contains non-valuable, non-toxic, non-hazardous scientific sample'. Packages without such message will not be sent by the TU/e mail service. Consult with your supervisor if you need to send toxic samples. Express packages: It is good practice to send valuable samples (again, they are non-valuable, non-toxic, non-hazardous scientific samples for the mail service ) by express mail. In this case, you have to include street name and number the phone number and email address of the addressee. The package should include a letter signed by prof. Hensen which states that your samples are non-toxic. Consult with your supervisor if you need to send toxic samples. Bureau Automatisering (ICT Office BAT): The BAT-people can help you with common computer-related problems. If you need assistance, contact BAT (Helix STO 3.33), via phone (3035) or e-mail (Helpdesk.ST@tue.nl). A PC that needs to be (re)installed has to be brought to BAT by yourself. You need to complete a form with information about the operating system and software to be installed. The BAT-people can also help you with installation of common software. Software can be found at \\stfiler\apps. In case you feel your PC is not adequate for your work anymore, please consult with Johan van Velzen. Note that it is not allowed to use illegal software on your PC. Be sure to make regular back-ups of all your data!!! 2.5 Laboratory matters How to order consumables, chemicals, gasses, lab equipment: You need approval of your supervisor for ordering new laboratory goods. Be sure to verify that the consumables or chemicals you need are really not available in the lab this is important to avoid overspending and overcrowding the lab. Plan your experiments ahead! Some items like chemicals will only be ordered once a week. Also take into account that the delivery of some items may take longer than a few days. General lab consumables: most consumables needed for your daily work in the lab can be ordered by our internal system. To make your order, make a request on the lists available in STW 3.79 or STW 4.83. The responsible PhD student (see list information board IMC for responsible PhD students) will order once a week. 10
Specific lab consumables for own use: if you need specific consumables for your project, please request them by e-mail from Adelheid Elemans Mehring (STW 3.21). You need to supply the following information: name of the item and number of items, supplier and ordering number and the price. Chemicals: chemicals can be ordered by sending an e-mail to Tiny Verhoeven (STW 3.51). He will order chemicals once a week (Friday afternoon). Required info in the mail: Place in the subject line of the e-mail: Order <your full name> In the order you provide: description of the chemical, the quantity, the supplier, and the the ordering number. Please do not put links in such e- mails! Solvents: order by using the appropriate lists in STW 3.79 or STW 4.83. Your order will be placed once a week. Gases: Gases can be ordered via Johan van Velzen (STW 3.37). Note that specialty gases such as gas mixtures can be expensive and their production may take several weeks up to months. Again planning is crucial. Lab equipment: contact Johan van Velzen (STW 3.37), he will advise you on technical matters. Delivery and storage of incoming goods: In general all incoming goods for SMK arrive in the incoming goods area of STW 3.79. Lab consumables: You have to check yourself if your ordered consumables were delivered. You can open the package when your name is written on it. If you happen to open a package of someone else, please notify that person and hand it over to him/her. Chemicals: You have to check yourself if the chemicals were delivered. On the blue rack you ll find a list on which you have to complete with the following information: laboratory room number, cupboard number - shelf number in which the chemical will be stored, first safety class sign on the chemical bottle, solid or liquid, and the 6-digit identifying number on the label of the chemical. More information on this system is given on the blue rack. Gases: Johan van Velzen will contact you when your ordered gas has arrived. 11
Lab equipment: Johan van Velzen will contact you when your ordered equipment has been delivered. 2.6 Working in the lab Lab Journals/Log Books: It is mandatory to keep a lab journal for all your work. This concerns experimental as well as theoretical work. The language of use in your lab journal is English. Your lab journal will be checked biweekly by one of the staff members, typically your main supervisor. You need to ensure that proper back-ups are made of your data. Every 6 months all the data (processed results as well as the raw data from the analyss equipment), properly referenced with the entries in the lab journal, has to be backed up on a DVD and handed in to your supervisor/secretary. Cleaning procedure laboratory IMC Every Monday afternoon at 14.30 the IMC laboratories are cleaned. The cleaning work will be done in five groups, each assigned one of the main lab units of IMC. Each group will have its own supervisor, who coordinates the cleaning activity. 2.7 Seminars Every second week, a seminar will be held in which three IMC scientists present their most recent research results in about 30 minutes (including discussion). Your attendance at these seminars is mandatory. Be interested in the work of your colleagues, ask questions in case of unclarities and try to make suggestions. Every contribution is valuable. Additional open-format meetings followed by drinks are organized as well. Besides these internal meetings, IMC also invites guest speakers, and also here you are expected to attend and participate in the discussions. We wish to cultivate an open and stimulating atmosphere in our group. 2.8 Publications, presentations and posters All external communications (publications, posters, presentations) need to be approved by your supervisor. Confidentiality rules might apply to your specific project, requiring approval by an external party which may take several weeks. Always use the appropriate template, affiliation and logo s in external communications! Templates can be found on http://w3.tue.nl/nl/diensten/cec/huisstijl/. These are starting points for making 12
