SDSS Sample Preparation Laboratory

Training and Safety

All users must receive training by the Laboratory Manager only, not by a peer, advisor, or other staff member. The laboratory rooms contain hazardous machinery and chemicals. The Sample Prep Lab is concerned with safety and minimizing sample cross-contamination. Training is a multi-step process, outlined below. 

  • STARS Online Training
  • Document Review
  • SPL New User Request Form
  • In Person Lab Safety Training
  • In Person Equipment Training 

Complete training in advance of your project start date to accommodate time for the training process. For quick questions, reach out to the Laboratory Manager.

STARS Online Training: 

Laboratory users must complete online training via Stanford Axess STARS learning courses. Register for STARS courses via the Stanford Axess Portal. PDFs of Certificates of Completion must be submitted to the Laboratory Manager (via the SPL New User Request Form) for the following courses:

  • General Safety & Emergency Preparedness (EHS-4200)
  • Chemical Safety for Laboratories (EHS-1900)

Document Review: 

All laboratory personnel are required to review the Stanford University Chemical Hygiene Plan as well as SPL specific rules and expectations prior to scheduling a laboratory specific safety training with the Laboratory Manager. For document review, please follow the links below: 

The Sample Prep Lab Manual also contains safety and OSHA employee documents for laboratory users for optional review. 

SPL New User Request Form: 

Following review of the documents listed above and completion of the STARS courses, new users should complete the SPL New User Request Form to request access of the lab spaces and complete in person training with the Laboratory Manager. The Laboratory Manager will review the form and reach out to the user to schedule in person training as soon as is possible. 

In Person Lab Safety Training: 

As the SPL is comprised of four different lab spaces, each space requires a separate safety training. All laboratory personnel must attend the safety training for the designated room they will work in prior to gaining ID card access. The lab room specific safety training will educate users on specific hazards, appropriate personal protective equipment, and emergency procedures specific to that room. The user must complete and sign the Certificate of Awareness and PPE assessment before they can commence work in the lab.  

In Person Equipment Training: 

Laboratory users are required to complete an equipment specific training. Even if a laboratory user has past experience with a piece of equipment or procedure, they must complete equipment training as SOPs may differ between various institutions and facilities. Failure or refusal to complete these training sessions will result in denial of or loss of access to the laboratory room.

Completion of the training does not necessarily guarantee access to the equipment. During the training, the Laboratory Manager will be assessing the laboratory user’s ability to perform the tasks carefully, attention to cross contamination, and their concern with safety. If the Laboratory Manager feels that the user is not ready to work on a piece of equipment, the Laboratory Manager has every right to refuse that laboratory user access to the equipment, chemical, or space. 

Following completion of the above training requirements, the user should request ID card access to the designated lab room and the Laboratory Manager will grant the user reservation permission on iLab. Please see the Access tab for more information. 

Rock Crushing Equipment Medical Testing:

At present, the rock crushing equipment (BICO Braun jaw crusher and BICO Braun disc mill) produce high levels of silica dust. As a result, laboratory users interested in rock crushing must complete additional steps with EH&S per CalOSHA rules:

  • Complete medical questionnaire
  • Fulfill medical clearance appointment
  • Attend respirator fit test
  • Complete respirator use training & quiz

Laboratory users interested in rock crushing must wear dust respirators (‘rubber’, with P100 cartridge) at all times when rock crushing. Please reach out to the Stanford University Occupational Health Center at (650) 725-5308 to schedule the medical clearance and Stanford Environmental Health & Safety at (650) 723-0448 to perform the respirator fit test and training.