To access MICC resources, new users must schedule a hands-on training with one of the MICC team members.
Please contact the MICC team in person or send an email to micc@cnc.uc.pt to schedule a training date when your samples are ready.
Additional training is available for those who want/need it.
Users can schedule training with MICC team only. Users will not train other users under any circumstance. Any violation of this rule will result in forfeit of facility privileges for both parties.
Sign-Up
Sign-up calendar for all the MICC instruments is available through the online booking platform Agendo: https://cnc.agendo.science/. If you are not registered in the booking platform, please do it in the login page.
Before using an equipment, users must have a valid reservation in the booking platform.
Users must always use their own reserved time and should not use another user account to book time in a microscope. Using a microscope without a reservation is strictly prohibited.
You may schedule equipment up to 15 days in advance, starting at midnight.
During working hours (8:00 to 20:00) users are allowed to book a maximum of 4 hours per day (12 hours per week) per system. Overnight (20:00 to 8:00) and weekends/”holidays” booking is not restricted. Exceptions to these rules require approval from Luisa Cortes.
Sign-up is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Once a booking is made, cancellation can only be made until 6h before the booking time. THE ONLY EXCEPTION TO CANCEL AFTER THE 6 HOURS PERIOD IS FOR LIVE CELL IMAGING.
Any reserved microscope not used for 1 hour after the start of the slot, and this without justification, will be available for other users.
If you finish early, contact the next person signed up and the MICC team.
Sanctions will be considered for users accumulating non-used slots and frequent cancelations.
Sign-up slots may be cancelled at any time to schedule needed maintenance or repairs. As much warning as possible will be given, but occasionally, there will be no warning period.
Usage
Access to the facility rooms and the equipment calendars will be activated only upon completion of training sessions. Your access codes and passwords are yours alone and are not to be shared with anyone. You and your P.I. will be held responsible for any use or misuse of the facility via your access codes or passwords.
Time on all MICC microscopes is billed. [Usage fees are based on covering the cost of service contracts and general upkeep on the systems.]
Users should always use the Turn ON and Turn OFF hardware protocols.
The local hard disks are not for data storage. You need to remove your data. The disk might be wiped out without prior warning.
It is strictly forbidden to use your own USB Flash drive, instead MICC hard drives must be used.
Only lab coats are allowed to use in the microscope rooms. Gloves are not permitted because the microscopes are considered ‘clean’.
If you find a problem with a microscope or evidence of incorrect usage, immediately contact the MICC team.
Clean-Up & Shut Down
Users are responsible for cleaning up the microscope tables upon completion of imaging.
Users must wipe oil, with lens tissue only, from all oil objectives used.
Users must rinse water immersion (dipping) objectives in purified water after use. Rinse and swirl for 60 seconds. Dry with lens tissue only.
Users must leave equipment exactly as they have found it.
Fluorescent Lamps and Laser Rules: Fluorescent lamps must be ON for at least 30 minutes and OFF for at least 1 hour. All lasers must be ON for at least 45 minutes and OFF for at least 2 hours! If the laser(s) will be used again in 2 hours or less, leave it on (check online sign-up). If the laser(s) will not be used again that day, turn it off. If you have used the Argon laser, make sure the fan has stopped before shutting down the system,otherwise, the laser life will be drastically shortened!
Microscopes should be covered at end of the day.
General Rules
No food or drink allowed in the equipment rooms at any time.
Slides, coverslips, specimens, and other tools must be removed, cleaned up, or disposed of properly.
No installing software onto the computers. No surfing the internet. No personal email.
No sitting/standing on the air tables.
Emergency
In the event of an emergency (e.g. fire, leaks), please act calmly and ensure your own personal safety first. Shut down all running equipment, cover equipment if possible, and exit the building.
Notify MICC team immediately or phone Luisa Cortes (961353991) and/or call 112.
These rules and regulations are subject to change at any time by the MICC team.