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Any type of equipment will experience daily wear and tear when workers use it regularly. This is especially true for lab equipment and supplies, which technicians expose to a variety of harsh conditions and tests. To stretch your laboratory’s budget further, you need to get the most use out of these supplies despite repetitive use. Use these tips to help you minimize wear and tear on your lab equipment and make it last longer.
Practice Preventative Maintenance
Preventative maintenance is important for keeping your laboratory equipment in top condition. Preventative maintenance in the lab usually involves daily equipment cleaning, inspections, and condition logging. Another crucial step in preventative maintenance is to calibrate it regularly. Some digital, mechanical, and analog lab tools can fall out of accuracy after certain periods. Regularly calibrate your equipment regularly to maintain accuracy and prevent wear and tear from misuse. This concept even applies to items such as glassware and measuring equipment that you wouldn’t expect to wear over time.
Schedule Repairs and Replace Parts
Using a damaged or aging piece of equipment is one of the fastest ways to accrue unnecessary wear and tear. For example, using a tool with a small crack or other blemish could result in the issue worsening or even cause accidents during your experiments. Regular inspections are a crucial part of preventative maintenance because they allow you to catch even small signs of wear and tear. When you notice damage to your equipment, set it aside and discontinue its use while you wait for repairs.
Familiarize Yourself With the Product Manual
Reviewing any lab product’s manual and manufacturing instructions are crucial parts of the training process. When training lab personnel on how to use lab equipment, don’t forget to reference the product manual. Even if you’ve used similar products in the past, there could be some inconsistencies between products you’re familiar with and new models. Knowing how to take care of your equipment and operate it properly will prevent wrongful use and unnecessary damage.
Now that you know these tips to minimize wear and tear, you can help your lab equipment stay in good condition for even longer periods. When ordering your lab materials in the first place, make sure you choose a dependable equipment supplier so that you know your supplies are in prime condition when you receive them. Remember to keep maintenance and inspection logs for your lab equipment and track each piece’s condition.
