Re: Protecting microscopes from salt

[Arvydas Matiukas]

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
*****

Dear Core Managers and Directors,


This spring I asked about protecting microscopes from dust/dirt,
and got some useful suggestions (included at the end).


Now at Upstate New York winter is starting with quite some snow
accumulating (8 foot as recently in Buffalo is an exception :). Along
with the snow there goes SALT, which sticks to to the shoes and is
quite efficiently transported inside the building, and to some extent to
microscopy rooms, and eventually may get  on the optics.


The big question is how to prevent the road/sidewalk sprayed salt
from being actively transported to the microscopy rooms? I wonder
how efficient the Craig suggested sticky mat would be on large salt
grains. After discussion at the Microscopy Committee we  decided
 during the winter (i.e. salt spraying ) season to request the Core users
to put on disposable shoe covers (as used in surgery rooms, priced
at 5 cent). Please share your experience on these or similar measures.


Additionally please advise on the posting that should be polite and would
not turn away the users, however, at the same time would  clearly and strictly request putting on shoe covers before entering the microscopy rooms.


Thanks,
Arvydas






****************************
previous suggestions regarding general dust/dirt included below
***********************************
Subject:Re: Managing multiple usersFrom:Craig Brideau <[log in to unmask]>Reply-To:Confocal Microscopy List <[log in to unmask]>Date:Thu, 27 Mar 2014 16:54:32 -0600Content-Type:text/plain
I use the 3M Clean Walk mat:http://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=2862http://www.grainger.com/product/3M-Clean-Walk-Mat-2GJJ4It helps somewhat, but you have to remember to peel off fresh sheets fairlyfrequently.Craig BrideauOn Thu, Mar 27, 2014 at 4:19 PM, Cromey, Douglas W - (dcromey)  wrote:>> Regarding the sticky mats, you could ask the histology lab in a nearby> hospital.  Many use them to keep the paraffin wax from being tracked out of> the lab and creating a hallway slipping hazard.>> Doug>> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^> Douglas W. Cromey, M.S. - Associate Scientific Investigator> Dept. of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona> 1501 N. Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ  85724-5044 USA>> office:  AHSC 4212         email: [hidden email]> voice:  520-626-2824       fax:  [phone]>> http://swehsc.pharmacy.arizona.edu/micro> Home of: "Microscopy and Imaging Resources on the WWW">> UA Microscopy Alliance -  http://microscopy.arizona.eduArvydas Matiukas, Ph.D.
Director of Confocal&Two-Photon Imaging Core Facility
Department of Neuroscience and Physiology
SUNY Upstate Medical University
>>> -----Original Message-----> From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]]> On Behalf Of Arvydas Matiukas> Sent: Thursday, March 27, 2014 3:16 PM> To: [hidden email]> Finally, to fight dust/dirt we consider requiring to change shoes before> entering the confocal rooms, and placing sticky/static mats outside (to> trap dust from footwear). Maybe somebody is using such mats and can advise> on the brand/model.>>> Arvydas Matiukas, Ph.D.> Director of Confocal&Two-Photon Core> SUNY Upstate Medical University> Neuroscience & Physiology Dept>> Room 4607 IHP> 505 Irving Ave> Syracuse, NY 13210> Tel.: [phone]> Fax: [phone]> Email: [hidden email]>

[Indig, Fred (NIH/NIA/IRP) [E]]

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
*****

Dear Arvydas,

Some facilities use sticky mats before the doorway, like those that radioactive rooms have.
I don't know how efficient they are but it would help.

Best, Fred

Fred E. Indig, Ph.D.
Head, Confocal Imaging Facility
Biomedical Research Center (BRC), Room 8B135
National Institute on Aging, NIH
251 Bayview Blvd
Baltimore, MD 21224-6825

Tel. [phone]
Fax. [phone]
[hidden email]

________________________________________
From: Arvydas Matiukas [[hidden email]]
Sent: Monday, December 08, 2014 8:33 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: Protecting microscopes from salt

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
*****

Dear Core Managers and Directors,


This spring I asked about protecting microscopes from dust/dirt,
and got some useful suggestions (included at the end).


Now at Upstate New York winter is starting with quite some snow
accumulating (8 foot as recently in Buffalo is an exception :). Along
with the snow there goes SALT, which sticks to to the shoes and is
quite efficiently transported inside the building, and to some extent to
microscopy rooms, and eventually may get  on the optics.


The big question is how to prevent the road/sidewalk sprayed salt
from being actively transported to the microscopy rooms? I wonder
how efficient the Craig suggested sticky mat would be on large salt
grains. After discussion at the Microscopy Committee we  decided
 during the winter (i.e. salt spraying ) season to request the Core users
to put on disposable shoe covers (as used in surgery rooms, priced
at 5 cent). Please share your experience on these or similar measures.


