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Lab labelling equipment

Lab labelling equipment


Running a laboratory is no easy task and it involves a plethora of activities. Each and every aspect of running a laboratory is highly critical and paying attention to details is very important. A seemingly minor issue like labeling the laboratory equipment, consumables and devices is a very important aspect of laboratory management. Not labeling or mis-labeling consumables or equipment in a laboratory can lead to mishaps and life-threatening situations.

Identifying and labeling laboratory equipment is not an easy task. With a variety of equipment and consumables used, proper labeling can be a challenge without the aid of lab labeling equipment. Identifying and labeling lab equipment is very critical for safety and using lab labeling equipment to get the job done is a good idea. The broad category of labeling could be to classify the material as bio-lab equipment, chemistry lab equipment etc but each and every piece of equipment labeling is recommended.

Labeling by a hand written paper is no solution to the task at hand. A label in a laboratory should stand the environment and last for a long time. The label, in short should be permanent and not temporary in nature. Let us look at a few labeling methods that can be put to use:

Labeling machines

Getting a labeling machine is a good idea. If you use a labeling machine, the best way to go about it would be label the equipment as per the manufacturer’s instructions. In most cases the label would include the name of the manufacturer, serial number of the equipment, name of the equipment, date of manufacture and will include handling instructions. The label should be prominently displayed on the equipment where a user is bound to see it but cannot be destroyed due to spills or high temperatures. For example, while labeling a centrifuge, the best place to attach the label would be near the on/off switch. All one needs to do is to remove the paper at the back of label and stick it on. Avoid corrosive surfaces and in case you cannot find an area to stick the label, put it on the back of the equipment.

Etching

Etching can be one of the best methods available for labeling lab equipment. Using an etching gun or an engraver on the equipment means that the labeling is permanent and will stay on forever unless the etching is done on a corrosive surface. While etching or engraving, finding the best suitable place to do so is critical. Unlike a paper or plastic label and etched label cannot be replaced and hence the best place to do so needs to be selected with due care. Most etching guns are capable of imprinting the required information in the form of a label to the equipment’s surface which may include the company’s name, serial number etc.

Metal labeling

Another good option of labeling alb equipment would be to use metal labels. For this, the metal labels have to be made before hand and affixed at the selected areas of the equipment. Although the metal labels also need to be etched out or engraved, it is not so permanent form of labeling since the labels can be removed using the screws used to fasten it. This is a better option than plastic or paper labeling since it is more permanent in nature and can withstand harsher environments.

Placards

This kind of labeling is a highly risky method. In case one cannot use etching or labeling procedures on a particular piece of equipment, the only option would be to make an index card and place it like a placard over it. Although the information on the index card is relevant, proper care needs to be taken to make sure that the placard remains in place. Misplacing it would be a big risk if the equipment is critical.

Now that we have understood the importance of labeling laboratory equipment and the methods used to do the same, it is imperative that we take steps in the right direction to make sure the laboratory is properly labeled and safe.