1. Requests for greenhouse space should be made using these forms (Request for Greenhouse Space Form, Request for Growth Chamber Space, Supply Labor Request Form) at least two weeks prior to the start of the project/research.

2. Greenhouse space will be assigned only for the specific time period required by the project.  Greenhouse space will not be allocated for an indefinite time period.

3. The requesting user will receive a copy of the Space Request form indicating the assigned space.  This form will also serve as authorization for any keys that need to be issued.  All keys are obtained from the Assistant to the Chair, Department of Plant and Soil Sciences and should be returned upon completion of the project.

4. Every effort will be made to meet space needs. Current space demands, project size, past performance, utilization efficiency, sanitation, cooperation and project importance will be considered when allocating space. 

5. If greenhouse space is not available and the Greenhouse Manager is unable to resolve the situation, a written appeal may be submitted to the GAC by the greenhouse user denied space.

6. Users must confine their plant growth to the area specially assigned to their project

7. Users cannot re-assign their unused space to other user researchers.

8. Delays in project completion should be discussed as soon as possible with the Greenhouse Manager.  Extended delays are subject to review by the Chair of the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences. 

9. Space not vacated on schedule will be cleared. All unauthorized materials will be disposed of. 
   Individuals may only request an extension to use space by submitting a new Request for Greenhouse Space form a minimum of 1 month in advance of the termination date of the original request.

10. Greenhouse users are expected to leave the facility (greenhouse/headhouse/growth chambers) clean at the time of completion of an experiment, task or class.  Areas not cleaned by the completion date listed on the Request for Space Form will be cleaned by the greenhouse staff at the rate of $50.00 per hour.

11. Assigned space not used within two weeks of when the space is made available to the user will revert back to the Greenhouse Manager and is subject to reassignment.  If the user needs to hold the space, greenhouse fees will begin to accumulate.

1. Plant materials to be grown for classroom use require adequate lead-time.  Requests for course materials to be sown each semester should be received by the Greenhouse Manager two months prior to the first day of classes.

2. Requests for new crops, along with a delivery schedule, should be made far enough in advance to allow for a test crop to be grown.

1. All new plant materials are to be inspected by a member of the greenhouse staff for infestation before being introduced into the greenhouse.  Infected plants will be treated before being placed in the facility.

2. Disease and insect problems are to be reported immediately to the Greenhouse Supervisor.

3. Wash hands before working with plants.  This is especially important when working with propagation materials or if you smoke tobacco products.  Smoking is forbidden in the greenhouse.

4. Media is stored in the containers under the benches in the headhouse area and should be kept clean and free of debris.  Do not re-use spilled soil or soil that accumulates on the floor.  This should be placed in the compost cart.  Contact greenhouse staff if additional media is needed.

5. All hose ends, waterbreakers, mist nozzles and other attachments should be hung up off the greenhouse floor when not in use.  Water should be turned off and the pressure released.  Report hose repairs to the Greenhouse Supervisor.

6. Greenhouse benches are to be kept clean.  Do not stand or put your feet on greenhouse benches.  This will help avoid carrying diseases up to crop level. 

7. Greenhouse carts should be hosed off after use and returned to the padwall area.

8. Greenhouse space is to be kept clean and orderly by all users.  Consult with the Greenhouse Manager for storage alternatives.

9. Headhouse space is “common space”.  No materials or equipment may be permanently stored in this area.  Headhouse areas must be cleaned up immediately after use.

10. All dirty flats and pots should be placed in the padwall area (main hallway in glass house) next to the sink.  These items will be washed and restocked by the greenhouse staff.  If you have supplies that need to be sterilized, please notify the Greenhouse Supervisor.

 

Section 5: Plant Waste Disposal

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If you generate non-hazardous waste, it can be composted.

1. Remove all labels/stakes/containers and then place the plant/soil material in the composting cart located in the headhouse area of Fischer greenhouse.

2. Large amounts of material may be carted directly to the compost pile behind the complex.

If you generate potentially hazardous waste (chemically-contaminated, infected with a pathogen, or transgenic, as well as potentially contaminated material such as soil, labels, containers, or adjacent plant material), dispose of the plants, soil, labels, and containers according to University of Delaware policies. It is the users responsibility to determine the waste stream, and a waste disposal plan should be in place before an experiment is initiated.

For chemically-contaminated waste, follow the Procedure l for chemical waste at the OHS web site (www.udel.edu/OHS/chemwstmanage.html).

For biohazardous waste, including transgenic plants and plants infected by pathogens,  follow this standard procedure:

1. Line an infectious waste box with two infectious waste bags

2. Label the box clearly with your name

3. When full, seal and label with name and date on top (Do not overfill as the box or you will be required to repack the waste.  

4. As a rule of thumb,  if an average person can lift it, it should be okay.)

5. Leave the sealed box outside Zone 4 in Fischer greenhouse for pick-up by Occupational Heath and Safety.

6. More supplies (boxes, bags, and tape) can be ordered using the OHS web form(www.udel.edu/OHS/waste/biowstindex.html).

7.  

1. Environmental control equipment (vents, shade curtains, thermostats) will be operated by greenhouse staff only.  Changes in environmental conditions in individual greenhouse spaces should be requested in writing.

2. Malfunctions in the environmental control systems should be reported to the Greenhouse Manager in writing.  In an emergency situation, any greenhouse staff member may be contacted.  A list of emergency contacts is posted on the greenhouse office door.