Additionally please advise on the posting that should be polite and would
not turn away the users, however, at the same time would  clearly and strictly request putting on shoe covers before entering the microscopy rooms.


Thanks,
Arvydas






****************************
previous suggestions regarding general dust/dirt included below
***********************************
Subject:Re: Managing multiple usersFrom:Craig Brideau <[log in to unmask]>Reply-To:Confocal Microscopy List <[log in to unmask]>Date:Thu, 27 Mar 2014 16:54:32 -0600Content-Type:text/plain
I use the 3M Clean Walk mat:http://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=2862http://www.grainger.com/product/3M-Clean-Walk-Mat-2GJJ4It helps somewhat, but you have to remember to peel off fresh sheets fairlyfrequently.Craig BrideauOn Thu, Mar 27, 2014 at 4:19 PM, Cromey, Douglas W - (dcromey)  wrote:>> Regarding the sticky mats, you could ask the histology lab in a nearby> hospital.  Many use them to keep the paraffin wax from being tracked out of> the lab and creating a hallway slipping hazard.>> Doug>> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^> Douglas W. Cromey, M.S. - Associate Scientific Investigator> Dept. of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona> 1501 N. Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ  85724-5044 USA>> office:  AHSC 4212         email: [hidden email]> voice:  520-626-2824       fax:  [phone]>> http://swehsc.pharmacy.arizona.edu/micro> Home of: "Microscopy and Imaging Resources on the WWW">> UA Microscopy Alliance -  http://microscopy.arizona.eduArvydas Matiukas, Ph.D.
Director of Confocal&Two-Photon Imaging Core Facility
Department of Neuroscience and Physiology
SUNY Upstate Medical University
>>> -----Original Message-----> From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]]> On Behalf Of Arvydas Matiukas> Sent: Thursday, March 27, 2014 3:16 PM> To: [hidden email]> Finally, to fight dust/dirt we consider requiring to change shoes before> entering the confocal rooms, and placing sticky/static mats outside (to> trap dust from footwear). Maybe somebody is using such mats and can advise> on the brand/model.>>> Arvydas Matiukas, Ph.D.> Director of Confocal&Two-Photon Core> SUNY Upstate Medical University> Neuroscience & Physiology Dept>> Room 4607 IHP> 505 Irving Ave> Syracuse, NY 13210> Tel.: [phone]> Fax: [phone]> Email: [hidden email]>

[Craig Brideau]

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
*****

The sticky mats I mentioned are good for small particles, but big chunks of
mud and grit won't always be stopped by them. For muddy or salt crusted
footware, a boot scrubber, rug, and sticky mat will help in that order. The
boot scrubber is a block with strategically placed brushes that you rub the
boot against, which should take off the biggest particles. Then wipe your
feet on the mat, hopefully drying the bottom off a bit, followed by the
sticky mat.
If your users will put up with it, paper over booties really help. You want
to put them on as you step off the sticky mat into the room. Lift a foot
off the mat, slip the paper cover over the boot, then place your foot on
the floor. Repeat with the other foot. Just don't step on the mat with the
cover on or it will be pulled off your foot.

Craig
On Dec 8, 2014 6:44 AM, "Indig, Fred (NIH/NIA/IRP) [E]" <
[hidden email]> wrote:

> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
> *****
>
> Dear Arvydas,
>
> Some facilities use sticky mats before the doorway, like those that
> radioactive rooms have.
> I don't know how efficient they are but it would help.
>
> Best, Fred
>
> Fred E. Indig, Ph.D.
> Head, Confocal Imaging Facility
> Biomedical Research Center (BRC), Room 8B135
> National Institute on Aging, NIH
> 251 Bayview Blvd
> Baltimore, MD 21224-6825
>
> Tel. [phone]
> Fax. [phone]
> [hidden email]
>
> ________________________________________
> From: Arvydas Matiukas [[hidden email]]
> Sent: Monday, December 08, 2014 8:33 AM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: Protecting microscopes from salt
>
> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
> *****
>
> Dear Core Managers and Directors,
>
>
> This spring I asked about protecting microscopes from dust/dirt,
> and got some useful suggestions (included at the end).
>
>
> Now at Upstate New York winter is starting with quite some snow
> accumulating (8 foot as recently in Buffalo is an exception :). Along
> with the snow there goes SALT, which sticks to to the shoes and is
> quite efficiently transported inside the building, and to some extent to
> microscopy rooms, and eventually may get  on the optics.
>
>
> The big question is how to prevent the road/sidewalk sprayed salt
> from being actively transported to the microscopy rooms? I wonder
> how efficient the Craig suggested sticky mat would be on large salt
> grains. After discussion at the Microscopy Committee we  decided
>  during the winter (i.e. salt spraying ) season to request the Core users
> to put on disposable shoe covers (as used in surgery rooms, priced
> at 5 cent). Please share your experience on these or similar measures.
>
>
> Additionally please advise on the posting that should be polite and would
> not turn away the users, however, at the same time would  clearly and
> strictly request putting on shoe covers before entering the microscopy
> rooms.
>
>
> Thanks,
> Arvydas
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ****************************
> previous suggestions regarding general dust/dirt included below
> ***********************************
> Subject:Re: Managing multiple usersFrom:Craig Brideau <[log in to
> unmask]>Reply-To:Confocal Microscopy List <[log in to unmask]>Date:Thu, 27
> Mar 2014 16:54:32 -0600Content-Type:text/plain
> I use the 3M Clean Walk mat:
> http://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=2862http://www.grainger.com/product/3M-Clean-Walk-Mat-2GJJ4It
> helps somewhat, but you have to remember to peel off fresh sheets
> fairlyfrequently.Craig BrideauOn Thu, Mar 27, 2014 at 4:19 PM, Cromey,
> Douglas W - (dcromey)  wrote:>> Regarding the sticky mats, you could ask
> the histology lab in a nearby> hospital.  Many use them to keep the
> paraffin wax from being tracked out of> the lab and creating a hallway
> slipping hazard.>> Doug>>
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^> Douglas W.
> Cromey, M.S. - Associate Scientific Investigator> Dept. of Cellular &
> Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona> 1501 N. Campbell Ave, Tucson,
> AZ  85724-5044 USA>> office:  AHSC 4212         email: [hidden email]>
> voice:  520-626-2824       fax:  [phone]>>
> http://swehsc.pharmacy.arizona.edu/micro> Home of: "Microscopy and
> Imaging Resources on the WWW">> UA Microscopy Alliance -
> http://microscopy.arizona.eduArvydas Matiukas, Ph.D.
> Director of Confocal&Two-Photon Imaging Core Facility
> Department of Neuroscience and Physiology
> SUNY Upstate Medical University
> >>> -----Original Message-----> From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:
> [hidden email]]> On Behalf Of Arvydas Matiukas> Sent:
> Thursday, March 27, 2014 3:16 PM> To: [hidden email]>
> Finally, to fight dust/dirt we consider requiring to change shoes before>
> entering the confocal rooms, and placing sticky/static mats outside (to>
> trap dust from footwear). Maybe somebody is using such mats and can advise>
> on the brand/model.>>> Arvydas Matiukas, Ph.D.> Director of
> Confocal&Two-Photon Core> SUNY Upstate Medical University> Neuroscience &
> Physiology Dept>> Room 4607 IHP> 505 Irving Ave> Syracuse, NY 13210> Tel.:
> 315-464-7997> Fax: [phone]> Email: [hidden email]>
>

[TSwayne]

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
*****


Dear Arvydas,

Regarding polite reminders for users, I find it's useful to focus on what they want and need. Usually this boils down to 1) access to the equipment and 2) affordable fees.

As we managers & directors all know, damage to optics can put equipment out of commission for months and cost thousands of dollars.  So I would stress that keeping corrosive salts out of the room ensures that the equipment stays in excellent condition, and avoids costly and time-consuming repairs that could delay everyone's experiments.

I also find that some users will ignore the signs, no matter how carefully worded. Some will not get into a new habit without frequent reinforcement. To help with this, make it virtually impossible for people to get in the door without noticing the box of booties.  You should probably check in frequently at first to make sure that people are actually putting them on. If someone is sitting at a microscope without booties on because they "forgot", bring them a pair. That way you can be helpful while sending the unspoken message that this is a serious policy.

Hope this helps (and I hope your winter is an easy one from now on),

Theresa


On Dec 8, 2014, at 8:33 AM, Arvydas Matiukas <[hidden email]<mailto:[hidden email]>> wrote:

...
Additionally please advise on the posting that should be polite and would
not turn away the users, however, at the same time would  clearly and strictly request putting on shoe covers before entering the microscopy rooms.



------------------------------------
Please note: My email address has changed to [hidden email]<http://columbia.edu>.

Theresa Swayne, Ph.D.
Associate Research Scientist
Manager, Confocal and Specialized Microscopy Shared Resource
Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University
1130 Saint Nicholas Ave, 222A
New York, NY 10032

212-851-4613

[hidden email]<mailto:[hidden email]>
http://hiccc.columbia.edu/research/sharedresources/confocal

[David Strachan]

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
*****

Dear Arvydas,

Plastic overshoes, even if you get people to wear them, are not great as they frequently rip , tear, and can catch on chair wheels etc thereby making them very ineffectual. It would be best to exchange outdoor shoes for indoor shoes but this has its own problems in good practice at the changeover areas and having clean shoes available for external users or service engineers.  If you are serious about cleanliness of footwear in the microscope labs perhaps you could google "clean room boot" and you will find images of the type of footwear used in clean rooms. These are useful as they go over the top of users own shoes and so are easy to deploy. Care and good practice in the changeover area should still be exercised, use of a pass over bench for instance.

