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More information about EMC instruments can be found on the CNM website

Introduction to the EMC FacilitiesThe EMC is part of the Center for Nanoscale Materials user facility. Since the EMC’s capabilities are not located within the main CNM building, this EMC-specific orientation is required and includes relevant information about CNM policies and procedures. The EMC consists of the following facilities:

Welcome to the EMC101 user orientation course for the Electron Microscopy Center (EMC) at Argonne National Laboratory’s Center for Nanoscale Materials (CNM). The objectives of this course are to:Provide users of EMC resources with location-specific safety and response information.Inform users about CNM policies, procedures, and resources applying to EMC users.Inform users of their obligations as users of an Argonne-managed DOE/BES facility.

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EMC101 – User Orientation Course for the CNM EMC Group

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Sub-Ångstrom Microscopy and Microanalysis Laboratory (SÅMM) houses aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopes (TEMs) in building 216. Analytical Electron Microscope Facility (AEM) in D-wing of building 212.

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In any emergency, dial 9-1-1 from any Argonne telephone (or 630-252-1911 from cell phones) This topic is thoroughly discussed in Argonne’s User Facility Orientation (ESH100U). Reporting Emergencies Without putting yourself at increased risk, you should follow the instruction of the person you speak to while reporting the concern and should stay reasonably near the area. You must notify your process custodian, laboratory supervisor, or scientific contact when you complete your 9-1-1 call. There are no penalties for dialing 9-1-1. Medical Emergencies Dial 9-1-1 in cases of injury, illness, or medial emergency. The Argonne Fire Department will respond and offer transportation to an offsite medical facility. If a user who is not an Argonne employee enters the Argonne Medical Department with an injury, illness, or medical emergency, they will be given minimal treatment, and the medical staff will call the Fire Department for transportation to an offsite medical facility. Users who are not Argonne employees are expected to carry their own health insurance for treatment at offsite medical facilities.

Emergency Information

Responsible for:Supporting implementation of the ESH policies and procedures of Argonne and the CNM’s parent division.Consulting with staff and users on technical safety issues.

Bruce Stockmeier

Responsible for emergency planning/activities in Building 212 and 216.

Environment, Safety, & Health (ESH) Coordinator and Quality Assurance Coordinator for the Nanoscience & Technology Division. Serves as facility safety officer

Daniel McGann

Key safety people are: The telephone numbers for the people listed below are posted near each telephone.

Name

Title

Principal ESH and User Safety Manager and Quality Assurance Representative for the Nanoscience and Technology Division Serves as facility safety officer

Function

Responsible for:Supporting implementation of Argonne ESH policies and proceduresFormulating ES&H policies and procedures for CNM's parent divisionConsulting with staff and users on technical safety issues.

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Alternate Area Emergency Supervisor (AES)

If you hear the alarm, move away from the sound and assemble in the E-Wing Filter Storage Room (E-107) near the E-wing loading dock for personnel accountability.

Local Evacuation

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Fire, explosion, or other emergency.

Evacuation Procedures and Audible Alarms

Loss of radiation shielding in the Alpha Gamma Hot Cell Facility.

Signal Type

High Gamma Radiation Field

Action Required

Signal Sound

Loud steady bell accompanied by strobe lights and a public announcement to evacuate.

While in buildings 212 and 216, you might hear either of two audible emergency alarms. The table below describes these audible alarms and the actions you are to take in response to each. These are in addition to the site-wide alarms that are discussed in course ESH100U.

Leave the building using routes to the north and west. Do not enter other wings of the building. Go to the Cafeteria (Building 213). Ensure that an EMC group member is aware that you have reported to the assembly point.

Cause

Loud steady horn in building 212 F-wing.

Tornado Sheltering and Emergencies

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Emergency exercisesTornado drills and evacuation drills are required annually. Tornado drills are conducted in the spring and evacuation drills are conducted in the fall. If you are present in the buildings at the time of the drills, you must participate. Your actions should mimic actual emergencies.

