How to Prevent Loss and Damage of Laboratory Equipment in Schools

School laboratories are crucial learning environments where students obtain knowledge of science by doing experiments and carrying out tests. But, in many schools, there is a continuous loss, breakage, and misuse of the equipment.

This increases the cost of replacement and interferes with instruction. Prevention of losses and damage does not require costly repairs, but rather good management, training, and accountability.

The following are some of the best practices that can be adopted by schools in Kenya and other parts of the world on how to prevent loss and damage of laboratory equipment.

1. Train Students on Proper Handling of Equipment

Prior to every practical, the technicians are expected to show the use of delicate instruments the procedure needs. Examples of such equipment can include the test tubes, microscopes, thermometers, and burettes.

Accidents decrease drastically when the students are taught the proper procedures, i.e., how to warm glassware, how to use a Bunsen burner, or even how to use a microscope. Constant training creates accountability and boosts esteem towards lab equipment.

2. Assign Enough Laboratory Technicians

A good number of labs personnel are needed in the busy laboratories. Laboratory technicians monitor and guide on the use of the equipment and the students through the practical.

Surpassing the absence of a full-time technician in a school, a school science teacher or lab prefect can provide control and restrain irresponsible handling. This will greatly limit the rate at which the lab equipment and damage preventing losses.

3. Loss is prevented by a basic tracking system. 

Prior to the start of every session, teachers are supposed to put down in a list items issued (20 test tubes, 5 microscopes, 10 measuring cylinders) and ensure their timely returns.

A logbook or checklist is effective. Such a system brings about accountability, stems out laxity and points out missing tools within minutes as opposed to weeks, preventing losses.

4. Proper storage of the Equipment

Delicate glass should be placed on cushioned shelves or stand against the wall in order to prevent cracking. Always store chemicals in labeled and locked shelves and keep the electronic devices in a place that is clean and dry without any moisture.

Proper storage prevents the breakage and theft of equipment as well as its long life despite heavy usage.

5. Use Safety Gear and Protective Tools when doing Experiments

Wire gauzes, tongs, heat-resistant gloves and safety screens can be used to protect machines and students in case of heat or chemical work.

To illustrate, a beaker on a Bunsen burner can be covered with a piece of wire gauze to even the distribution of heat and eliminate cracking. This gear should be encouraged among students. It is available in the store and you can place an order anytime.

6. Lab equipment should be checked on a routine basis by schools.

The routine check-up is essential in the identification of any cracks, corrosion, leaks or loose components.

Small issues are prevented before they evolve to expensive repairs that can posse irreversible risks and losses in the laboratory.

As an illustration, dust on lens check microscopes, tighten part of the weighing balance and check the gas tap before lessons, otherwise serious failures will occur during practical.

7. Limit Access to the Laboratory

Always keep the lab locked and only provide the keys to the authorized personnel or the technician. Students are not supposed to enter during off-timed lessons. Restricted access minimizes loss of equipment.

8. Adopt Well-marked labels assist students in finding and putting back things. 

Shelves, drawers, trays, equipment in schools should be well arranged and also labeled by categories for example Glassware, Metal Tools, Heat Equipment, Chemicals.

The shelves should remain organized and each equipment placed in the right place at all times. Students will be more inclined to place things in their assigned place.

9. Encourage a Culture of Responsibility.

Every individual should have the knowledge on how to handle every equipment in the laboratory. Respectful treatment of equipment e.g. after using a lab equipment, one should know where and when and what to do with it.

Just like in Library where books are returned back to the shelves, minimize irresponsible behavior. Rules can be established in schools like reporting of breakages within a short period to detect breakages or accidents.

10. Keep an inventory that facilitates the cycle of tracking the losses. 

Quantity of records, conditions, serial numbers of high price products and dates of purchase. The list should be updated at least once per term or semester to assist schools in planning replacements, identifying patterns of losses, and making budgets.

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