Tacky mats, after doing some investigations for semiconductor clean rooms and the use of tacky mats, we found that tacky mats rather than help actually hindered the overall cleanliness as they transfer glue to the bottom of the shoes they are trying to clean and then these "sticky" shoes are more prone to pick up even more dirt.

Hope this helps

David Strachan


 

-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Swayne, Theresa C.
Sent: 08 December 2014 17:01
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: Protecting microscopes from salt

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
*****


Dear Arvydas,

Regarding polite reminders for users, I find it's useful to focus on what they want and need. Usually this boils down to 1) access to the equipment and 2) affordable fees.

As we managers & directors all know, damage to optics can put equipment out of commission for months and cost thousands of dollars.  So I would stress that keeping corrosive salts out of the room ensures that the equipment stays in excellent condition, and avoids costly and time-consuming repairs that could delay everyone's experiments.

I also find that some users will ignore the signs, no matter how carefully worded. Some will not get into a new habit without frequent reinforcement. To help with this, make it virtually impossible for people to get in the door without noticing the box of booties.  You should probably check in frequently at first to make sure that people are actually putting them on. If someone is sitting at a microscope without booties on because they "forgot", bring them a pair. That way you can be helpful while sending the unspoken message that this is a serious policy.

Hope this helps (and I hope your winter is an easy one from now on),

Theresa


On Dec 8, 2014, at 8:33 AM, Arvydas Matiukas <[hidden email]<mailto:[hidden email]>> wrote:

...
Additionally please advise on the posting that should be polite and would not turn away the users, however, at the same time would  clearly and strictly request putting on shoe covers before entering the microscopy rooms.



------------------------------------
Please note: My email address has changed to [hidden email]<http://columbia.edu>.

Theresa Swayne, Ph.D.
Associate Research Scientist
Manager, Confocal and Specialized Microscopy Shared Resource Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University
1130 Saint Nicholas Ave, 222A
New York, NY 10032

212-851-4613

[hidden email]<mailto:[hidden email]>
http://hiccc.columbia.edu/research/sharedresources/confocal

[Guy Cox-2]

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
*****

My experience includes a lot of work in China and Taiwan where people are used to taking off their shoes when indoors.  There it is quite normal to require users to take off their shoes when entering the microscope suite.  It seems by far the simplest solution.

                                        Guy

Guy Cox, Honorary Associate Professor
School of Medical Sciences

Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis,
Madsen, F09, University of Sydney, NSW 2006


-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of David Strachan
Sent: Tuesday, 9 December 2014 10:13 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: Protecting microscopes from salt

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
*****

Dear Arvydas,

Plastic overshoes, even if you get people to wear them, are not great as they frequently rip , tear, and can catch on chair wheels etc thereby making them very ineffectual. It would be best to exchange outdoor shoes for indoor shoes but this has its own problems in good practice at the changeover areas and having clean shoes available for external users or service engineers.  If you are serious about cleanliness of footwear in the microscope labs perhaps you could google "clean room boot" and you will find images of the type of footwear used in clean rooms. These are useful as they go over the top of users own shoes and so are easy to deploy. Care and good practice in the changeover area should still be exercised, use of a pass over bench for instance.

Tacky mats, after doing some investigations for semiconductor clean rooms and the use of tacky mats, we found that tacky mats rather than help actually hindered the overall cleanliness as they transfer glue to the bottom of the shoes they are trying to clean and then these "sticky" shoes are more prone to pick up even more dirt.

Hope this helps

David Strachan


 

-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Swayne, Theresa C.
Sent: 08 December 2014 17:01
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: Protecting microscopes from salt

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
*****


Dear Arvydas,

Regarding polite reminders for users, I find it's useful to focus on what they want and need. Usually this boils down to 1) access to the equipment and 2) affordable fees.

As we managers & directors all know, damage to optics can put equipment out of commission for months and cost thousands of dollars.  So I would stress that keeping corrosive salts out of the room ensures that the equipment stays in excellent condition, and avoids costly and time-consuming repairs that could delay everyone's experiments.

I also find that some users will ignore the signs, no matter how carefully worded. Some will not get into a new habit without frequent reinforcement. To help with this, make it virtually impossible for people to get in the door without noticing the box of booties.  You should probably check in frequently at first to make sure that people are actually putting them on. If someone is sitting at a microscope without booties on because they "forgot", bring them a pair. That way you can be helpful while sending the unspoken message that this is a serious policy.

