The new year has begun. A fresh start. A clean slate. A whole new day. Get started right with this checklist, designed to jog your memory about those items that can be easy to forget.
1) Take stock of your lab supplies. What are you missing? What needs to be replaced? What has expired?
2) Check your equipment. It performs best when it is regularly maintained and recalibrated. Are any instruments due to be recalibrated?
3) When was the last time you cleaned and spinned your pH electrodes? For a fast and easy demonstration, watch the video.
4) Order or update your safety gloves. If you’re not sure what materials are compatible with the chemicals you work with, check the Safety Glove Chemical Compatibility Database.
5) Have you signed up for the quarterly Cole-Parmer eNEWs? It is your source for technical articles, tech challenges, special promotions, and more. It’s free. Sign up here.
6) The bandages and medications in your first aid kit were likely depleted throughout the year. Restock your kit.
7) Make sure you’re in compliance. Call an Application Specialist to get answers to updated regulatory compliance issues.
8) Look at the expiration date on your pH buffer solutions. Is it time to replace them?
9) Are the hazards in your facility properly labeled? Choose signage that clearly advises employees.
10) Examine your water purification cartridges. Swap them out with new cartridges for purer water.
11) Still using glass thermometers containing mercury? Don’t jeopardize your health! Switch them with environmentally-safe, nonhazardous liquid-filled glass thermometers.
12) Scrutinize your pump tubing for any cracks or fissures. Order new or backup tubing to prevent production losses.
Posted by bdumey 

