Not enough equipment for everyone to run experiments

[starofdawn]

Hey all,

 

I have been running experiments and using the same equipment that another PhD student is using for his experiments(let's call him M). Sometimes our experiments overlap and I have had to borrow another PhD's student equipment in the past (after asking the other student, of course. We'll call him S). Now I am in the same situation where M is running a 4-day experiment and I am without equipment to run mine. I have ordered more supplies to avoid this situation in the future, but I'm not sure when it'll get here. I could approach S, but I feel guilty for asking to borrow his supplies again.

 

How often do you need to borrow someone else's equipment to complete your work? (Assuming that the equipment was not meant for public use). Is there an underlying protocol on how often you can borrow equipment, or this is a very common occurrence and my anxiety is unfounded? M, S and I are all in the same group.

[St Andrews Lynx]

It's certainly not unusual to borrow other people's equipment in the sciences. I don't think there are any golden rules that say you can only borrow a person's equipment 5 times per year, or the like. But it all depends on the type of equipment & circumstances - will S need to use that piece of equipment within the next couple of days, for instance. 

 

Good practice for borrowing lab equipment from other people:

• Specify upfront how long you need it for, and be prepared to negotiate usage with the owner.
• Give it back promptly once you're finished. 
• Make sure you return it clean, unbroken, etc.
• If you need to use somebody's personal equipment on a semi-regular basis, then at least offer to help maintain the equipment (e.g., replacing the oil, cleaning the filters, whatever).  

If you are considerate and prompt when it comes to borrowing/returning other people's equipment, then you're free to borrow their stuff as often as necessary.