Hope this helps (and I hope your winter is an easy one from now on),

Theresa


On Dec 8, 2014, at 8:33 AM, Arvydas Matiukas <[hidden email]<mailto:[hidden email]>> wrote:

...
Additionally please advise on the posting that should be polite and would not turn away the users, however, at the same time would  clearly and strictly request putting on shoe covers before entering the microscopy rooms.



------------------------------------
Please note: My email address has changed to [hidden email]<http://columbia.edu>.

Theresa Swayne, Ph.D.
Associate Research Scientist
Manager, Confocal and Specialized Microscopy Shared Resource Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University
1130 Saint Nicholas Ave, 222A
New York, NY 10032

212-851-4613

[hidden email]<mailto:[hidden email]>
http://hiccc.columbia.edu/research/sharedresources/confocal

[mcammer]

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
*****

In the US (and I expect Europe) shoes must be worn in the lab.  

_________________________________________
Michael Cammer, Optical Microscopy Specialist
http://ocs.med.nyu.edu/microscopy
Lab: [phone]  Cell: [phone]

________________________________________
From: Confocal Microscopy List [[hidden email]] on behalf of Guy Cox [[hidden email]]
Sent: Tuesday, December 09, 2014 7:13 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: Protecting microscopes from salt



My experience includes a lot of work in China and Taiwan where people are used to taking off their shoes when indoors.  There it is quite normal to require users to take off their shoes when entering the microscope suite.  It seems by far the simplest solution.

                                        Guy

Guy Cox, Honorary Associate Professor
School of Medical Sciences

Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis,
Madsen, F09, University of Sydney, NSW 2006


-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of David Strachan
Sent: Tuesday, 9 December 2014 10:13 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: Protecting microscopes from salt

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
*****

Dear Arvydas,

Plastic overshoes, even if you get people to wear them, are not great as they frequently rip , tear, and can catch on chair wheels etc thereby making them very ineffectual. It would be best to exchange outdoor shoes for indoor shoes but this has its own problems in good practice at the changeover areas and having clean shoes available for external users or service engineers.  If you are serious about cleanliness of footwear in the microscope labs perhaps you could google "clean room boot" and you will find images of the type of footwear used in clean rooms. These are useful as they go over the top of users own shoes and so are easy to deploy. Care and good practice in the changeover area should still be exercised, use of a pass over bench for instance.

Tacky mats, after doing some investigations for semiconductor clean rooms and the use of tacky mats, we found that tacky mats rather than help actually hindered the overall cleanliness as they transfer glue to the bottom of the shoes they are trying to clean and then these "sticky" shoes are more prone to pick up even more dirt.

Hope this helps

David Strachan




-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Swayne, Theresa C.
Sent: 08 December 2014 17:01
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: Protecting microscopes from salt

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
*****


Dear Arvydas,

Regarding polite reminders for users, I find it's useful to focus on what they want and need. Usually this boils down to 1) access to the equipment and 2) affordable fees.

As we managers & directors all know, damage to optics can put equipment out of commission for months and cost thousands of dollars.  So I would stress that keeping corrosive salts out of the room ensures that the equipment stays in excellent condition, and avoids costly and time-consuming repairs that could delay everyone's experiments.

I also find that some users will ignore the signs, no matter how carefully worded. Some will not get into a new habit without frequent reinforcement. To help with this, make it virtually impossible for people to get in the door without noticing the box of booties.  You should probably check in frequently at first to make sure that people are actually putting them on. If someone is sitting at a microscope without booties on because they "forgot", bring them a pair. That way you can be helpful while sending the unspoken message that this is a serious policy.

Hope this helps (and I hope your winter is an easy one from now on),

Theresa


On Dec 8, 2014, at 8:33 AM, Arvydas Matiukas <[hidden email]<mailto:[hidden email]>> wrote:

...
Additionally please advise on the posting that should be polite and would not turn away the users, however, at the same time would  clearly and strictly request putting on shoe covers before entering the microscopy rooms.



------------------------------------
Please note: My email address has changed to [hidden email]<http://columbia.edu>.

Theresa Swayne, Ph.D.
Associate Research Scientist
Manager, Confocal and Specialized Microscopy Shared Resource Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University
1130 Saint Nicholas Ave, 222A
New York, NY 10032

212-851-4613

[hidden email]<mailto:[hidden email]>
http://hiccc.columbia.edu/research/sharedresources/confocal

[Craig Brideau]

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
*****

Closed toe shoes are mandatory here (Canada). They help when you spill
something caustic on the floor!

