Preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment

Routine maintenance of laboratory equipment:

·         Ensures that the experiments are conducted efficiently

·         Minimize malfunctions

·         Reduces variation in test results, and improves the accuracy of testing results.

·         Lengthens instrument life.

·         Increases safety for workers.

·         Avoid unnecessary repair expenses.

Preventive maintenance techniques:

1.      Cleaning:

Easiest, most affordable technique and can be in form of dusting, wiping .etc.

Practical examples:

·         Wipe every day the equipment used; cover the sensitive equipment such as microscopes so that dust does not damage the lenses, cover analytical balances and any other sensitive device.

·         Perform a thorough and regular cleaning of microscopes using a 70:30 mixture of alcohol. This will ensure you that they are clean enough to yield the most accurate results.

·         Lenses should not be touched with your hands and should only be cleaned with rice paper.

·         Developing ventilation dust should be cleaned in refrigeration facilities such as refrigerators, freezers, chillers, etc.

·         Avoid introducing dust, smoke, such as incinerators and oil pumps into the laboratory. It is also possible to install appropriate filters.

 

2.      Calibration Of Laboratory Equipment

Failure to calibrate laboratory equipment regularly can lead to inaccuracies in the data, which will impair experiments. In addition, proper calibration can also improve laboratory safety wherever hazardous chemicals are used.

3.      Repairs and refurbishment of laboratory equipment

Especially with larger items such as Laboratory ovens, incubators, which low cost repair and replacement parts can be an effective way to significantly increase life expectancy and save unnecessary costs.

Repair and/or refurbish faulty or worn-out lab equipment without any delay. Faulty machines may stop working suddenly in the middle of an experiment leading to losses and they can also be a source of safety concerns.

Minor repairs can be done by a dedicated staff, while major repairs should be directed to specialists with knowledge of the specific machine or equipment.

Refurbish old equipment to give them a new lease of life by cleaning thoroughly, polishing where necessary, lubricating movable parts, and replacing small worn out bits.

 

4. Quality Replacement

Equipment that cannot be repaired or refurbished should be replaced. It is advisable to buy equipment from well-known sources that can guarantee quality and offer technical support.

High-quality lab equipment is easier to maintain and its durability translates to reduced costs in the long term.