Users Information

Which laboratory to choose?



Selecting the appropriate laboratory is a crucial step in ensuring the success of your experimental campaign at Elettra. Each facility is designed to support different stages of sample preparation and post-experimental analysis, ranging from routine cleaning to complex synthesis or moisture-sensitive handling.To choose the right environment for your needs, you should evaluate the complexity of your chemical procedures, the sensitivity of your materials, and the specific analytical tools required for your beamline preparation.
Guidelines for Selection:

• Choose Chemical Lab 1 if your work involves standard sample preparation and routine tasks. It is the ideal choice for quick access to the Experimental Hall when you need to perform metallographic polishing, sample cleaning, or simple solution preparations (acid treatments, filtrations, and basic weighings). 
• Choose Chemical Lab 2 for medium-complexity protocols or biochemical studies. This lab is your reference point if you require advanced bench-scale instrumentation—such as UV-Vis, IR, or Circular Dichroism—or if you need specialized storage (-80°C) and more demanding experimental setups like rotary evaporation.   
• Choose the Battery Lab exclusively for research involving air- or moisture-sensitive materials. If your experiment requires an inert atmosphere (Argon) to handle lithium, sodium, or reactive electrolytes, the glove box workstations here provide the strictly controlled environment (< 1 ppm O₂ and H₂O) necessary for energy storage research and cell assembly.

Note: Regardless of the laboratory chosen, all users must ensure they have the necessary authorizations and have completed the required safety training before accessing the facilities.

Access Conditions
To ensure a safe and productive environment for all researchers, access to the Chemical and Battery Laboratories at Elettra is strictly regulated. All users—whether internal staff or external scientists—must comply with the following mandatory requirements before starting any laboratory activity.

Authorization and Registration

Access is granted exclusively to authorized personnel.

• User Portal: External users must ensure that their laboratory requirements are clearly stated in their beamline proposal or requested through the [Virtual Unified Office (VUO) / User Portal].

• Project Approval: All chemical procedures must be described and approved in advance to ensure compatibility with the laboratory’s safety equipment and infrastructure.

Safety Training & Compliance

Safety is our top priority. Before gaining physical access, users must:

• Complete Safety Courses: Provide evidence of having completed the mandatory Elettra Safety Training (General and Specific risks).

• Specific Lab Induction: Attend an on-site induction held by the Laboratory Manager or designated staff. This covers the location of emergency exits, eyewash stations, safety showers, and the specific rules for the Chemical or Battery Lab.

• PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): Users are required to wear appropriate clothing at all times. In particular: Lab coats (provided or personal, as per lab policy);  Safety gloves; Safety glasses or goggles; Closed-toe shoes (sandals or mesh-topped shoes are strictly prohibited).

Chemical Risk Assessment

No chemical substances may be brought into the laboratories without prior declaration.

• SDS Documentation: Users must provide the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all chemicals, reagents, or materials they intend to use.

• Waste Management: All users must follow the Elettra protocols for chemical waste disposal. Mixing incompatible waste is strictly forbidden; all chemical reagents and products must be disposed of exclusively in the designated containers provided in each lab, and it is strictly prohibited to pour them down the sinks or dispose of them in regular trash bins.

Booking and Equipment Usage

To prevent overcrowding and ensure equipment availability bench space and specialized equipment (e.g., Glove Boxes in the Battery Lab, Spectrometers in Chemical Lab 2) must be booked in advance.