Technical and Safety reasons
As a general rule, experiments on BL29-BOREAS have to be performed exclusively with samples and equipments described in proposals (academic, in-house, proprietary) and validated by ALBA Health and Safety Office.
What cannot be done at the BL for safety reasons:
- Radioactive compounds: Radioactive sources as defined in RD 35/2008 will not be accepted. Samples containing radioactive isotopes below these specific limits MUST be declared and acceptance will be studied case by case.
- Biologically hazardous classified samples such as virus and other infectious species, genetically modified bacteria or bio-organisms, live matter, tissues, organs, or other matter of animal or human origin, (samples with biosafety level 2 or higher, GMO excluded).
- Following the general policy from ALBA, we do not accept pyrophoric (e.g. silane, borane, and phosphine) or highly unstable gases (i.e., 1,3-butadiene, methyl acetylene, vinyl chloride, tetrafluoroethylene, and vinyl fluoride, etc.) gases. Furthermore, any corrosive, inflammable, toxic or dangerous gas (or mixtures) is not accepted at this beamline. Bottles with volume higher than 2,5L or pressure higher than 20bars are not allowed.
- Nanoparticles: Powder samples with sub-micron grain sizes are considered herein. Measurement on nano size materials could be authorized when sample is properly filled in sealed confinement or firmly bonded to a substrate. However, the manipulation on the beamline and/or related laboratory of loose powder is forbidden.
- Hazardous materials producing toxic or highly contaminant particulate matter suspensions on air.
- Highly contaminant low-vapor pressure molecules or compounds degrading the ultra-high vacuum conditioning and cleanness of instrumentation.
- Illegal substances and/or samples: (f.i. drugs, unregulated agricultural or food samples, etc.) unless it is explicitly proved that it is allowed by Spanish regulations.
Disclaimer: This list is not comprehensive; it only indicates the experimental conditions and sample characteristics that could not be accepted due to technical and/or safety reasons. The acceptance of any materials (including equipment) is subjected to the availability of all required safety conditions and protective equipment.
