EM User policy

  This Electron Microscopy (EM) User Policy outlines the operational protocols, safety expectations, and responsibilities of all users accessing the Nanoscopy Science Center (NSC) EM facility at Kuwait University. The purpose of this document is to ensure safe, efficient, and fair use of the center’s high-end microscopy equipment by both internal and external researchers.

2. User Registration and Booking Forms

All prospective users must complete and submit a user registration and booking form prior to utilizing any facility service. These are categorized as follows:

• Application form link 

Completed forms must be submitted to the NSC administration for approval before any equipment booking.

3. Booking an Appointment & Appointment Hours

Booking Platform:

Slot booking must be made via the official Nanoscopy Science Center Booking Portal [Insert link or system name here]. Bookings made through unofficial channels will not be honored.

Booking Policy:

• Equipment bookings are subject to approval based on the facility's operational schedule and resource availability.
• Each user is required to arrive within 15 minutes of the scheduled start time. This is referred to as the "turn-up time".
• If a user anticipates being late, they must contact the technical staff immediately via phone or email.
• Failure to arrive within the turn-up window without prior notice will result in cancellation of the slot, and it may be reassigned to another user.
• Repeated no-shows may lead to booking restrictions or temporary suspension of facility access.

4. Priority of Work

Work priority is assigned as follows:

1. Kuwait University internal research projects (graduate/postgraduate theses, funded projects)
2. Collaborative research with other institutions
3. External users (private sector, governmental or non-governmental entities)

In special cases, emergency or time-sensitive projects may be prioritized at the discretion of the NSC management.

5. Safety Regulations & Laboratory Conduct

In accordance with Kuwait University's Environmental Health & Safety regulations and Kuwait Public Authority for Industry (PAI) laboratory safety standards, all users must comply with the following:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is mandatory in designated lab areas.
• Users must undergo mandatory EM safety and operational training before gaining access to the facility.
• No hazardous, radioactive, or biohazardous samples may be brought into the facility without prior approval and safety documentation.
• Emergency procedures (fire, chemical spill, equipment failure) must be strictly followed as per NSC safety manual.

Any breach of safety protocols may result in immediate suspension of access.

6. Level of Liability

All work undertaken by the Nanoscopy Science Center is performed with the utmost care and to the highest professional standards. However, users must understand:

• Due to the complex nature of electron microscopy, results are not always consistent or predictable.
• NSC staff will execute work based on the information and instruction provided by the user. Any misinterpretation or lack of clarity is not the responsibility of the facility.
• NSC and its personnel are not liable for delays, loss, or damage to specimens caused by:
  • Equipment malfunction
  • Inadequate user instructions
  • Sample preparation issues
  • Delays in external supplies or logistics
  • Circumstances beyond reasonable control (force majeure)

7. Acknowledgment and Attribution

Users must acknowledge the Nanoscopy Science Center in all publications, presentations, and reports that utilize data or images obtained from the facility. Suggested acknowledgment format:

“Electron microscopy data was acquired at the Nanoscopy Science Center, Kuwait University.”