Equipment training information

Users must complete all the required safety training before signing up for equipment training on an instrument.

1. Complete all required e-learning modules and laboratory orientation
2. XRD, XRF and XPS users are required to complete additional safety modules for ionising radiation.

Click [ here ] to see the list of safety e-learning requirements.

Before registering for practical training:

1. Please submit an online questionnaire regarding your project, and attach any literature for our reference.
   [Click here to access new user questionnaire]
   
   
2. Please e-file your safety transcript online via the below submission portal.
   - Your transcript will be reviewed by the FACTS scientists after you request for practical training.
   - Click [here] to find out about the safety modules required & how to print out your safety transcript. 
   - Click [here] to e-file your safety transcript via the submission portal.
   
   
3. FACTS training and usage is chargeable. Please forward us an email approval from your supervisor for training and usage, stating the WBS element chargeable.
   
   
4. Samples must be ready for characterisation.
   
   
5. Users are reminded to conduct a risk assessment for their work, especially for sample handling in FACTS. Any hazardous samples must be declared to FACTS staff before they can enter the premises.
   
   
6. Users must pass the respective theoretical OMNI SEM/TEM/XRD quiz.
     a) ​To register for an OMNI account
     -- For FYP students, click [he​re] -
     -- For Research Staff and Post-graduates, ​ click [here]
     b) To access the OMNI quiz, click [here].​
   
   For related literature on SEM/TEM/XRD/XPS, please visit [here].

1. TEM, FE-SEM, FIB, XPS and XRD cluster 2 instruments are only for postgraduate students and research staff.  Undergraduates have access only to the thermionic SEM and XRD Cluster 1.
   
2. Users must clear their safety requirements, theoretical OMNI quiz and have their samples ready before registering for practical training. Please inform the respective scientists that you've cleared these requirements.
   
3. Users intending to use the scanning EM should find out whether they need the thermionic-SEM or FE-SEM before requesting for training. Generally, non-conductive samples with feature size < 500 nm may require the FE-SEM. Users intending to perform XEDS on SEM should be aware of the spatial resolution limits of this technique. Our FACTS staff can advise you accordingly if you have questions or doubts on this.
   
   
4. After passing the theoretical OMNI quiz, please inform us on your intend to join the practical training queue via the below channels:
   - For XRD training, please register online at the [X-ray cluster training].
   - For FE-SEM training, please email Dr Derrick Ang ([email protected])
   - For Thermionic-SEM training, please email Alan Lim ([email protected])
   - For TEM training, please email Dr Andrew Wong ([email protected]) 
   - For Aberation Corrected ACTEM training, please email Dr Tay Yee Yan ([email protected]) 
   - For FIB training, please email Dr Xi Lifei ([email protected])
   - For XPS training, please email Dr Teddy Salim ([email protected])  & Dr Liu Weiling ([email protected]) 
   - For XRF/EPMA training, please email Dr Samuel Morris ([email protected]) or Alan Lim ([email protected])
   
5. Practical training will be arranged according to the details on the confirmation email sent by the respective scientists.
   
6. A FOM account is needed for instrument access. Please sign in for the first time in CEBS-FOM at http://cebs.ntu.edu.sg if you have not already done so.
   
7. There will be an assessment during practical training.
   Access to the instrument will be given only when the user shows satisfactory performance during the assessment.
   
8. Users must comply with the directives indicated in the FACTS Lab General Usage Briefing notes 
   [click here to access briefing notes.]
   
9. User can apply for lab entrance card reader access to FACTS after passing practical training.
   Please click [​here​ ] for more information on lab card access.
   Do note that only trained users will be granted card access to FACTS.

In order to use FACTS equipment, users must read and abide by the policies set out in the policies page. Penalties apply for non-compliance.

Note:

1. Practical training includes technical handling and also assessment of the user's ability to understand proper operational requirements. This is to avoid system damage due to mishandling and to address other health and safety concerns. Users are advised to be well prepared before coming for practical training.
   
2. English is the language of instruction used for training. Trainees are expected to comprehend all training and instructions given by FACTS staff.
   
3. Access will be automatically removed after training due to inactivity if users do not meet the following minimum requirements:
   SEM/XRD users: at least 3 hours use within the first 30 days of training
   FIB users: at least 8 hours use within 60 days after training
   TEM users: at least 2 sessions use within first 3 months of training.
   
4. To regain access, users must wait for the following month to go for retraining.
   There will be charges for retraining.
   
5. If a user does not use an instrument for a period of 365 days from their last usage, access will be automatically removed by the FOM server. Retraining with charges is applicable in this case.
   
6. If a user uses an instrument booked under the name of a different user, this constitutes unauthorized usage. Penalties will apply including removal of access from ALL FACTS equipment. Users are advised to request FACTS staff to change the booking to the correct user, instead of simply allowing other users access during their own booked time.