MIT.nano is switching to single-session PPE for the acid benches.
Over the last year, MIT.nano staff tested different products and collected user feedback. However, it took a while to ensure chemical and cleanroom compatibility (due to the types of acids we are using). The goal is to eliminate concerns about chemical residues on shared aprons, improve glove to arm-sleeve gaps that were difficult to seal/close before, and minimizing excessive waste.
Here’s a brief preview:
Using an acid-bench, each user will have their own apron, to be re-used in an ongoing session, but not between users / sessions. We will start by stocking two standard sizes in central locations (vs. at every hood, to avoid stocking issues/imbalances): There will be new centralized PPE shelves at the end of Chase U7 (near the digital whiteboard) and L5 (near the ESI asher). Special sizes are stocked in one location (given the lower usage). These central shelves have new “single-session aprons”: grab one for your acidhood work, then dispose of it when you’re finished.
Questions? Contact mitnano-feedback@mit.edu.