Even though organizing is probably the last thing on your mind, whether you are a lab manager, owner, or expert employee, it’s fundamental to keep any work environment neat and tidy. Although, the general standard of organization will have a mammoth impact on your day-to-day tasks and the overall functionality of the facility. So, there’s no arguing the importance of an organized laboratory environment.
While employee time tracking, reward systems, and other approaches can effectively enhance productivity, organization remains fundamental in keeping workflows stable.
While you must still ensure the lab has all the right tools and equipment, like Bunsen burners, beakers, flasks, Petri dishes, and liquid nitrogen cryopreservation, we’ve listed some simple steps to keep the facility organized.
Prepare Supplies Prior To Projects
If you have to rummage for supplies, tools, and equipment when starting a project, you’ll be trying to function in a chaotic space. Instead, it’s wise to prepare everything you need beforehand.
Preparing every detail of projects in advance will ensure you don’t run into dead ends when conducting experiments or tasks due to a lack of supplies or tools. Furthermore, you’ll be able to keep things neat and tidy while preparing.
Add Smart Storage Solutions
Laboratories need a variety of fundamental supplies, tools, and equipment; no lab can function without the fundamentals. However, things can quickly become messy if there just isn’t enough storage space available.
Invest in wall storage such as shelving and cabinets. Beyond this, filing cabinets, sturdy storage boxes, and even bookshelves and display shelving are great options. But with this, be sure to choose storage solutions that complement lab activities; it’s not suitable to install elaborate decor storage solutions as these will be distracting to employees.
Conduct Inspections Daily
Daily lab inspections are essential whether you’re managing a lab or conducting experiments as a biologist or scientist. Your workspace needs to be immaculate at all times, and the best way to ensure this is to inspect the workspace daily to seek out broken or outdated tools and equipment. In addition, these inspections will also give you the opportunity to throw out garbage such as disposable supplies and others.
Implement A ‘Clean As You Go’ Strategy
The common concept of ‘clean as you go’ is practical whether implemented in your home or at work. Instead of allowing a build-up of mess and disorder, cleaning while you are conducting experiments and tasks is the only effective way to keep your workspace thoroughly organized. It’s essential to clean lab equipment after every use.
But with this, you must ensure you have enough space and all the relevant cleaning tools on hand. So, invest in a sanitary garbage bin and suitable cleaning supplies. That said, it’s essential to add cleaning supplies to your list when searching for suppliers.
When it comes to keeping any workspace organized, it’s essential to have enough storage available. Beyond this, implementing a ‘clean as you go’ strategy is the most effective way to ensure the laboratory is clean and organized at the end of every workday. Once everyone in the lab adopts an organized mindset, the environment will stay clean and organized.