• New users must complete hands-on training with a MICC team member before accessing MICC resources.

• To schedule a training session, please contact the MICC team in person or via email at micc@cnc.uc.pt once your samples are ready.

• Additional training sessions are available upon request for users who require further support.

• Training sessions must be conducted exclusively by MICC team members. Users are strictly prohibited from training other users under any circumstances. Violations of this policy will result in the loss of facility privileges for both the trainer and trainee.

1. Reservation Requirements

• A valid reservation in Agendo is mandatory before using any equipment.
• Users must book their own time slots and may not use another user’s account to make reservations.
• Using equipment without a reservation is strictly prohibited.

2. Scheduling Rules

• Reservations can be made up to 15 days in advance, starting at midnight.
• All bookings operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
• During working hours (08:00–20:00), users may book a maximum of 4 hours per day and 12 hours per week per system.
• Reservations for overnight hours (20:00–08:00), weekends, and holidays are unrestricted.

• Exceptions to these rules require prior approval from Luísa Cortes.

3. Cancellation Policy

• Cancellations must be made at least 6 hours before the reserved time. The only exception to this rule is for live cell imaging, which may be cancelled at any time.

4. No-Show and Early Completion

• If a reserved microscope is not in use 1 hour after the reservation start time, and no justification is provided, the equipment will become available to other users.
• If you finish earlier than your scheduled time, notify the next user in the queue and inform the MICC team.

• Unused reservations will be charged at full rate.

5. Sanctions and Exceptions

• Sanctions may apply to users who frequently cancel or fail to use their reserved slots.
• Maintenance or repairs may require cancellation of reservations. While efforts will be made to provide advance notice, immediate cancellations without prior warning may occur when necessary.

1. Access to Facility and Equipment

• Access to facility rooms and equipment calendars will be activated only after the completion of required training sessions.
• Access codes and passwords are personal and must not be shared under any circumstances. Both you and your Principal Investigator will be held accountable for any misuse or unauthorized access involving your credentials.

2. Billing and Fees

• Time on all MICC microscopes is billed. Usage fees are designed to cover the cost of service contracts and general system maintenance.

3. Hardware Protocols

• Users must follow the designated Turn ON and Turn OFF hardware protocols to ensure proper operation and longevity of the equipment.

4. Data Storage

• Local hard disks are not intended for data storage. Users are required to remove their data after each session. Hard disks may be wiped without prior notice.
• Personal USB flash drives are strictly prohibited. Instead, MICC-provided hard drives must be used for data transfer.

5. Room Regulations

• Only lab coats are allowed in the microscope rooms. Gloves are not permitted, as the microscopes are maintained as ‘clean’ equipment.

6. Reporting Issues

• Users must leave all equipment exactly as they found it. If you encounter a problem with a microscope or notice evidence of improper usage, immediately notify the MICC team.

• Users are responsible for cleaning the microscope tables after completing their imaging session.

• Oil Objectives: Users must wipe oil, with lens tissue only.

• Water Immersion Objectives: Rinse in purified water after use. Swirl for 60 seconds, then dry with lens tissue only.

• Fluorescent Lamps:
                Must remain ON for at least 30 minutes and OFF for at least 1 hour.
• Lasers:
                 Must remain ON for at least 45 minutes and OFF for at least 2 hours
                 If the laser will be used again within 2 hours, leave it ON (confirm via the online sign-up)
                 If the laser will not be used again that day, turn it OFF.
                 For Argon lasers: Ensure the fan has completely stopped before shutting down the system to avoid significantly shortening the laser’s lifespan

• Cover the microscopes at the end of the day to protect them from dust and damage.

• Food and drinks are strictly prohibited in the equipment rooms at all times.

• All slides, coverslips, specimens, and other tools must be properly removed, cleaned, or disposed of after use.

• Installing software on facility computers is not allowed.

• Personal activities such as internet browsing or checking email are prohibited.

• Sitting or standing on the air tables is strictly forbidden.

• 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.