appealing posters and presentations. Make sure to use the proper IMC logo and correct affiliation. The affiliation of our group is Laboratory of Inorganic Materials Chemistry, Schuit Institute of Catalysis, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Den Dolech 2, 5612 AZ Eindhoven, The Netherlands. Remember that the official name of our university is Technische Universiteit Eindhoven. In English, you may also use Eindhoven University of Technology. Scientific publications: take charge in writing down your key findings in scientific publications. Publications in international refereed journals are the main scientific output of our group. Attend the appropriate PROOF courses and, if needed, other courses to get versed in writing structured English texts. Main issues to address in preparing your article are to have clear purpose of your publication, to write an outline, to gather data in a presentable logical manner in tables and figures and writing the text. Discuss with colleagues and supervisors continuously to sharpen all these efforts. When your scientific article has been accepted, you have to inform the secretary for registration of the publication details in the university database. This database is available on the internet as well. The information should include authors, title, journal and DOI number. Provide full bibliographic details, once available. Presentations: Appropriate templates are available at IMC. Discuss content with your supervisor and practice your presentation in front of group members. Also, prepare for questions from the audience!! Be representative at the conferences that you attend. You represent IMC! Posters: be sure to discuss its content with your supervisor before printing it for real! Take the template from the website: http://w3.tue.nl/nl/diensten/cec/huisstijl/ and add the IMC logos and affiliation. Prepare the poster with the right affiliation* and have it approved by your supervisor. You can have it printed in pdf/ppt format in the Metaforum building. Library: Webpage http://www.tue.nl/bib/. This site provides access to online journals, books available at TU/e and other national libraries and search engines (Web of Science, Scopus, etc.). These libraries have an extended collection of books in many science areas. After registration at the library desk, you can borrow 13
books for 4-weeks periods. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the use of literature search engines. Make use of alerting services to keep informed about the content of most relevant journals. In case an article is not available via our own library, a scan copy can be ordered. 2.9 Promotion and thesis PhD students should take charge in time-keeping of their overall project. Be proactive and think in terms of chapters of your thesis to be completed (suggestion: one per year). All information and instructions regarding the intended promotion to the doctor degree and the rules on the PhD thesis and defense ceremony can be found on the TU/e website: http://www.tue.nl/en/university/about-theuniversity/organization/support-services/general-affairs-department/office-ofdoctoral-presentations-and-academic-ceremonies/ Printing your thesis: As the thesis is the final result of your endeavors, we expect that the print will be done in high quality (e.g., good quality paper) with colored figures, where necessary. As per regulations you will have to discuss the number of copies to be printed with your supervisor. Do take into account that, besides distributing the thesis in the group, your work will be sent out to the scientific council of NIOK and other professors working in your field of expertise. A typical number of copies is 150. The printing of the thesis and costs associated with it should be taken care of by the PhD student. The maximum contribution of the group in the printing costs is 2.000. Festivities around your defense: The defense marks the end of your work in our group. The whole group will be proud of your work and we expect that you celebrate this with all of us. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to invite all group members to the reception. It is also appropriate to share your success with all group members if you decide to have a party in the evening. 2.10 Departure When your contract ends, you have to complete the departure form (available at the secretariat). You have to do so at least 14 days before leaving because you have to finalize some duties: Hand over your lab journal/logbook to the secretary. 14
