How can you label and store lab equipment to avoid damage?

1 Labeling lab equipment

The first step to avoid damage is to label your lab equipment clearly and consistently. Labeling helps you identify the equipment, its contents, its purpose, and its owner. You can use different methods of labeling, such as stickers, tags, markers, or barcodes, depending on the type and size of the equipment. However, you should always use durable, waterproof, and legible labels that can withstand the conditions of the lab. You should also follow the standard naming conventions and symbols for the equipment and the substances it contains. For example, you should use the International System of Units (SI) for measurements, the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for chemical hazards, and the Biological Safety Level (BSL) for biological risks.

2 Storing lab equipment

The second step to avoid damage is to store your lab equipment properly and securely. Storing helps you protect the equipment from physical, chemical, or biological harm, as well as theft or misuse. You can use different types of storage, such as cabinets, shelves, drawers, racks, or containers, depending on the shape and function of the equipment. However, you should always use clean, dry, and stable storage that can prevent the equipment from falling, breaking, leaking, or corroding. You should also follow the standard safety and quality rules for the equipment and the materials it holds. For example, you should store flammable, explosive, or toxic substances in fireproof, ventilated, and locked cabinets, and you should store temperature-sensitive or perishable substances in refrigerators, freezers, or incubators.

3 Cleaning lab equipment

The third step to avoid damage is to clean your lab equipment regularly and thoroughly. Cleaning helps you remove any dirt, dust, or residue that can affect the performance, accuracy, or safety of the equipment. You can use different methods of cleaning, such as washing, rinsing, drying, or sterilizing, depending on the material and usage of the equipment. However, you should always use appropriate, gentle, and non-abrasive cleaning agents and tools that can preserve the integrity and quality of the equipment. You should also follow the standard protocols and procedures for the equipment and the contaminants it may have. For example, you should clean glassware with detergent and water, rinse it with distilled water, and dry it with air or heat, and you should sterilize instruments with autoclave, heat, or chemical disinfectants.

4 Maintaining lab equipment

The fourth step to avoid damage is to maintain your lab equipment frequently and carefully. Maintaining helps you check the condition, functionality, and calibration of the equipment. You can use different methods of maintaining, such as inspecting, testing, repairing, or replacing, depending on the type and complexity of the equipment. However, you should always use qualified, trained, and authorized personnel and services that can ensure the reliability and safety of the equipment. You should also follow the standard guidelines and schedules for the equipment and the issues it may face. For example, you should inspect electrical, mechanical, or optical equipment for any signs of wear, damage, or malfunction, and you should test, repair, or replace it as needed.

5 Organizing lab equipment

The fifth step to avoid damage is to organize your lab equipment logically and systematically. Organizing helps you arrange, group, and locate the equipment in a way that makes it easy to access, use, and return. You can use different methods of organizing, such as categorizing, labeling, or mapping, depending on the number and variety of the equipment. However, you should always use consistent, clear, and updated methods that can reflect the current state and availability of the equipment. You should also follow the standard principles and practices for the equipment and the space it occupies. For example, you should categorize the equipment by its function, type, or frequency of use, and you should label the equipment and the storage with matching names, codes, or colors, and you should map the equipment and the storage with diagrams, charts, or lists.

6 Educating lab users

The sixth step to avoid damage is to educate the lab users about the proper labeling and storage of the lab equipment. Educating helps you inform, train, and remind the lab users of the rules, responsibilities, and consequences of handling the lab equipment. You can use different methods of educating, such as instructing, demonstrating, or supervising, depending on the level and experience of the lab users. However, you should always use effective, interactive, and ongoing methods that can enhance the knowledge, skills, and attitude of the lab users. You should also follow the standard policies and regulations for the equipment and the lab environment. For example, you should instruct the lab users about the labeling and storage guidelines and procedures, and you should demonstrate the correct and incorrect ways of labeling and storing the equipment, and you should supervise the lab users and provide feedback and correction when needed.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?