General Laboratory Techniques

GENERAL OBJECTIVES:

1. Know types of laboratories, their furnishings and fittings

2. Understand laboratory layout

3. Understand the principles of designing laboratory stores

4. Know the correct methods and places of installing: (i) Balances (ii) Barometers, (iii) Galvanometer (iv) Water Still (v) Ion Exchanger

5. Understand the management of stores

6. Understand the principles of store keeping

7. Know the acquisition, storage and use of technical information

8. Understand record keeping in the laboratory

9. Understand the importance of discipline in the laboratory

10. Understand routine administrative function in the laboratory

1.1 Explain the term ‘laboratory’.

1.2 List different types of laboratories e.g. teaching laboratory, research laboratory etc.

1.3 State the features of different types of laboratories.

1.4 Explain the factors to be considered when designing a laboratory e.g. nature of work, space and funding etc.

1.5 Explain how funding affects the designing of laboratories

1.6 Draw sketches of typical laboratory layout.

1.7 Identify laboratory furniture e.g. benches, floors, sink and drainage etc.

1.8 List suitable materials for the laboratory (i) Bench tops (ii) Floors (iii) Seats.

1.9 List reasons for the choice of materials in 1.7 above

1.10 List essential laboratory fittings e.g. water, electricity, gas, vacuum lines, steam, etc.

1.11 Explain the importance of the fittings in 1.10 above.

2.1 Describe the dimension of a standard laboratory work bench, specifying width, length, height and spacing, and types of arrangement e.g. island, peninsular etc.

2.2 Describe the services and fittings, obtainable on laboratory bench tops.

2.3 Describe the methods of providing lighting and ventilation in a laboratory.

2.4 Describe methods of evaluating illumination and efficiency of light fittings in a laboratory.

2.5 Explain the importance of lighting and ventilation in a laboratory.

2.6 Draw the layout of a typical laboratory, showing the essential services.

3.1 List the factors that should be considered in the design of a laboratory store e.g. type of store, location, lighting, shelves etc.

3.2 Explain the importance of factors in 3.1 above.

3.3 Draw the layout of a typical laboratory store.

4.1 Describe the correct sitting of a balance room in the laboratory e.g. proximity to users.

4.2 List the essential features of a balance room

4.3 Explain the effect of vibration, temperature and dust on balance.

4.4 Explain how the effects in 4.3 above can be minimised.

4.5 Illustrate diagrammatically the methods of supporting balances to minimize vibration.

4.6 Support balances to minimize vibration.

4.7 Describe methods of transporting and installing mercury barometers.

4.8 Install mercury barometers. 

4.9 Describe the effect of vibration on galvanometers.

4.10 Explain how the effect in 4.9 above is minimized.

4.11 List types of laboratory distillers and deionisers.

4.12 Describe the methods of installing distillers and de-ionisers as in 4.11 above.

4.13 Explain the uses of distillers and deionisers.

5.1 List types of stores e.g. control store, main store and dispensing store.

5.2 Explain the activities that take place in the stores listed in 5.1 above e.g. receiving, storing and issuing of materials etc.

5.3 State the features of stores in 5.1 above.

5.4 Explain the importance of the features stated in 5.3 above.

6.1 Explain the functions of store keeper.

6.2 Explain the legal liabilities of the storekeeper.

6.3 Explain the use of his/store cards inventory.

6.4 Explain government regulations relating to import.

6.5 Outline the procedure for the purchase of various materials for the store.

6.6 Identify the various types of documents for ordering receiving and paying for goods e.g. order form, invoice, and delivery note etc.

6.7 Explain the importance of the documents listed above.

7.1 List sources of information for the laboratory e.g. reference books, journals catalogue etc.

7.2 Explain the importance of the source in 7.1 above.

7.3 Describe different methods of storing technical information e.g. file, computer, micron film, tapes etc.

7.4 Explain the methods of retrieving, technical information e.g. film projector, video display, Book Borrowing etc.

7.5 Store and retrieve technical information for the laboratory.

7.6 Explain the use of technical information sources e.g. data and statistical books, trade catalogues etc.

8.1 List types of laboratory records e.g. equipment, loan book, accidents etc.

8.2 Explain the importance of each type of record.

9.1 Explain the significance of hierarchy in staff structure.

9.2 Explain the need for discipline in the laboratory environment.

9.3 Explain qualities of leadership and good example as a basis for disciplinary practices.

9.4 Evaluate methods of appreciation and criticism as they relate to discipline e.g. commendation for a good job, polite, correction etc.

9.5 Describe the methods of achieving good communication between staff and students.

9.6 Explain the importance of a good student/staff relationship.

10.1 List the minimum staff strength in the laboratory.

10.2 Explain the importance of good/poor staffing.

10.3 Determine the optimal staff/student ratio in a typical laboratory.

10.4 List basic staff of a laboratory.

10.5 List factors to be considered for asking at interviews for laboratory staff.

10.6 Explain how the factor listed in 10.5 above can be used in interviews for laboratory staff.