QUT

To implement the recommendations of a recent internal auditor’s report, QUT users need to provide an account code against which any internal costs can be debited. This must be done prior to use of the AEMF facilities. No money is debited unless there is a charge incurred.

To use the AEMF (for QUT staff and students)

1. First consult with AEMF staff about the microscopy and microanalysis you may need. They can help you design your experimental procedures and give you an estimate of the expected costs/charges, if any, associated with the work.
2. At this initial meeting, new users/projects will be assigned a trained contact person who will be responsible for all the training and supervision of the new user. This staff member will work with the new user until they are considered to be sufficiently capable and confident of operating the instrument solo.
3. New users will be asked to:
   1. Complete a pre–numbered AEMF Internal Requisition Form, which can be obtained from the Administration Officer, or from other AEMF staff.
      • This form requires you (or a supervisor) to provide an account code.
      • The requisition form has to be signed by an authorised person within your School before work can proceed.
      • If any costs are debited from the account, you will be sent a statement at the end of the month showing the charges, the account balance, and details of the journal transfer. In addition, AEMF staff will be able to check the remaining balance at any time through the AEMF web site Accounts).
   2. Complete a Sample Record Form (PDF / DOC) to comply with Health and Safety requirements
   3. Read and comply with the AEMF General Rules for the Laboratory (PDF / DOC) and the Laboratory Procedures document (PDF / DOC).
   4. Attend a short Health and Safety Induction prior to working in the AEMF/XAF.

The AEMF staff are responsible for training in basic instrument operation. Users must not show others how to operate any of the unit’s facilities unless prior arrangements have been made with AEMF staff. This applies to all equipment within the AEMF. Failure to comply with this system will result in access to the Facility being withdrawn.

You normally will not be able to book an instrument for more than two working days (or equivalent time) in any one week. Further restrictions may apply to specific instruments during periods of high usage.

Please note that the AEMF does not charge staff and postgraduate students from QUT (or from Griffith University) for EM instrument time. To view the charges that do relate to QUT/GU users please refer to Services and Charges on our web site.

As most of the instrumentation in the AEMF is now digital, your images and spectra can be stored in digital format and written to a CD, DVD, USB or transferred by the network to a computer within your area. The TEMs still require photographic film. A good quality transparency scanner is available in the AEMF for scanning TEM negatives.