Facility Rules

  • All users must be trained before using the facility. Training information can be found on our Services & User Training page.
  • All Users must wear closed-toed shoes, eye protection, and any other task-specific personal protective equipment (PPE) when using the facility.
  • Swipe access is for the individual it has been granted to ONLY. Visitors are not allowed without express advance approval from the Facility Manager.
  • Users are to obey all posted signs and notices. Users must adhere to the policies set forth in the training documents, which are subject to change. Users should reference these documents and rules regularly.
  • The facility is to be used for the growth and care of plants and directly adjacent tasks necessary for the experiment being performed using these plants only.
  • Do not eat or drink in the Facility.
  • Users are not to apply pesticides under any circumstances. Users may not enter a pesticide treated area until the posted Re-Entry Interval (REI) has elapsed.
  • Facility Staff are responsible for watering your plants. If you feel that one of your plants needs water, contact us. If you water a plant, it is imperative that you inform us immediately.
  • Never move plants from greenhouse to growth chambers. Never bring mature plants or growing medium from your lab or another facility into the chambers. This regulation prevents the spread of pests and disease, which may be unnoticed.
  • Transgenic and infected plant material must be disposed of properly. If you use this type of material, you must communicate with Greenhouse Staff regarding proper disposal. Your handling of these materials is your responsibility.
  • Infected plants may not be placed in any communal growth chamber or any greenhouse. Do not apply insect pests to any plants in the facility under any circumstances. Under some circumstances, and at the discretion of the Facility Manager, some non-transmissible, non-regulated plant pathogens may be allowed. Users must obtain prior approval from the Facility Manager.
  • Insects are never allowed, period. Regulated microbes are never allowed. Regulated plants must be used in accordance with relevant permits and laws; the express permission and involvement of the Facility Manager is required.
  • Users are not to use any corrosive, flammable, or toxic chemicals without the express permission of the Facility Manager.
  • Communal supplies are for use within the facility for approved research purposes only. Supplies and tools must not be removed from the facility except with the express permission of the Facility Manager.
  • Detailed tags with your lab name, researcher name, and date must be placed on all flats and/or plants in the chambers and greenhouses. This is for safety and billing purposes. Unlabeled flats may be discarded by Facility Staff.
  • Take care of your plants. All mature Arabidopsis plants must be staked and tied up so they do not fall over the edges of the tray. Breathable bags to contain seed are recommended but not required.
  • Take care of dried plants within one month of them being removed from the chambers.
  • Do not use the plant workroom, Plant Growth 204, as a drying room.
  • Clean up after yourself.
  • Be responsible with your use of supplies. Facility staff reserve the right to restrict your access to supplies if they deem it necessary to protect other users’ access to them.
  • All users are to be affiliated with WashU unless expressly permitted in writing by the Business Manager of the Biology Department and the Facility Manager.
  • Follow all verbal and written instructions by Facility Staff.
  • Users are not to operate the autoclave or soil mixer under any circumstances.
  • Do not modify chamber, greenhouse, or other system settings or configurations.
  • If you see something, say something without delay. Staff will respond ASAP to problems and emergencies.
  • Your continued access to this facility is dependent upon following these rules, for the safety and research integrity of yourself and others.