When a tornado warning is announced by the site-wide public address (PA) system, you should use corridors and stairways – not the elevator – to make your way to the nearest designated tornado shelter. Shelters are on the first/ground floor. Building 212: Corridor C10 (closest shelter for the AEM facility)Rooms G166 and H100 (don't use unless you happen to be in the immediate area)Building 216:Room A106The building drawings that follow depict the location of these shelters, identifying them using green highlighting. The actual locations have signs that say “Tornado Shelter.”In the event of a tornado, please reduce risks to others by ensuring Argonne knows where you are. If in building 212, find and stay with an EMC group member.In building 216, follow the posted instructions in A106 for shelter and reporting your presence.

Elevator gate

Compressed gas cylinders

Cryogenic liquids

Cryogenic liquids Cryogenic hazards include portable dewars of liquid nitrogen and liquid helium that may be found throughout the building. Also, there are large outside storage tanks for liquid nitrogen on the east side of the building.

Controlled areas Radiologically controlled areas include, but are not limited to, the AGHCF, E109, and DL114. The topic of controlled areas is covered in Argonne’s User Facility Orientation (ESH100U).

Each EMC laboratory is posted with a list of the hazards present in that particular room.The range of hazards present in the building 212 is very broad. EMC users should minimize their potential exposure to hazards by confining themselves to the EMC areas, the main corridors, and general access areas. Do not enter non-EMC laboratories unless you are escorted by the supervisors of those laboratories. Hazards in building 212 include: (Click each item below to learn more)

Alpha Gamma Hot Cell Facility (AGHCF) This complex, located in F-Wing of building 212, is a Category 3 Hazard Nuclear Facility and is governed by specific and strict DOE Orders and Federal Regulations. Do not enter this facility.

Compressed gas cylinders Compressed gas cylinders are located on the E-wing loading dock and throughout the building.

Controlled areas

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Elevator gate Building 212 has a freight elevator in E-wing that is used extensively. The elevator gate will close automatically, from the top. A warning alarm will sound beforehand; but you want to make sure you are not in the way. The gate closes rapidly. It has a pressure-sensing strip at the bottom to reverse direction; but that is the safety barrier of last resort. DO NOT STAND STILL IN THE DOOR OPENING. NEVER TRY TO “BEAT” THE DOOR ONCE THE WARNING ALARM SOUNDS.

Hazards

Alpha Gamma Hot Cell Facility (AGHCF)

Sanctions

User Work Approval (UWA) consists of:A definition of approved workA description of hazardsRequired hazard controlsUser acknowledgements and facility approvals.The first section of a User Work Approval (UWA) consists of a description of your proposed (and CNM-approved) research and a list of standard operating procedures (SOPs), incorporated by reference, that should enable you to perform the work reliably and safely.Each SOP warns about hazards directly related to the activity covered by the SOP.Each SOP specifies actions to be taken to protect against hazards to personnel and equipment that arise during the conduct of work covered in the SOP.All user activity must conform to SOPs listed in the UWA. The second section lists hazards not well covered in the SOPs. The third section specifies hazard controls not well covered in the SOPs. In the fourth section, users agree to follow all written User Guides, SOPs, posted notices, and verbal instructions of EMC group members regarding laboratory practices and instrument operation. If uncertain about the safe and appropriate operation of an instrument, you must consult with the EMC group.

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Sanctions Failure to follow appropriate procedures and instructions may result in termination of user privileges. Users may be charged for costs associated with repair or replacement of equipment resulting from misuse and/or abuse.

Modifications to Approved Work

Modifications to Approved Work The CNM and EMC understand that plans may change in a research environment. If you want to add personnel or processes to your approved work package (UWA), inform your scientific contact. Such needs can generally be accommodated if they are consistent with approved work as described in the summary work description of the UWA. A revised UWA will be issued based on the requested changes.

User Work Approval (UWA) Records

Proposals that are allocated time on an EMC instrument must have a signed CNM User Work Approval in place prior to the start of work. Click each item below to learn more.

User Work Approval (UWA) Content

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Categories of Users

Categories of Users Trainees (people being trained to operate electron microscopes) and Assisted Users (people who will need others to operate a microscope) work under the direct supervision of an EMC group member, an instrument Operator, or an EMC-approved instrument User.Operators may use instruments during all hours, including nights and weekends, and may serve as supervisors to Trainees. Operator status requires demonstration of a high degree of proficiency and authorization from the responsible EMC staff member. Requirements for attaining Operator status will be made available upon request. Other instrument-specific privileges of Users and Operators can be found on the Lists of Qualified Operators & Users that are posted on the microscope laboratory doors.