Craig
On Dec 10, 2014 1:23 PM, "Cammer, Michael" <[hidden email]>
wrote:

> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
> *****
>
> In the US (and I expect Europe) shoes must be worn in the lab.
>
> _________________________________________
> Michael Cammer, Optical Microscopy Specialist
> http://ocs.med.nyu.edu/microscopy
> Lab: [phone]  Cell: [phone]
>
> ________________________________________
> From: Confocal Microscopy List [[hidden email]] on
> behalf of Guy Cox [[hidden email]]
> Sent: Tuesday, December 09, 2014 7:13 AM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: Protecting microscopes from salt
>
>
>
> My experience includes a lot of work in China and Taiwan where people are
> used to taking off their shoes when indoors.  There it is quite normal to
> require users to take off their shoes when entering the microscope suite.
> It seems by far the simplest solution.
>
>                                         Guy
>
> Guy Cox, Honorary Associate Professor
> School of Medical Sciences
>
> Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis,
> Madsen, F09, University of Sydney, NSW 2006
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]]
> On Behalf Of David Strachan
> Sent: Tuesday, 9 December 2014 10:13 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: Protecting microscopes from salt
>
> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
> *****
>
> Dear Arvydas,
>
> Plastic overshoes, even if you get people to wear them, are not great as
> they frequently rip , tear, and can catch on chair wheels etc thereby
> making them very ineffectual. It would be best to exchange outdoor shoes
> for indoor shoes but this has its own problems in good practice at the
> changeover areas and having clean shoes available for external users or
> service engineers.  If you are serious about cleanliness of footwear in the
> microscope labs perhaps you could google "clean room boot" and you will
> find images of the type of footwear used in clean rooms. These are useful
> as they go over the top of users own shoes and so are easy to deploy. Care
> and good practice in the changeover area should still be exercised, use of
> a pass over bench for instance.
>
> Tacky mats, after doing some investigations for semiconductor clean rooms
> and the use of tacky mats, we found that tacky mats rather than help
> actually hindered the overall cleanliness as they transfer glue to the
> bottom of the shoes they are trying to clean and then these "sticky" shoes
> are more prone to pick up even more dirt.
>
> Hope this helps
>
> David Strachan
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]]
> On Behalf Of Swayne, Theresa C.
> Sent: 08 December 2014 17:01
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: Protecting microscopes from salt
>
> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
> *****
>
>
> Dear Arvydas,
>
> Regarding polite reminders for users, I find it's useful to focus on what
> they want and need. Usually this boils down to 1) access to the equipment
> and 2) affordable fees.
>
> As we managers & directors all know, damage to optics can put equipment
> out of commission for months and cost thousands of dollars.  So I would
> stress that keeping corrosive salts out of the room ensures that the
> equipment stays in excellent condition, and avoids costly and
> time-consuming repairs that could delay everyone's experiments.
>
> I also find that some users will ignore the signs, no matter how carefully
> worded. Some will not get into a new habit without frequent reinforcement.
> To help with this, make it virtually impossible for people to get in the
> door without noticing the box of booties.  You should probably check in
> frequently at first to make sure that people are actually putting them on.
> If someone is sitting at a microscope without booties on because they
> "forgot", bring them a pair. That way you can be helpful while sending the
> unspoken message that this is a serious policy.
>
> Hope this helps (and I hope your winter is an easy one from now on),
>
> Theresa
>
>
> On Dec 8, 2014, at 8:33 AM, Arvydas Matiukas <[hidden email]<mailto:
> [hidden email]>> wrote:
>
> ...
> Additionally please advise on the posting that should be polite and would
> not turn away the users, however, at the same time would  clearly and
> strictly request putting on shoe covers before entering the microscopy
> rooms.
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
> Please note: My email address has changed to [hidden email]<
> http://columbia.edu>.
>
> Theresa Swayne, Ph.D.
> Associate Research Scientist
> Manager, Confocal and Specialized Microscopy Shared Resource Herbert
> Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University
> 1130 Saint Nicholas Ave, 222A
> New York, NY 10032
>
> 212-851-4613
>
> [hidden email]<mailto:[hidden email]>
> http://hiccc.columbia.edu/research/sharedresources/confocal
>

[Andreas Bruckbauer]

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
*****

In Japan we had shoe lockers in the entrance to the optics lab where you would put your dirty street shoes and find your personal pair of clean lab shoes (closed toe, health and safety approved). I think this is a very good solution but takes up space. Here in London i change into some comfy closed toe Birkenstock sandals and leave the street shoes under my desk, while this is not ideal because you walk through the same area with dirty and clean shoes, it is still better than entering the microscope rooms with dirty shoes. Luckily we don't have much snow in London.

best wishes

Andreas

 

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Craig Brideau <[hidden email]>
To: CONFOCALMICROSCOPY <[hidden email]>
Sent: Thu, 11 Dec 2014 0:28
Subject: Re: Protecting microscopes from salt


*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
*****

Closed toe shoes are mandatory here (Canada). They help when you spill
something caustic on the floor!

