Setting up and running a laboratory isn’t easy! There’s a lot on the plate of lab managers. They have to manage the workflow, staff, communicate with laboratory equipment suppliers, and purchase supplies. One thing that puts a dent in any lab’s operations is malfunctioning equipment and machines. As a result, the work gets delayed, workers are idle, and the results take time. You may come across several faulty equipment and maintenance issues during the span of your operations in a laboratory. Your know-how will help you tackle or prevent such hitches.
This article is focused on strategies to help you keep your equipment running smoothly.
1) Go Through The Operator’s Manual
Often, people find it challenging to read and understand the operator’s manual. With that notion, many operators tend to overlook reading the manual at all. But investing your time in reading manuals from laboratory equipment suppliers is worth the effort. Generally, manuals are not very technical as they are tailored to the end-users understanding. So if you see a lot of details, don’t be intimidated.
The manual’s troubleshooting section has simple instructions to fix your equipment’s specific problems. Reading these instructions might be beneficial for you at the time of need. You can use the information given to identify simple issues you can likely fix yourself.
2) Perform Regular Maintenance
Remember - if your equipment and machines look good, they work well too! That’s why cleaning the appliances is imperative to ensure their smooth performance. Create daily, weekly, and monthly schedules for routine maintenance. This way, you can also get familiar with the machine’s functionality. You will be able to indicate a problem like a liquid in the bottle being lesser or more than the previous week. Your routine should also include keeping a logbook for each unit in the lab. Note every routine check-up and other activities to track a machine’s condition.
3) Train The Lab Workers
As an essential part of the lab’s functions, you should consider providing training to one or more staff members when you purchase a piece of equipment from laboratory equipment suppliers. This gives them and your lab the resources you will need to use the units and conduct basic troubleshooting properly.
4) Look Out For Warning Signs
Address the potential problems that you may encounter, but do not panic. Be mindful of the signs that you see. Your machines and equipment may show subtle clues of difficulties. So act on them as soon as possible. Explore what caused it and address it early on. Refer to the reader’s manual or get in touch with technical support to get insights and necessary help. Sometimes, specific problems only require a quick fix which might only take a few minutes. And addressing such issues might save you many days of downtime in the future. Instead of leaving it for later, fix or get help from a professional to resolve the technical problems.
By following these strategies, you can ensure that your equipment and machine will run smoothly. You will also have fewer delays, avoid a lot of frustration, save time and money. If you’re looking for lab equipment suppliers in Ohio, reach out to Government Lab Enterprises. We have a wide array of quality lab research and development supplies.