Hand over your Lync headset, your room key and your TU/e pass to the secretary. Hand over your data on DVDs to the secretary. Store your cleaned samples in a box and hand it over to your supervisor. Hand over your computer to Johan van Velzen and do not remove data from your computer Clean your desk! Finally you and prof. Hensen will sign this form when all is done. 3. Safety regulations Safe working is a key aspect of your work in the IMC labs. Your health and the health of your colleagues is very important to us. To ensure safety, you need to follow the safety regulations of our department (available at http://w3.chem.tue.nl/en/the_department/bureau_of_the_department/working _conditions_environment/). Remember that safety starts by using common sense, consider for every step you make what could go wrong. If in doubt, check with the safety coordinator, your supervisor or any other staff member. Better safe than sorry. To make you familiar with the departmental safety regulations and the IMC house rules, you will have a number of meetings with staff members upon your arrival. Brahim Mezari is the safety officer of the IMC group and he represents our group in the safety committee of the department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry. The goal is to create a safe and good working environment in IMC according to the general guidelines issued by the department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry (available at http://w3.chem.tue.nl/en/the_department/bureau_of_the_department/working _conditions_environment/). If you have any questions, concerns or remarks about safety and/or working conditions, please contact Brahim Mezari (STW 3.21). 3.1 Emergencies You will find the information below in every room and laboratory next to the door, please pay attention to it! 15
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Fire: Accident: Call 2222 mention building (Helix), floor and building side (west or east), type of fire. If possible, use an fire extinguisher, but ONLY when somebody is with you. NEVER do this if the situation is unsafe. Call 2222 - mention building (Helix), floor and building side (west or east), type of accident. Call for closest First Aid helper. In the corridors outside the room of a qualified First Aid helper you will find a sign, which says EHBO (Dutch abbreviation for First Aid). Always fill out an accident-report after an accident or nearaccident situation. Forms are available at the secretary office and at the working conditions and environment officer of IMC (Brahim Mezari, Helix STW 3.21, here you can also hand in the filled forms). Chemical burn: Depending on the extent of a burn immediately wash the chemical with running water. In the case of the extensive full body exposure immediately use the emergency shower in the corridor. Colleagues call 222 mention building (Helix), floor and building side (west or east). Alarm signal: Department alarm signal If you hear an alarm signal, listen carefully to the instructions issued via the intercom that follow the signal. A continuous alarm signal (a slow-whoop ) indicates that you should leave the building as fast as possible (but in an orderly fashion). You must leave via the stairs located at the north and south sides of the building. DO NOT USE THE ELEVATORS or CENTRAL STAIR (since firemen and First Aid helpers will use the central stairs). IMC laboratory alarm signal Most of the IMC laboratories are equipped with a gas detection system on equipment and lab room level. Gas detection system on equipment level High pressure systems inside the fume hoods are equipped with a gas detection system. In case of a release of gas in this equipment, the gas supply will be 17
blocked and an alarm will be activated (sound). In this case you need to leave the lab and inform asap one of the technicians. Gas detection system on lab room level You will find at the entrance and in some cases inside the laboratory a traffic light indicating the safety condition of the laboratory. Green light indicates no gas release has been detected, it is safe to enter and to work (in) the laboratory Orange/red light indicate that gas has been detected inside the lab, you cannot enter the laboratory or you have to leave the laboratory when you are working in laboratory. Inform asap one of the technicians. 3.2 Safety Remember that order and cleanliness in the lab are important for creating a safe working environment. 1. You are not allowed to start working in the laboratories of IMC before you have been instructed by Johan van Velzen regarding safety and house rules. You have to make an appointment with him. 2. Always have someone within hearing distance while working in the laboratory (= do not work alone). 3. Always use official safety glasses and if necessary other personal protection such as a lab-coat and proper gloves. 4. Use stable steps; never stand on a chair to reach high. 5. Do not eat, drink or smoke in any laboratory. 6. Before starting a new project (new equipment, new conditions used in existing equipment), the safety risks of the new setup needs to be assessed. For this purpose, a risk inventory and evaluation form can be obtained via Johan van Velzen. The form needs to be signed by prof. Emiel Hensen. 7. Design of a new reactor set-up should include countermeasures to eliminate safety risks. Always ask advice from your coach, technicians, safety representative of IMC. 8. You will need to prepare a safety report for each new permanent experiment. The completed report has to be discussed with your supervisor and the technicians. It will be signed by the lab room supervisor and the 18
