UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, MERCED
SCIF CLEANROOM FACILITY
Cleanroom Training Protocol
Purpose
This protocol defines expectations and procedures to be followed during instrument training sessions. The goal is to ensure safe learning, proper understanding of equipment, and effective preparation for independent operation.
1. General Principles
Training is mandatory before independent instrument use.
All activities must follow cleanroom safety and contamination control protocols.
Training sessions are structured to ensure safe, repeatable, and standardized learning.
Users must actively participate and engage throughout the session.
Training Documentation and Recording
Training sessions may be recorded at the discretion of SCIF Cleanroom staff for documentation, training quality assurance, compliance, and safety purposes.
Recordings, when applicable, may be used to maintain an accurate record of training provided, support consistency and standardization of training delivery, assist in resolving discrepancies or misunderstandings regarding training content, and support compliance with facility policies and operational requirements.
Users will be informed if a training session is being recorded. Recordings will be used solely for internal facility purposes unless otherwise required by institutional policy.
By participating in the training session, users acknowledge and consent to such documentation and recording practices, when applicable.
2. Training Scope
Training is conducted using standard samples and predefined processes only.
Users are not expected to bring any materials or samples for training. The SCIF Cleanroom will provide all standard samples and required materials for training purposes.
The objective is to teach instrument operation, safety, and basic workflow.
Training does not include running or optimizing user-specific research experiments.
Users are expected to independently apply training knowledge to their own research.
General cleanroom training coverage is detailed in Section 2A.
Instrument-specific training coverage is detailed in Section 2B.
2A. General Cleanroom Training – Session Coverage
During the general cleanroom training session, the following topics and steps will be covered, including but not limited to:
Overview of cleanroom classifications (Class 100, Class 1000) and contamination control principles
Cleanroom protocols, behavior, and best practices
Gowning procedures (PPE, proper sequence, do’s and don’ts)
Entry and exit procedures (airlocks, material transfer)
Personal conduct and contamination prevention (particles, chemicals, handling)
Cleanroom safety (chemical, electrical, thermal, vacuum, and general hazards)
Equipment use policies and training requirements
Chemical handling, labeling, and storage guidelines
Waste disposal procedures (no drain disposal; use designated containers and proper labeling)
Emergency procedures (spill response, exposure, equipment failure)
Documentation and compliance (iLab usage, logging, reporting issues)
Housekeeping and maintaining a clean working environment
Communication protocols and reporting concerns
Note: Cleanroom training is mandatory prior to any facility access. Users must review all relevant manuals, SOPs, and safety materials before operating any equipment. Users are responsible for adhering to all cleanroom protocols and for conducting their own research activities independently.
2B. Instrument-Specific Training – Session Coverage
During the instrument-specific training session, the following topics and steps will be covered, including but not limited to:
Overview of the instrument purpose, capabilities, and limitations
Identification of system components, controls, and configuration
Introduction to software interface and operational controls
Step-by-step operational workflow following established SOPs
Explanation of critical process parameters and their impact on results
Instrument-specific safety considerations, hazards, and precautions
Hands-on operation under direct supervision of cleanroom staff
Proper startup and shutdown procedures
Use of standard samples and predefined processes for training purposes
Basic troubleshooting guidance within the scope of standard operation
Clean-up procedures and workspace maintenance after use
Review of common operational errors and how to avoid them
Clarification of operational boundaries and user responsibilities
Important Note: Instrument-specific training is limited to teaching safe operation, system understanding, and baseline workflow. Training does not include optimization of user-specific processes, execution of research experiments, or fabrication of devices for users. Users are responsible for independently applying training knowledge to their own research workflows.
3. Roles and Responsibilities
User Responsibility
Arrive prepared and on time for the training session
Review relevant manuals, SOPs, and instructional material beforehand
Follow all instructions provided by cleanroom staff
Actively participate and perform hands-on steps
Ask questions when clarification is needed
Maintain focus and avoid distractions during training
Follow all safety, gowning, and cleanroom protocols
Staff Responsibility
Provide structured, step-by-step instruction
Demonstrate correct operation and safety procedures
Ensure safe use of equipment during training
Answer questions and clarify operational concepts
Maintain instrument readiness and proper training environment
⚠️ Important Clarification
Cleanroom staff are not responsible for running or executing user research programs.