Craig
On Dec 10, 2014 1:23 PM, "Cammer, Michael" <[hidden email]>
wrote:

> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
> *****
>
> In the US (and I expect Europe) shoes must be worn in the lab.
>
> _________________________________________
> Michael Cammer, Optical Microscopy Specialist
> http://ocs.med.nyu.edu/microscopy
> Lab: [phone]  Cell: [phone]
>
> ________________________________________
> From: Confocal Microscopy List [[hidden email]] on
> behalf of Guy Cox [[hidden email]]
> Sent: Tuesday, December 09, 2014 7:13 AM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: Protecting microscopes from salt
>
>
>
> My experience includes a lot of work in China and Taiwan where people are
> used to taking off their shoes when indoors.  There it is quite normal to
> require users to take off their shoes when entering the microscope suite.
> It seems by far the simplest solution.
>
>                                         Guy
>
> Guy Cox, Honorary Associate Professor
> School of Medical Sciences
>
> Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis,
> Madsen, F09, University of Sydney, NSW 2006
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]]
> On Behalf Of David Strachan
> Sent: Tuesday, 9 December 2014 10:13 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: Protecting microscopes from salt
>
> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
> *****
>
> Dear Arvydas,
>
> Plastic overshoes, even if you get people to wear them, are not great as
> they frequently rip , tear, and can catch on chair wheels etc thereby
> making them very ineffectual. It would be best to exchange outdoor shoes
> for indoor shoes but this has its own problems in good practice at the
> changeover areas and having clean shoes available for external users or
> service engineers.  If you are serious about cleanliness of footwear in the
> microscope labs perhaps you could google "clean room boot" and you will
> find images of the type of footwear used in clean rooms. These are useful
> as they go over the top of users own shoes and so are easy to deploy. Care
> and good practice in the changeover area should still be exercised, use of
> a pass over bench for instance.
>
> Tacky mats, after doing some investigations for semiconductor clean rooms
> and the use of tacky mats, we found that tacky mats rather than help
> actually hindered the overall cleanliness as they transfer glue to the
> bottom of the shoes they are trying to clean and then these "sticky" shoes
> are more prone to pick up even more dirt.
>
> Hope this helps
>
> David Strachan
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]]
> On Behalf Of Swayne, Theresa C.
> Sent: 08 December 2014 17:01
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: Protecting microscopes from salt
>
> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
> *****
>
>
> Dear Arvydas,
>
> Regarding polite reminders for users, I find it's useful to focus on what
> they want and need. Usually this boils down to 1) access to the equipment
> and 2) affordable fees.
>
> As we managers & directors all know, damage to optics can put equipment
> out of commission for months and cost thousands of dollars.  So I would
> stress that keeping corrosive salts out of the room ensures that the
> equipment stays in excellent condition, and avoids costly and
> time-consuming repairs that could delay everyone's experiments.
>
> I also find that some users will ignore the signs, no matter how carefully
> worded. Some will not get into a new habit without frequent reinforcement.
> To help with this, make it virtually impossible for people to get in the
> door without noticing the box of booties.  You should probably check in
> frequently at first to make sure that people are actually putting them on.
> If someone is sitting at a microscope without booties on because they
> "forgot", bring them a pair. That way you can be helpful while sending the
> unspoken message that this is a serious policy.
>
> Hope this helps (and I hope your winter is an easy one from now on),
>
> Theresa
>
>
> On Dec 8, 2014, at 8:33 AM, Arvydas Matiukas <[hidden email]<mailto:
> [hidden email]>> wrote:
>
> ...
> Additionally please advise on the posting that should be polite and would
> not turn away the users, however, at the same time would  clearly and
> strictly request putting on shoe covers before entering the microscopy
> rooms.
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
> Please note: My email address has changed to [hidden email]<
> http://columbia.edu>.
>
> Theresa Swayne, Ph.D.
> Associate Research Scientist
> Manager, Confocal and Specialized Microscopy Shared Resource Herbert
> Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University
> 1130 Saint Nicholas Ave, 222A
> New York, NY 10032
>
> 212-851-4613
>
> [hidden email]<mailto:[hidden email]>
> http://hiccc.columbia.edu/research/sharedresources/confocal
>

 

[Guy Cox-2]

OK, but that's in a lab, not a microscope room.  You shouldn't have these caustic chemicals in the microscope room!  If you do, why on earth would you worry about salt from the roads?  Obviously a shoe-free microscope room has to also be free of harmful chemicals - and given the cost of the equipment you are protecting that would seem to be a given.  In spite of what others have posted, shoe-free microscope rooms seem to be the norm in some European countries.  (Private postings to me).  The 'American Way' is not the only way!  Not that we have many shoe-free microscope rooms here in OZ - but we don't have salt on the roads either.

