Lab Rules & Safety

KNI Lab Rules and Safety Documents

KNI Lab Rules

All KNI users must follow the guidelines listed below, including the updated general SOPs for entry and exit and Labrunr tool reservations. In order to protect the safety of all KNI lab users and staff, repeated violations to these policies will result in revocation of lab access.

Current Phase: 5 Effective June 24, 2021 at 8:00 am, lab members will be able to use the KNI 24 hours per day, 7 days per week with increased density per the documents found below. Mandatory protocols for the phased re-opening of the KNI Lab: Read Caltech's Coronavirus Information Website for the most up-to-date guidelines and resources. As of April 22, 2022, high-quality masks (surgical, N95s, KN95s, or KF95s) must be worn in all indoor locations on campus, including athletic facilities. Exceptions to this rule can be made when an individual is alone in a space or is actively eating or drinking. Individuals who are ill or experiencing symptoms of illness are not to come to campus or report for on-site work.  All Caltech students, employees, and external affiliates must comply with campus vaccination requirements. Individuals who do not report regularly to campus or who have other questions about the testing program and how it applies to them, may find additional information on the Caltech Together site or contact covid19@caltech.edu. The KNI Lab’s safety, hygiene, density, and physical distancing requirements: KNI Buddy System SOP - Phase 4 & 5 KNI Lab Entrance/Exit Room B207 - Phase 5: Four people are allowed to use the entrance gowning room at the same time: Social distancing is in effect in the "No Standing Zone". KNI Lab Entrance/Exit Room B207 Map - Phase 5 KNI Lab Entrance/Exit Room B207 - Phase 3 & 4: Two people are allowed to use the entrance gowning room at the same time - Only one person allowed inside the "No Standing Zone" and the "Changing Zones" at any time. KNI Lab Occupancy Limit - Phase 5: Maximum 41 people allowed in the lab at any given time. Limits on room-by-room density of personnel have been lifted except for B207-Lab Entrance/Exit (4 persons Max). KNI Lab Room Occ. Limit Map - Phase 5 Training for both returning and new lab members will continue with the hybrid remote and expanded in-person equipment and new user/general safety training plans building upon those that began during earlier phases. The KNI technical staff members will operate on four days per week in-lab schedule unless there are schedule conflicts. Staff will either be working in their offices or telecommuting on the days they do not report to the lab. Some delay in response to equipment requests is to be expected. Steele building elevator occupancy: Phase 5 - Max 7000 pounds weight limit, 46 persons Max.

KNI Lab General SOPs

• KNI Lab Entry and Exit SOP - SOP for entering the sub-basement, gowning, de-gowning, and leaving the sub-basement.
• KNI Lab Entry Video - Video showing proper way to put on the cleanroom attire.
• KNI Lab Exit Video - Video showing proper way to take off and hang the cleanroom attire.
• KNI Equipment Scheduling Policy - This is the General Reservation Policy. Check the TOOL Wiki page for any special reservation rules associated with that piece of equipment.

KNI Lab Safety Documents

• KNI Emergency Procedures PDF - Provides an overview of Emergency Procedures specific to the KNI cleanroom.
• KNI Workplace Specific Safety Training presentation - Provides an overview of Safety Procedures specific to the KNI cleanroom.
• KNI User Handbook and Operation Procedures - Provides a broad overview of the information needed specific to the KNI Cleanroom.
• KNI Safety Manual - Provides a broad overview of information for Referenced Documents, Safety Requirements, and Chemical Safety Information.
• KNI Safety Data Sheets (SDS) - a link to the KNI Wet Chemistry page.

KNI Safety Presentations

• KNI Cleanroom Safety Review 2016
• KNI Cleanroom Safety Review 2018
• KNI Cleanroom Safety Review 2019
• KNI Cleanroom Safety Review 2022

Caltech Safety Documents

• Caltech Chemical Hygiene Plan - Provides a broad overview of the information needed for safely working with hazardous chemicals in the laboratory.
• Caltech Hazardous Waste Management Guide - Provides a broad overview of information on Hazardous Waste determination, handling and disposal requirements, etc.
• Caltech Personal Protective Equipment - Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must match the task hazards and equipment is prescribed when hazards cannot be eliminated by administrative or engineering controls.

California Nanosafety Consortium of Higher Education

• Nanotoolkit: Working Safely with Engineered Nanomaterials in Academic Research Settings