The Stockroom
Before using the Stockroom, speak with the Stockroom Manager to learn the procedures for borrowing and purchasing.
HOURS
FHL has one full-time Stockroom Manager, who is usually available 8 am to 5 pm on weekdays with a 1-hour lunch break mid-day. Plan accordingly if you wish to make stockroom purchases, place orders, or arrange for shipping.
TO BORROW EQUIPMENT, CHECK IT OUT USING THE STOCKROOM COMPUTER
To borrow a piece of equipment with an FHL barcode sticker on it, check it out under your name on the Stockroom computer. When you return the equipment, be sure to check it back in on the computer. If the item needs repair, bring it to the attention of the Stockroom Manager!
TO BORROW SMALLER ITEMS (WITHOUT A BARCODE), NO CHECKOUT IS REQUIRED
Many basic materials and supplies (from glass lab ware to rubber boots) may be borrowed without checking them out. Simply return what you borrowed to where you found it. If an item is damaged, hand it to the Stockroom Manager so she can arrange for it to be repaired before it is returned to its place; if it is damaged beyond reasonable repair (e.g. a cracked, leaking boot that’s not easily fixed), please throw it out rather than return it.
SUPPLIES & CHEMICALS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE DURING REGULAR STOCKROOM HOURS
Supplies such as gloves, coats, notebooks, dissecting tools, textbooks, and more, and certain common chemicals, are available for purchase when the Stockroom Manager is available.
TREAT E-WARE AS SACRED
Lab ware with an “E” on it is to be used only for culturing embryos or other sensitive organisms. It is kept in special cabinets and should be returned to those cabinets only if you are certain it has not been contaminated. Any E-ware found elsewhere is assumed contaminated and the “E” label removed. If you suspect contamination, remove the “E” and return the item to the open shelves. New E-ware should be marked as such before it is used.
IF YOU NEED UNUSUAL MATERIALS OR SPECIAL EQUIPMENT, LET US KNOW IN ADVANCE
If you’ll need unusual materials, large amounts, or special equipment, don’t assume it will be available! Well in advance of your arrival, contact the Stockroom Manager to ask.
PACKING SUPPLIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR PREPARING PARCELS
FHL residents are expected to pack up, weigh, measure (and usually label) their own outbound parcels. The Stockroom can supply boxes, packaging material, and tape, as well as a scale and ruler to obtain the weights and dimensions needed to create labels.
THE STOCKROOM CAN ACCEPT PREPAID, LABELED, READY-TO-GO PARCELS TO SHIP OUT
If you have a package that is ready to ship, with a paid FedEx label, UPS label, or USPS Click-N-Ship label, you may email the Stockroom Manager to let her know (see deadlines below) and then drop it off in the Stockroom.
DEADLINES FOR OUTGOING PARCELS
Note that the Stockroom Manager is not available (in person or by email) on weekends or after 5 pm on weekdays, and that packages only go out on weekdays. Plan accordingly!
- FedEx Air: Notify Stockroom Manager before 11 am on the day of shipping. Parcel should be in the Stockroom, ready to go, by noon on the day of shipping.
- FedEx Ground: Notify Stockroom Manager before 4:00 pm on the day before shipping. Parcel should be in the Stockroom, ready to go, by noon on the day of shipping.
- US Postal Service: Notify Stockroom Manager before 4:00 pm on the day before shipping. Parcel should be in the Stockroom before 5:00 pm on the day before. For same day shipping, bring your parcel to the Post Office in Friday Harbor (M-F, 7 am – 3 pm).
- UPS: when you create the label, schedule a pickup online.
IF YOU WILL BE PAYING FOR IT ON A UW BUDGET, THE STOCKROOM MANAGER CAN CREATE A FEDEX LABEL FOR YOU
For parcels that you have packed up, weighed, and measured, you may request the Stockroom Manager to create a FedEx label if you are paying for it on a University of Washington budget. The Stockroom cannot create labels on the UW FedEx account for shipping that will be paid on a card, check, cash, or invoice.
The Student Shop
Anyone wishing to use the Student Shop must first attend a training session (contact Doug Engel, fixitfhl@uw.edu). You must be accompanied at all times when using the Shop, and Shop tools may not be removed.
Large Equipment
Many larger items of equipment are stationed permanently in lab spaces throughout campus. Some of these are available for use by visiting researchers, thanks largely to the generosity of resident scientists.
BEFORE USING A STATIONED PIECE OF EQUIPMENT, CONTACT THE RESIDENT SCIENTIST OR TECHNICIAN IN CHARGE OF IT
If you are interested in using equipment stationed in a lab space, check to see if the item is listed for use by visiting researchers (link below) and if it is, reach out to the person noted as contact for that equipment. They will do training/checkout with you as needed, and will let you know how to schedule and log use of the equipment.