safety officer. The finalized safety report has to be printed on green paper and, after signing, needs to be placed at a clearly visible spot near the equipment. 9. All other non-permanent experiments are not allow to run overnight. For small synthesis experiments that need to continue during the night, a continuous operation permit must be obtained. Your coach and the laboratory room supervisor must sign it. After approval, the form should be placed at a clearly visible spot near the equipment. 10. Always check the Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all chemicals you use. You can find those on the web: http://www.msdsonline.com or at http://w3.chem.tue.nl/en/the_department/bureau_of_the_department/wor king_conditions_environment 11. Hazardous, poisonous, and volatile compounds are only to be used inside a fumehood. If working with liquids, special leak-trays should be used to collect any spills. 12. The transport elevator should be used for chemical transport and transport of gas cylinders. During transport, no one is allowed to be in the elevator so take one of the person elevators or the stairs. 13. To transport chemicals and gases: use appropriate baskets, trays or other devices. Before transporting gas cylinders: remove pressure regulator, and secure the gas cylinder with the protection cap, securely tighten the gas cylinder. 14. The staircases at the north and south of the building are closed after 18.00. The staircases can still be used in case of emergency to leave the building (an alarm is triggered when opening the exit at ground level). 3.3 Storage of chemicals 1. Chemicals should be stored in the chemical cupboards according to their chemical risk and health properties, at any time they are not directly in use. 2. Newly prepared samples must be properly labeled including the appropriate safety tag before storage. The label must include chemical information about the sample and the relevant reference number noted in your lab journal. Samples can be stored in an assigned drawer. Ask Johan van Velzen for help. 3. Any container with chemicals must be closed when not in use. It should hold a clear label with chemical name, user name, and date of preparation/storage and necessary safety signs. 4. Gas cylinders must be placed and firmly fastened inside the gas cabinets in the corridors. Lecture bottles may be placed inside the laboratories if fastened on a stand inside a fume cupboard. Close the lecture bottles after usage. Always check 19
the inspection date and return cylinders and lecture bottles before expiration to the gas storage outside the building. Contact Johan van Velzen(Helix STW 3.37, 2304) in case of questions. 5. Dangerous chemicals (for example cyanides or solid peroxides, check MSDS sheets) should be stored in a locked cabinet. Their use is subject to approval by the safety committee of the department. Investigate whether a less harmful alternative can be used for your experiment! 3.4 Chemical waste You should be aware that working with chemicals produces waste for which you are responsible. Take care to avoid spilling, and use minimal amounts of chemicals so we can limit the amount of waste. Detailed information can be obtained from Brahim Mezari. 1. Collect all chemicals. NEVER flush them in the sink. 2. On each floor of the laboratories you can find the central waste disposal rooms (Helix STW 3.01 and 4.51) with labeled waste containers. 3. Take notice of the official guidelines(near the waste disposal area in STW 3.79 and STW 4.83) for waste separation issued by the university. There are 6 categories (see below) and several specially dedicated vessels; use the correct vessels. 4. If you have a lot of similar waste or waste that acquires special treatment you can get buckets (solid waste) or containers (liquids) from the waste disposal rooms to collect these. Please label the bucket/container accordingly, or list the items inside. 5. Use the original package to dispose remaining chemicals. Put these in the separate collecting box appointed by the unit manager waste. Every package with a bar code has to be collected in this box as well (also if empty!). 6. The responsible PhD student will takes care of removing full containers. Inform him when waste vessels in the waste disposal rooms are full. (see list information board IMC for responsible PhD student on floor 3 and 4) 7. Chemical waste like empty batteries can be deposited in a chemical waste bin at the mailboxes on the third floor. (opposite the secretary)printer cartridges can be deposited in boxes at the right side of the reception on ground floor. Six official waste categories: 20 1. Acidic inorganic compounds in solution ( zure anorganische stoffen in oplossing (ph 7) )
2. Alkaline inorganic compounds in solution ( alkalische anorganische stoffen in oplossing (ph>7) ) 3. Halogen-poor organic compounds ( halogeen-arme organische stoffen ) 4. Halogen-rich organic compounds ( halogeen-rijke organische stoffen ) 5. Special waste ( bijzondere afvalstoffen ) 6. Waste with exceptional risk ( afvalstoffen met buitengewone risico s ) 3.5 Laboratory checks 1. End of the day control: each laboratory has to be checked at the end of the day by the lab supervisor or one of its users. This should be noted and signed in the laboratory logbook. You are always responsible for your own experiment and equipment, so take care that you leave everything properly (either turned off or with a suitable permit). 2. Half yearly inspection: the staff of IMC inspects the laboratories half yearly to point out any issues for improvement. 21