MEX2 Experimental Authorisation (EA) Submission

The EA process is a key safety process at the Australian Synchrotron. All scheduled experiments, prior to any samples being brought onsite, need to undergo review by the Beamline team and Safety, to ensure the experiment is being carried out in a safe manner with minimal risk to Users and staff. 

Our EA form is a type of risk assessment that is suitable to outline the hazards, risks, and mitigations in place for most AS experiments, however, if the experiment being conducted onsite or any chemicals or samples being brought onsite as part of the experiment are considered to be higher risk

The due date for submission for an EA form is 5 business days prior to the visit or experiment start; this timeline is stated to the user via the AS User Portal. Changes to the EA sample information (i.e. adding an additional hazardous material) will not be accepted less than 3 business days prior to the beamtime start date. 

• Please download the latest version of the MEX beamline sample spreadsheet and complete it.
  Please DO NOT use the XAS sample spreadsheet. Note: Enter chemical/sample name: It must be indicative of the chemical composition, or give an indication of the chemical composition if using a generic/general name, in the 'Other Sample Comments' section. If a generic/general name is used, the EA will be rejected.

• If your samples are hazardous, you must include the “MSDS” for those or similar samples. In your EA form, clearly describe the associated hazards based on the MSDS and outline the risk control measures, such as PPE usage, sample storage, and handling smaller quantities for loading.

• In the Excel sheet, ensure that any hazardous samples have the appropriate hazard code listed in the hazard column.

• If you are using specialised solvents (e.g., THF), make sure to add them to your sample list.

• All beamline-related questions in the Excel sheet must be answered.

Open

• You must clearly specify the “element” and the “edges” you intend to measure.

• Important: When answering the question: "Will you analyse samples in Transmission or Fluorescence? (If both, tick both)"
  Please consider whether fluorescence or drain current modes are suitable for your measurements. Transmission mode is VERY challenging (almost impossible) to perform at MEX2. You must confirm this in your EA submission.

• For question A) “Describe how you will handle and/or prepare samples whilst on-site?”

Please indicate whether the samples will be stored in a sealed container. Additionally, mention that gloves will be worn when handling the samples, even if they are non-hazardous, to prevent cross-contamination.

• For question B), “How will you minimise the risk of a spill or release of your samples?”

Please specify whether your samples will be stored at the beamline or in the Chemistry Lab, and if they will be kept in a sealed container between sample changes. Additionally, please indicate the approximate amount of samples you will be handling.