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Have Questions?
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Have questions about electron microprobe analysis? Want to know more about our facility? Send us an e-mail or visit our Contact Us page.
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Notice on Safety Information
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All users of the Electron Microprobe Laboratory are responsible for reading and being familiar with the the information presented here. The Environmental Health and Safety Radiation Protection Division conducts radiation surveys of the lab. The Department of Geology and Geophysics Safety Committee provides oversight over the other aspects of laboratory safety. Any safety issue can be brought to the attention of the lab manager, the departmental safety committee or its head (Rick Knurr, knurr001@umn.edu), or the Environmental Health and Safety Department.
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X-ray and Ionizing Radiation Safety
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Summary of Relevant Information:
Electron microprobes, like SEMs, do not contain radioactive materials. Instead, ionizing radiation, specifically X-rays, are produced when the electron beam is on. This means that the microprobe is Class D X-ray equipment, that is, equipment that produces analytical ionizing radiation. According to University of Minnesota rules, all individuals who wish to use analytical X-ray systems, including electron microscopes, must first review the Radiation Safety Guide for Analytical X-ray System Users, available for download here. Users are shielded from the X-rays by the electron microprobe housing, which reduces user radiation exposure potential to near background levels. No personal radiation dosimeter is necessary for users of electron microprobes, but dosimeters are available for pregnant users, as described below. Radiation exposure measurements of microprobes manufactured since the 1970s have shown that they are well designed and shielded, and the data assure the radiation safety of individuals near the instruments. Only if the shielding is removed or damaged would its operation present a potential exposure risk to users. Removed or damaged sheilding, however, would not hold a vaccum in the microprobe, and the electron beam could not be turned on in that case.
X-ray and Ionizing Radiation Files:
University of Minnesota's Radiation Safety Guide for Analytical X-ray System Users
Minnesota State Rules on Industrial Uses of Ionizing Radiation Producing Equipment
Nuclear Regulatory Commission's Instruction Concerning Risks form Radiation Exposure
Pregnant Lab Users:
Electron microprobes are normally considered safe, but pregnant lab users are entitled to request a dosimeter to monitor their radiation exposure. Dosimeters are provided without charge by Environmental Health and Safey, or one can ask the lab manager for assistance making the request. Information about dosimetry is found in Section V of the Radiation Safety Guide for Analytical X-ray System Users, which is available above. The same information and policies is also available as a separate file here.
Also available here are the University's Declaration of Pregnancy form, Policy on Declared Pregnant Radiation Workers, and the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission's Instructions Concerning Prenatal Radiation Exposure. Please note that lab users are not required to declare pregnancy -- it is voluntary.
Warning Signs:
Do not use the microprobe if you see the following sign:
The signs will be displayed prominently on or near the microprobe:
Failure to comply with the warning signs represents a serious infraction and may result in personal injury (electrical or radiation hazard) and/or serious equipment damage. Anyone who does not comply with the signs will be suspended as a laboratory user due to the seriousness of such an error in judgement.
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Carbon Coater Safety
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Training and Certification:
All carbon coater users must be certified annually by the lab manager. This certification includes safety information about carbon coating. Any carelessness, particuarly with respect to personal safety, will result in a loss of certification, requiring the user to undergo the certification process again. Certifications expire October 31 each year.
Eye Protection:
When the carbon rod is heated during the coating process, it becomes white hot and is as bright as arc welding. A user must use the welding goggles or welding glass plates at this point. In addition to high-intensity visible light, there may also be ultraviolet (UV) and/or infrared (IR) light emitted. Failure to use eye protection will cause damage. Also do not look directly at the arc from any distance when someone else is carbon coating.
Bell Jar Safey:
There is a plexiglass enclosure between the user and the pressurized glass bell jar. This cover helps to protect the bell jar against damage and, more importantly, the user from potential harm via fracture or implosion of the bell jar. Never pump down the bell jar without the implosion guard in place.
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General Laboratory Safety
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Emergencies - Call 911:
-A fire and/or explosion or you see smoke.
