Workshop on “Operation and Maintenance of Lab Equipment” held at St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa
The Department of Microbiology, St. Xavier\’s College, organized a five-day National Level Workshop on ‘Operation and Maintenance of Laboratory equipment’, in collaboration with the Western Regional Instrumentation Centre (WRIC), Mumbai. The program was supported by the Directorate of Higher Education, Government of Goa. The objective of the workshop was to equip participants with practical skills and comprehensive training in the calibration, operation and maintenance of a wide array of laboratory instruments and equipment.
The dignitaries present at the Inaugural Program were Mr. N.N. Rao – Program Co-ordinator, WRIC, Dr. Keshav Dhuri – DHE Observer, Fr. Antonio Salema – Administrator, Prof. Dr. Blanche Mascarenhas – Principal, Vice Principal & Program Convenor Ms. Ursula Barreto and Vice- Principal Ms. Sandra Fernandes. A total of 40 participants including faculty members, researcher scholars, laboratory assistants and laboratory attendants from various colleges in Goa and Hyderabad participated in the workshop.
The training comprised of technical hands-on sessions interspersed with lectures that were conducted by Mr. N.N. Rao and his team of 8 members, each expert in their own field. The topics covered were ‘Basic Electronic Components’, ‘Power supply’, ‘Signal Generator’ , Cathode Ray Oscilloscope (CRO) , working and maintenance of pH meters, spectrophotometers, colorimeters and microscopes. All participants were made to identify various basic electronic components. Hands-on experience in handling digital multimeter to measure different values of resistance, to check the diodes and transistors and LED displays were conducted. Participants learnt to solder components on the vegaboard, check if the diodes and transistors were working, observe voltage using a digital multimeter, working of the Digital Storage Oscilloscope (DSO), the difference between incubator, oven and furnace elaborating the significance of a thermostat and its application with special reference to its application in a heating mantle were explained. The working and maintenance of centrifuges and the principle and working of colorimeters was also covered. The participants were taught to open up and clean lenses of compound microscopes. The need for proper handling and regular maintenance of laboratory instruments for longer life was emphasized. During the workshop instruments requiring repairs were serviced at no additional cost. All participants were awarded certificates at the valedictory session.