How to Care for the Laboratory Equipment?
How to Care for the Laboratory Equipment?
Laboratory equipment is used for critical scientific experiments or for testing. The accuracy and reliability of the test or experiment’s results highly depend on such equipment. This makes the care and maintenance of the laboratory equipment crucial. Moreover, maintenance is also important to prevent any risks of cross-contamination. Not only this but any faulty equipment is also detected during maintenance which could impact its performance and mess with the results. Explore the following standard rules to ensure the proper upkeep and maintenance of the lab equipment.
There are certain standard operating techniques made for all lab equipment.
Every piece of equipment must have a separate document that enlists all about the repairs and maintenance undertaken.
It is essential to outline a preventive maintenance program for each piece of laboratory equipment.
Lastly, training of both technical and managerial personnel is imperative for the proper use and care of laboratory equipment.
Besides the 4 of the above-mentioned rules, the following tips are most important for the care and maintenance of each lab equipment. Let’s comprehend the following tips.
Clean Up Every Day
The most important tip for the care of any laboratory equipment is undoubtedly the cleaning of each and everything equipment or anything existing in the surrounding. The personnel of the laboratory must be reminded and assigned this task on regular basis to clean each and every piece of equipment, especially the disposable sampling tube, as well as the countertops, sweeping floors, or even the benches in the lab. Also, all touchpoints of the lab must also be sanitized carefully.
Check Personal Protective Equipment
Make sure to check the condition and quality of all the Personal Protective Equipment before starting up with any test or experiment. The laboratory staff must be vigilant that everyone present in the lab is wearing eye and face protection. Also, no one must be allowed to enter the premises of the laboratory without wearing disposable gloves, disposable footwear, and hearing conservation equipment for any wear and tear.
Restock Hand Washing Stations
There can be many toxic or contaminant elements present in the laboratories that can harm anyone. Therefore, it is a basic rule to always wash hands before entering the labs as well as while existing. The laboratories must have 3 to 4 handwashing stations or sinks. It is critical that each of these stations must be kept clean. There must be a disinfectant soap and a towel. The soap dispensers must always be restocked and any clogging or related issues, if any, must be dealt with, instantly.
Maintain Emergency Stations
Every laboratory must have an emergency station, especially for eyewash and showers. This is because the personnel in the labs could be dealing with hazardous chemicals. Any unfortunate accident can harm their eyes or any part of the skin which is why it is critical to install such stations according to given Make sure for proper operation of these stations and must hire qualified technicians for the emergency stations.
Inventory the Contents of Refrigerators and Freezers
Another important tip for the care and maintenance of the laboratory equipment is that the lab personnel must keep a record of each and every piece of item or equipment stored in the refrigerators and freezers. If a disposable swab tube is stored in the freezer, it must contain all details about the contents’ origin and expiration dates. Such regular maintenance makes it easy to dispose of expired items conveniently.
Apt Glass Cleaning Techniques
Qualified laboratory personnel is always capable of executing routine glassware cleaning precisely. They must be pro of employing the proper manual techniques to properly wash all glassware items such as flasks, pipettes, beakers, and funnels.
Broken Shards Disposal
Every lab must have a separate biohazard trash bin for broken glass and pieces with sharp edges. Such rubbish bins are specially provided by safety against the biohazard sectors. Such rubbish bins must be placed where every person can easily reach them. The Biohazard rubbish bins must be immediately disposed of when they are half-full with the disposable blood needle.
Inspect Emergency Equipment
The emergency equipment in the labs must always be inspected from time to time. Such emergency equipment includes the first aid boxes, lab fire safety, and sprinkler systems. They must be easily reachable for the personnel and regularly charged.