-A spill of or exposure to chemical materials or other potentially hazardous substances.
-Someone has been injured or is experiencing some type of medical crisis: watch for symptoms such as uncontrolled bleeding, loss of consciousness, or difficult breathing.
General Emergency Procedure:
-Notify everyone around you of the emergency situation.
-Call 911 -- if calling from a non-University phone, ask for the U dispatcher.
-Administer first aid, if necessary -- a first aid kit is in the NE corner of the lab.
-Evacuate the laboratory or surrounding area, if necessary.
Fire Extinguisher:
A portable fire extinguisher is mounted next to the lab door. If the fire extinguisher is used on a fire when it first starts, it may be easily extinguished or controlled. Only use the extinguisher if a fire is small, if you are knowledgeable in its use, and if it is safe to remain and do so. The lab fire extinguisher is safe to use on Class-A (ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, and textiles), Class-B (flammable liquid and gas), and Class-C (electrical wiring and equipment) fires. The extinguishing agent is nonconductive, so it can be used on electrical equipment in the lab. The lab extinguisher is not safe for Class-D fires (fires involving combustible metals such as magnesium, potassium, etc.).
In Case of Fire or Smoke:
1. Remove or alert anyone in immediate danger.
2. Confine the fire by closing the doors around it.
3. Report the fire to those nearest the laboratory.
4. Pull the nearest alarm box (front entrance on ground floor).
5. Call 911 from the nearest safe telephone.
6. Have someone meet the fire department at the main entrance.
7. Secure the building by shutting all doors as you leave by the nearest safe exit.
8. Use extinguisher if the fire is small, if you are knowledgeable in its use, and if it is safe.
Liquid Nitrogen Safety:
The possibility of cryogenic burns is a danger with liquid nitrogen. Wear goggles whenever pouring nitrogen -- nitrogen can spatter into the eyes. Use gloves to carry and pour the portable nitrogen dewar and to replace the insulted dewar cap. If liquid nitrogen contacts skin or eyes, frozen tissues should be flooded or soaked with tepid water (only about 105-115 F / 41-46 C) -- DO NOT USE HOT WATER. Cryogenic burns that result in blistering or deep tissue freezing should be seen promptly by a physician. If there is a serious problem with the liquid nitrogen tank (i.e., serious leaking, icing up, loud creaking or metal straining noises), contact the lab manager and call the Twin Cities Oxygen emergency response number: 651-628-4848 -- this number is also posted on the laboratory door.
Appropriate personal protection for handling liquid nitrogen.
Chemical Spill Emergency Procedures:
For small chemical spills, there are spill kits in a drawer near the liquid nitrogen tank. These kits include an absorbant material, goggles and other personal protective equipment, brush and dust pan, and a disposal bag. Follow the directions included in the kit. If the chemical spill is large or you are unsure about using a spill kit, call Environmental Health and Safety at 612-626-6002 during working hours or 911 after hours. Give your name, phone number, and location; location of the spill; the name and amount of material spilled; extent of injuries; and safest route to the spill. If necessary, remove contaminated clothing and flush skin or eyes with water for 15 minutes. If anyone has been injured or exposed to toxic chemicals or vapors, call 911 and seek medical attention immediately.
University Policy on Minors:
According to University policy, "children may occasionally visit laboratories for short periods if they are accompanied at all times by an adult who works in the laboratory." This means that minors may only be present when the lab manager or a lab assistant is present. Otherwise, the minor must be a participant in a University-sponsored program, trained in safe lab procedures, be supervised, and have a parental hazard-acknowledgement form on file.
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Content published on this Web Site is copyright the University of Minnesota Regents, the Electron Microprobe Laboratory, and/or the laboratory's users. Some content (particularly analyses and images of specimens) represents the intellectual property of laboratory users. Reproduction or distribution without permission is prohibited. Site content is available for educational and informational uses only, provided that the content is unmodified and that permission is granted by the author and/or the laboratory manager.
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