Core Policies

The Biomedical Engineering Core Facilities is a shared instrument facility comprised of the Bio-Interface and Technology and the Micro and Nano Imaging core. The instruments hosted at these facilities are used for teaching as well as research. The BIT core space include rooms B07, B08, 507, 623 and 708 – with cell culture equipment located in B06 of 44 Cummington Mall. The MNI core space is located in B06 of 44 Cummington Mall.

You can find the complete policies in this here.

A summary is provided below.

General Policies

The BECF reserved the right to amend, modify, and remove the policies listed here at any time. To gain access to the core spaces and work safely in the facilities,

  • All users must have established billing procedures (ISR, PO, etc.) before using the Core.
  • All users need to have BLS2 training through Boston University. Please contact Boston University Environmental Health and Safety for further information.
  • All users must have the core facility room(s) they are using listed on their IBC protocol.
  • Hazardous materials of any kind must receive prior approval before it can be brought into the space.
  • All appropriate regulations for the proper disposal of chemicals, biological waste, etc. must be followed as per the guidelines of the University. Additional rules may apply to specific Cores.
  • Users must bring items particular to their research project, such as specific chemicals. We provide some consumables, such as solvents, and gowning (if necessary).
  • Training will be conducted by the appropriate Sr. Engineer/Instructor and will be scheduled based on a mutually agreeable schedule.
  • Unapproved use is strictly forbidden and will result in revoking of rights to the facilities and a fine.
  • Users must complete process sheets forms and log-books at each station, following the specific instructions for each instrument. Failure to comply with these procedure will results in fine.

COVID Related Policies (Updated 06/11/21)

With the lifting of the emergency orders by the state and BU’s requirements, we are happy to announce the following updates/modifications to the BECF core facility COVID policies. Please read the policies below carefully.

  • All core users are still required to continue with daily attestation and weekly COVID testing regardless of vaccination status.
  • Users must still wear masks at all times regardless of vaccination status.
  • Limitations on single user occupancy per instrument/pod and COVID cleaning protocols for each instrument is now rescinded.
  • Directional restrictions in the core facility are no longer in effect.
  • The 30 minute gap requirement between reservations is now rescinded.

Reporting Damage to Equipment or Abuse

Prior to starting the scheduled instrument session, perform a pre-usage system checks to ensure the instrument is functioning properly. If the instrument is damaged or inoperable, inform the management immediately.

If the instrument is damaged due to misuse AND is not reported, we will investigate the matter. Anyone found accountable for the damage will be charge a 200% surcharge for any repair and loss of use costs incurred to the instrument.

Please report any unscheduled instrument usage. We rely on the honor system when we grant access to the instruments. If this trust is being violated, please let us know.

All users must ensure the area surrounding the instrument is clean after use and ensure instrument is turned off properly. Please report any issues prior to using the instrument.

Revoked Access

Users may have their access rights suspended for the following reasons

  • Any user found operating an instrument which they have not received training
  • Any user found operating an instrument in an unsafe manner
  • Any user found not cleaning and tidying up the instrument and surrounding area after use
  • Any user found giving access to unregistered users
  • Any user found maliciously tampering or modifying the equipment schedule
  • An overdue balance

If a users’ access privilege has been revoked, the principle investigator affiliated with the user may appeal by sending an email to the BME department director.