Staff provide training, guidance, and operational support only.
Users are fully responsible for applying training to their own experiments and research outcomes.
4. Training Workflow
A typical training session will include:
Introduction and Safety Overview
Instrument purpose and applications
Key hazards and safety precautions
System Overview
Components and controls
Software/interface introduction
Demonstration
Step-by-step operation by staff
Explanation of critical parameters
Hands-On Practice
User performs operation under supervision
Guidance provided as needed
Shutdown and Cleanup
Proper system shutdown procedure
Cleaning and workspace organization
5. Safety During Training
Follow all PPE and gowning requirements
Handle chemicals and materials only as instructed
Do not bypass safety interlocks or procedures
Immediately report any unsafe condition or incident
Stop operation if unsure about any step
6. Equipment Handling Rules
Operate controls only when instructed
Do not change parameters beyond training scope
Use only approved standard training samples
Avoid unnecessary adjustments or experimentation
7. Questions and Clarifications
Users are encouraged to ask questions at any stage
Clarification is expected before proceeding to the next step
Do not assume or guess procedures
8. Limitations of Training
Training provides foundational knowledge only
Research-specific optimization and troubleshooting are the responsibility of the user
Additional sessions may be required for proficiency
9. Training Continuation Policy
There is no limit on the number of training sessions
Users may request additional training as needed
Re-training may be required if improper usage is observed
10. Completion Criteria
Training is considered complete when the user:
Demonstrates safe operation of the instrument
Understands basic workflow and parameters
Can perform the process under supervision with minimal guidance
Staff will provide feedback regarding completion status and readiness for independent operation
Final approval for independent use is at the discretion of cleanroom staff
11. Independent Access Authorization
Independent access to instruments will be granted only after successful completion of training and fulfillment of the completion criteria.
Users must demonstrate competency and safe operation as defined in Section 10.
Cleanroom staff will evaluate performance and provide feedback regarding training completion.
Required Step (Mandatory)
Before independent access is approved:
The user must send a confirmation email to: pkumar22@ucmerced.edu
The email must include their Principal Investigator (PI)
The email must clearly state that:
The user confirms that they have successfully completed training and are competent in operating the instrument safely and correctly
There is no ambiguity regarding instrument operation
The user is ready to operate the instrument independently
⚠️ This is a required step. Independent access will not be granted without this confirmation.
Access Provisioning and Room Access (Post-Approval Process)
After receiving the required confirmation email, iLab access will be provided once the request is processed, subject to staff availability. Room access will be requested through Facilities Management (FM Help). Once the request is submitted, processing typically takes 3–5 business days. After approval, a confirmation email from FM will be shared.
Please note that while FM typically processes requests within 2–5 business days, confirmation emails may be delayed and may not be received immediately. Users are therefore advised to verify their access by visiting the cleanroom directly after the expected processing period.
12. Acknowledgment Requirement
We require that all publications, presentations, and posters acknowledge the SCIF Cleanroom Facility at UC Merced when facility resources, instruments, or expertise are utilized. Acknowledgment of facility personnel is at the discretion of the user and should follow standard academic practices.
Copies of resulting publications (PDF or link) should be provided to the facility for tracking purposes and inclusion in annual reporting.
13. Instrument and Specimen Care
When a user functions as the operator of any instrument within the SCIF Cleanroom Facility, the user assumes full responsibility for any damage to the instrument resulting from operator error, negligence, or use of inappropriate specimens. It is the operator’s responsibility to acquire sufficient training to qualify as a competent operator prior to independent use.
Specimens left in the laboratory for preparation and/or analysis will receive professional care. However, neither the facility, its employees, nor its users are responsible for accidental damage to or loss of specimens. Specimens left in the laboratory for more than 14 days may be discarded at the Principal Investigator’s (PI’s) expense unless prior arrangements are made.
14. Post-Training Expectation
Users are expected to review manuals and SOPs regularly
Apply training knowledge to their own research processes
Follow the Post-Training Troubleshooting Protocol when issues arise
15. Contact for Assistance
For any questions during or after training, please contact: pkumar22@ucmerced.edu
Cleanroom Training Protocol Acknowledgement document
