Discovery Centers Policies and Procedures Form

Your use of the facilities is subject to UNT Health Science Center policies and procedures pertaining to the facilities. Depending on the nature of your work, your research activities may also be subject to federal, state, and/or local regulations and guidelines, including, but not limited to, those promulgated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). You agree to use the facilities in a manner that is compliant with all applicable policies, procedures, regulations and guidelines. Because the labs are open and shared with other researchers, additional requirements are listed below.

1. Access to facilities is granted to authorized users for the term of your Program Agreement or lease. Keys and/or key cards will be provided individually to each authorized user. Please do not share your keys or key cards with any other individuals.

2. In the event that your work in the facilities expands to include equipment, hazardous chemicals, or biologic materials not listed in your completed Research Form, please provide notice to the Discovery Center Manager prior to acquisition of the equipment, hazardous chemicals, or biologic materials.

3. You are responsible for handling any chemical or biological waste generated by your lab activities in a way that is compliant with UNT Health Science Center guidelines and policy.

4. No food or drinks are allowed in the lab at any time.

5. In Discovery Centers:
1. 
   a. Both Discovery Centers are operated as Biosafety Level 2 laboratories therefore there is some risk of contracting an infection while using the labs. Additionally, the Centers facilitate manipulation of samples potentially harboring Bloodborne Pathogens therefore it is recommended that all users receive the full 3-dose series of the Hepatitis B Virus vaccine and be aware of the increased risk to their health in these laboratories.
2. b. Please seek training from the Discovery Center Manager prior to using any equipment for the first time.
3. c. Please properly label any unattended experiments and materials. Labels are available from the Discovery Center Manager and should contain a contact name, date and activity description.
4. d. On a limited, space-available basis, a small amount of materials, reagents and supplies may be stored in the lab with prior permission from the Discovery Center Manager.
5. e. The Discovery Centers may be monitored by any number of methods including but not limited to video surveillance, card reader access logs and personal inspection.
6. f. No work involving manipulation or propagation of pathogenic viruses (e.g. adenovirus or HIV) or radioactive material is allowed in the Discovery Centers..

By filling out the name and date fields below, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to abide by the Policies and Procedures outlined above.