Laboratory Attire The following attire is not permitted in laboratory space:ShortsSleeveless shirtsSandals or open-toed shoesThe EMC will provide you with a disposable lab coat, which should not be worn outside the laboratory wing. Do not bring your own lab coat.The EMC provides approved safety glasses and splash goggles; however, you may use your own safety glasses or goggles if they satisfy ANSI Z87 requirements.

Key Personnel Scientific Contact The CNM assigns a staff scientific contact to each user proposal. The scientific contact’s responsibilities include, introducing you to persons who will support the conduct of your work, ensuring that you get an adequate orientation to the facilities in which you will work and the User Work Approval (UWA) for your project, and facilitating needed revisions to the UWA for your work.Process Custodian The process custodians have responsibility for managing equipment, training users, and authorizing your work for individual processes. You should contact them if you have technical questions about the process. They are identified in the SOPs. Laboratory Supervisor The laboratory supervisor is responsible for maintaining their laboratory space, maintaining “common” equipment, and ensuring needed supplies are in stock. You should report problems with any laboratory, including low supply levels, to the assigned laboratory supervisor.

Training Requirements (scroll through to view) Required Core Training The required training for the EMC consists of the following courses:EMC101, EMC Users Orientation (this course); required annuallyESH100U, ANL User Facility Orientation (for non-Argonne employeesESH223U, Cyber Security Program Training (or ESH223 for Argonne employees); required annuallyESH377, Electrical Safety Awareness (only required of Argonne employees)ESH574, Chemical Waste Generator (only required of Argonne employees who generate hazardous wastes or waste oils while using EMC resources)Instrument Training Procedures Prior to being provided training on instruments, prospective users must complete the EMC core curriculum, complete other required Argonne courses, and sign the User Work Approvals (UWA) that are pertinent to their work prior to instrument training.Each prospective TEM/SEM user must participate in an initial instrument-specific training session given by an EMC group member. The prospective user then becomes a Trainee and may operate the instrument only under the direct supervision of an Operator or an EMC-approved User while gaining proficiency. When the supervising Operator or User is satisfied that the Trainee could pass a qualifying examination, an appointment should be made with the responsible EMC staff member to observe the Trainee. If the EMC staff member is satisfied that the Trainee demonstrates adequate proficiency, the person is granted instrument User status. Each instrument has different requirements concerning what "proficiency" means. Those requirements will be made clear to Trainees.

Computing Facilities

Reserving Time on Instrument Calendars Users and Operators of particular instruments are allowed to login to on-line instrument calendars (with a few exceptions) for the purpose of reserving time on those instruments.

General User Information

Click each item below to learn more.

Laboratory Attire

Key Personnel

Training Requirements

Computing Facilities The EMC provides resources for image processing and analysis, including commercial software for image simulation and modeling. It also has software for off-line processing of EELS and EDXS data that is acquired on its instruments.

Reserving Time on Instrument Calendars

Specimen Preparation Facilities

The EMC maintains an array of specimen preparation capabilities that are available to all users. While individuals are generally expected to carry out their own specimen preparation, EMC group members are available for consultation (expertise and guidance only). The EMC Specimen Preparation Laboratory (room DL126, building 212) is used for the preparation of specimens for FIB, TEM, SEM, and light microscopy in EMC.Before researchers start any work in DL126, they must: Consult with the laboratory supervisor.Read and sign their UWA including specimen preparation work.Read the User's Guide to the EMC Specimen Preparation Laboratory. The Guide summarizes the lab practices, including the use of personal protective equipment, that are required of laboratory users.

