LAB MANUAL

Lab code of conduct

Professionalism in the lab, field and general interactions

• Maintain a positive work environment
• Treat all team members with respect, be punctual and prepared for lab work, office work and research meetings
• Not tolerate harassment or discrimination of any kind
• Keep communal workspaces clean and organized
• Use working hours efficiently to get the job done
• Take responsibility for our mistakes and correct them
• Respond to professional emails within a reasonable timeframe
• Regularly update team members on project progress
• Be generous, collaborative and learn from others
• Acknowledge contributions of team members
• Provide constructive feedback and encouragement on research ideas
• Facilitate participation of all lab members in group discussions

Data management

• Collect and enter data accurately and carefully
• File paper copies of data in consultation with lab manager
• Keep sensitive information, data and research findings confidential until permitted for dissemination
• Backup lab data, R-code and manuscript drafts
• Inform research scientist and lab manager of errors and discrepancies

Laboratory rules for health and safety

• Be responsible for our health and safety with good judgement of consequences and potential hazards
• Follow AFC laboratory procedures during experiments and lab work
• Kindly point out potential unsafe or incorrect work procedures and acknowledge personal mistakes or oversights
• Not bring food or drinks to the labs
• Not use lab refrigerators to store lunches
• Avoid watching videos / TV shows for entertainment when working
• Listen to music with headphones or if through speakers, ensure that we do not bother others working in the same space
• When working with odorous samples, use lab 2.208 and turn on exhaust
• Consult Safety Data Sheets and wear appropriate PPE when working with chemicals
• Follow procedures outlined by AFC Health & Safety Personnel if a chemical spill occurs, this may include reporting incidents or pulling fire alarm
• Use well-fitting PPE provided by lab manager as needed and request to have it replaced when worn
• Remember the right to refuse unsafe work as outlined by WHMIS and the labour code

Equity, diversity and inclusion

• Treat all people with equal respect regardless of academic status, ableism, age, cultural background, economic status, gender identity, mental health status, racial background or sexual orientation
• Be kind and sensitive to personal, family and health issues
• Respect privacy, personal space and belongings of team members
• Resolve disagreements and conflicts in a constructive and respectful manner
• Contact lab manager and/or research scientist if mediation is required for conflict resolution
• Avail of NRCan’s Employee Assistance Services as needed for personal and workplace challenges

• by phone, 24 hours: 1-800-268-7708 (TTY 1-800-567-5803)
• by live Chat (password: canada), Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 7:30 pm ET, excluding statutory holidays

Work-life balance

• Organise work schedules with lab manager to accommodate personal commitments
• In consultation with lab manager and/or research scientist, use designated vacation time appropriately to not interfere with mandatory or critical field and laboratory experiments