                                                       Guy

Guy Cox, Honorary Associate Professor
School of Medical Sciences

Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis,
Madsen, F09, University of Sydney, NSW 2006

-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Craig Brideau
Sent: Thursday, 11 December 2014 11:12 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: Protecting microscopes from salt

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
*****

Closed toe shoes are mandatory here (Canada). They help when you spill something caustic on the floor!

Craig
On Dec 10, 2014 1:23 PM, "Cammer, Michael" <[hidden email]>
wrote:

> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
> *****
>
> In the US (and I expect Europe) shoes must be worn in the lab.
>
> _________________________________________
> Michael Cammer, Optical Microscopy Specialist
> http://ocs.med.nyu.edu/microscopy
> Lab: [phone]  Cell: [phone]
>
> ________________________________________
> From: Confocal Microscopy List [[hidden email]] on
> behalf of Guy Cox [[hidden email]]
> Sent: Tuesday, December 09, 2014 7:13 AM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: Protecting microscopes from salt
>
>
>
> My experience includes a lot of work in China and Taiwan where people
> are used to taking off their shoes when indoors.  There it is quite
> normal to require users to take off their shoes when entering the microscope suite.
> It seems by far the simplest solution.
>
>                                         Guy
>
> Guy Cox, Honorary Associate Professor
> School of Medical Sciences
>
> Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, Madsen, F09,
> University of Sydney, NSW 2006
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Confocal Microscopy List
> [mailto:[hidden email]]
> On Behalf Of David Strachan
> Sent: Tuesday, 9 December 2014 10:13 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: Protecting microscopes from salt
>
> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
> *****
>
> Dear Arvydas,
>
> Plastic overshoes, even if you get people to wear them, are not great
> as they frequently rip , tear, and can catch on chair wheels etc
> thereby making them very ineffectual. It would be best to exchange
> outdoor shoes for indoor shoes but this has its own problems in good
> practice at the changeover areas and having clean shoes available for
> external users or service engineers.  If you are serious about
> cleanliness of footwear in the microscope labs perhaps you could
> google "clean room boot" and you will find images of the type of
> footwear used in clean rooms. These are useful as they go over the top
> of users own shoes and so are easy to deploy. Care and good practice
> in the changeover area should still be exercised, use of a pass over bench for instance.
>
> Tacky mats, after doing some investigations for semiconductor clean
> rooms and the use of tacky mats, we found that tacky mats rather than
> help actually hindered the overall cleanliness as they transfer glue
> to the bottom of the shoes they are trying to clean and then these
> "sticky" shoes are more prone to pick up even more dirt.
>
> Hope this helps
>
> David Strachan
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Confocal Microscopy List
> [mailto:[hidden email]]
> On Behalf Of Swayne, Theresa C.
> Sent: 08 December 2014 17:01
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: Protecting microscopes from salt
>
> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
> *****
>
>
> Dear Arvydas,
>
> Regarding polite reminders for users, I find it's useful to focus on
> what they want and need. Usually this boils down to 1) access to the
> equipment and 2) affordable fees.
>
> As we managers & directors all know, damage to optics can put
> equipment out of commission for months and cost thousands of dollars.  
> So I would stress that keeping corrosive salts out of the room ensures
> that the equipment stays in excellent condition, and avoids costly and
> time-consuming repairs that could delay everyone's experiments.
>
> I also find that some users will ignore the signs, no matter how
> carefully worded. Some will not get into a new habit without frequent reinforcement.
> To help with this, make it virtually impossible for people to get in
> the door without noticing the box of booties.  You should probably
> check in frequently at first to make sure that people are actually putting them on.
> If someone is sitting at a microscope without booties on because they
> "forgot", bring them a pair. That way you can be helpful while sending
> the unspoken message that this is a serious policy.
>
> Hope this helps (and I hope your winter is an easy one from now on),
>
> Theresa
>
>
> On Dec 8, 2014, at 8:33 AM, Arvydas Matiukas <[hidden email]<mailto:
> [hidden email]>> wrote:
>
> ...
> Additionally please advise on the posting that should be polite and
> would not turn away the users, however, at the same time would  
> clearly and strictly request putting on shoe covers before entering
> the microscopy rooms.
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
> Please note: My email address has changed to [hidden email]<
> http://columbia.edu>.
>
> Theresa Swayne, Ph.D.
> Associate Research Scientist
> Manager, Confocal and Specialized Microscopy Shared Resource Herbert
> Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University
> 1130 Saint Nicholas Ave, 222A
> New York, NY 10032
>
> 212-851-4613
>
> [hidden email]<mailto:[hidden email]>
> http://hiccc.columbia.edu/research/sharedresources/confocal
>