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Acknowledge the use of these resources in all of your publications and presentations using the following words: "Use of the Center for Nanoscale Materials, including resources in the Electron Microscopy Center, was supported by the U. S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, under Contract No. DE-AC02-06CH11357.”Report all publications resulting from work at the CNM’s EMC to the CNM User Office.Acknowledge EMC staff. EMC staff frequently make major contributions to the research of users through planning and execution of experiments, analysis and interpretation of data, or through collaboration and assistance in the research. Users are expected to appropriately acknowledge and/or include EMC staff members as co-authors.The CNM asks users each September to participate in the Department of Energy's User Satisfaction Mini-Survey. This survey is transmitted via email.Complete an end-of-project survey to provide feedback. This survey is also provided via email to the PI.Contribute a two-page User Activity Highlight upon completion of the project. The template will be provided by the CNM.Be aware that certain information including your name, institutional affiliation, and project title will be publicly disseminated in the DOE Office of Science user facility user projects database at http://science.energy.gov at the end of the fiscal year.Be aware that you will have 30 days from your UWA expiration date to copy or move electronic data to non-CNM-owned equipment.

Other User Obligations

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Contact systems A telephone contact system is not required to work alone in the EMC.

Working alone during normal working hours (07:00-17:30, Monday-Friday) Microscope Users and Operators may work alone in the electron microscope rooms. Microscope Trainees may not work alone: a supervising User must be present. Persons who are authorized to work in the Specimen Preparation Laboratory may work alone according to their work control documents.

Working alone during normal working hours

Sign-in/out sheet Creates another level of safety for off-hours workers in the AEM facility by providing emergency responders with their names and locations. The sheet is located just inside the double entrance doors to D128, the lobby of the AEM facility. Off-hours workers are to record when they arrive and when they leave by signing the EMC Off-Hours Sign-In/Out Sheet.

Activities forbidden by those working alone EMC forbids working alone in EMC laboratories when:Mixing corrosives (acids and bases) to form a working solution.Working with liquid helium.

Sign-in/out sheet

Forbidden activities

Definition of "working alone"

Laboratory Closure and Maintenance Periods The CNM prohibits its employees and users from working on-site when Argonne management has closed the Laboratory in response to holidays, inclement weather or emergencies affecting the site.Maintenance Periods In order to ensure CNM reliability and minimize negative impacts on availability to users, the facility has consolidated maintenance into three one-week maintenance periods per year. Some laboratories or capabilities may be closed during these periods; notices will be sent in advance but you are advised to contact your CNM/EMC scientific contact before scheduling a visit during these periods. The specific dates for these periods, which are used to perform preventive maintenance on the scientific instruments and the facility’s operating infrastructure systems, are listed on the CNM website and are announced via the user community email distribution list.

Contact systems

Working-alone Policy for the Electron Microscopy Center

Working alone during off-hours (night & early morning, weekends, holidays) Only microscope Operators (not Users or Trainees) may work alone in the electron microscope rooms off-hours. Persons who want to work off-hours in the EMC Specimen Preparation Laboratory DL126 must first demonstrate safe laboratory practices to the Laboratory Supervisor for each piece of equipment and must follow the SOP. To gain access to building 212 to use the EMC off-hours, you must ask the Building Manager, Tim Keen (2-2425), to activate your badge for off-hours access. If you do not have a picture badge, you will need to ask the Building Manager for a building pass. The use of a sign-in/out sheet is also required.

Lab Closure and Maintenance Periods

Working alone during off-hours

Definition of "working alone" Argonne considers working alone "a situation in which a worker is not in the immediate proximity of others, cannot be seen or heard by another person, and contact with another worker is unlikely." This situation may happen during normal working hours as well as off-hours. Persons who use the EMC Specimen Preparation Laboratories may be in this situation as well as those who use electron microscopes.

The following explains who may work alone in the EMC laboratories and under what circumstances. Although you may have permission by EMC to work alone, it is a good idea to make sure that someone always knows where you are working. Click each item below to learn more.

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Floor Plans of Buildings 216 and 212

This section contains floor plans for building 216, the ground floor of building 212, and the EMC facilities within building 212. Click each link to view the plans. Note these areas that are marked on the 216 and 212 floor plans: Building and facility exits are marked on the floor plans with red stars.The tornado shelter areas are colored green.Note these additional areas that are marked on the 212 floor plan:The yellow dot in the C10 corridor near room DS101A shows the most likely location of EMC group members during a tornado. It is the area users are expected to assemble when a warning is issued.The Alpha Gamma Hot Cell Facility (AGHCF) is colored blue.The EMC facilities are colored red.

Exam

Exam

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This concludes EMC101 Users Orientation Course for the EMC You will now be directed to the learning measurement exercise. Please click the Exam button to proceed.