The laboratory equipment industry is worth $15.72 billion in 2023, indicating how valuable this apparatus is in settings such as hospitals and research facilities.
When you buy such expensive devices, the last thing you want is to let them fall into disrepair and need to replace them sooner than expected. This is why it’s crucial to know about the best lab equipment maintenance practices.
Let’s find out what tips you can use to create a thorough equipment maintenance routine.
Don’t Touch Anything Before Reading the Manual
Lab equipment can be highly specialized, and you can easily damage it if you don’t use it correctly. Therefore, you need to take the time to read the manual to ensure you follow the recommended guidelines. Not only will this help you to avoid causing harm to the apparatus during use, but a manual will also tell you how to care for the equipment properly.
If you have any questions, you can ask an expert on specific types of equipment such as a Biosafety cabinet manufacturer how to look after your apparatus in the right way.
Create Cleaning Checklists
Not every member of staff will know how to clean your lab apparatus, and a cleaning checklist will help them understand what they need to do. Your list can include aspects such as what equipment cleaning supplies are needed and how to use them in a safe manner.
You could even use diagrams to show how employees should clean each part of a device. By making the instructions as simple as possible, you can help your staff play their part in maintaining your equipment.
This will include cleaning the lab apparatus after each use. Apart from keeping the surfaces hygienic for the next user, allowing dirt and dust to build up can lead to urgent maintenance issues.
For example, if the moving parts of devices begin to seize, you may need to repair or replace them. There is also the chance that a hazardous substance could spill on a piece of equipment. Should it not be removed straight away, this could cause corrosion.
If your staff members know that they must clean the apparatus every time they are finished using it, this will help avoid these serious problems. It can also be useful to have a cleaning diary beside each device. This will let you see at a glance when the equipment was cleaned and who carried out the work.
If you still see dirt, you can provide the relevant employee with extra cleaning training.
Carry Out Regular Deep Cleans
Even if your staff does an excellent job wiping down your lab apparatus, minuscule bits of dust and debris can be left behind. After all, employees will have important tasks to get on with, and they can only devote so much time to cleaning their equipment.
If you carry out a regular deep clean, this can clear away any residual grime. Even doing this once a month may be enough to keep your equipment gleaming.
Calibrate Your Lab Equipment
Lab devices can lose accuracy over time, but you’ll still expect them to last for a lengthy period. If your equipment is providing inaccurate readings, there may be no need to replace the item. Instead, you should make sure that it’s calibrated.
If your apparatus begins to work as it should, you can frequently recalibrate it to keep it working at the required level. However, if your device is still giving false readouts, then it may be time to look at getting it repaired or buying a new one.
Set Up Lab Equipment Failure Reporting Systems
It’s always best to catch any problems with your lab apparatus at the earliest opportunity. If devices are showing signs of wear and tear, you can then take action to stop any further deterioration. Since the people most likely to notice if your devices have damage, or are not functioning suitably, are your employees, you need to provide them with clear reporting systems.
This doesn’t have to be complicated, and it can be as straightforward as having a record sheet in a central location where staff can log any issues. A supervisor can then check this sheet at the end of each day and arrange for necessary lab equipment repairs. Alternatively, you could have an online system where staff members can flag any concerns.
Create a Lab Equipment Maintenance Review Schedule
Replacing lab equipment can be expensive and time-consuming. When you take this into account, equipment maintenance costs can be comparatively low. By carrying out comprehensive reviews of each device, you can benefit from these cost savings.
But it’s easy to get sidetracked in a busy lab environment and forget to inspect devices on a regular basis. Using a calendar that alerts you when it’s time to complete an assessment can keep you on track and ensure you review the apparatus at set intervals.
Depending on how often a device is used, you could have an annual inspection rota or even monthly reviews. You’ll know the appropriate timeframe for the equipment in your laboratory.
Keep Your Lab Equipment In Pristine Condition
Lab equipment maintenance is crucial for keeping your facility running smoothly. Make sure you know what cleaning supplies you need to take care of your apparatus, and train staff to properly wipe down the devices. It’s also essential to ensure your equipment is calibrated, and to carry out detailed reviews regularly.
This could save you a fortune in replacement equipment costs.
If you’ve found this lab equipment post helpful, be sure to read more of our informative blog articles.
