"Search, Research, Show and Tell"
11:00
S.G.02
Hi Folks, as we move toward the end of term, work ramps up and people need to spend more time in the labs. So we’d like to remind you to refresh your knowledge of the food policy in the labs – there are notices around R_ground. In recent days we’ve noticed people making some inappropriate choices. Food is permitted in the labs, but the policy makes it clear this should be non-messy snack food; and if you make a mess, you should clean up after yourself. Keep in mind that anything that gets on your fingers will transfer to the keys on the keyboards – and that residue will be left for the next person. For this reason food like chocolate which frequently needs to be licked off fingers, or potato chips which are greasy, or fruit that drips juice (which I’ve all seen in the past week) are inappropriate. Recent studies have shown that the second filthiest (bacteriologically) items you’re likely to come across are computer keyboards (supermarket trolley handles come first). Please don’t add to the risk. Hot food is not permitted in the labs at all. For those of you who bring hot food in to eat at the foyer tables, please keep in mind you have a choice of where to eat. The smell of that food is inflicted on staff who are required to be in the area, and your fellow students who may be trying to concentrate on their work. Sometimes that smell gets into the labs too. Snack food in the labs is fine (within the policy bounds – and noting the above comments) – but if you need a meal, then take a break. I’ve noticed sandwich munching going on in the lab, and that results in crumbs in the keyboards! Remember that you’re choice of food can also affect the people around you. (So peanuts are inappropriate on multiple levels). Drinks are permitted, but only from re-sealable containers. Open cans are undesirable as they get tipped over. Disposable cups (like coffee cups) also have holes. We have had spills. Please note that the cleaner’s contracts only requires the benches to be wiped down once a term. They’re not paid to clean up spills – and don’t. The cleaners generally vacuum and empty the bins. They won’t pick up any debris you leave behind. That makes for an unsightly workplace. If you have rubbish with you, please put it in the bin. We expect you to be able to self-monitor your behaviour – so please be professional . It will make life easier for all of us. Keep in mind that anything you do has potential consequences, and food is only one aspect of life in the labs. We all need to be considerate citizens.