Department of Microbiology organizes Workshop on “Operation and Maintenance of Laboratory Equipment” in collaboration with WRIC, Mumbai
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 training would also help equip staff members with essential instrument management skills.
The workshop commenced on 8th January ’24 with a formal Inaugural programme. The dignitaries present were the Program Co-ordinator WRIC , Mr. N.N. Rao, the DHE Observer Dr. Keshav Dhuri, Principal Prof. Dr. Blanche Mascarenhas, Administrator Rev. Fr. Antonio Salema, Vice Principal & Program Convenor Ms. Ursula Barreto and Vice- Principal Ms. Sandra Fernandes. A total of 4o participants including faculty members, researcher scholars, laboratory assistants and laboratory attendants from various institutions 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 experts 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 learned 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.
During the workshop instruments lying unused in the lab for want of minor repairs were serviced at no additional cost.
The theory sessions helped in the in-dept understanding of the construction and working of various instruments and the hands on sessions allowed for a comprehensive understanding of troubleshooting and maintenance. The interactive repair session reinforced the concepts learned and empowered participants with the ability to address issues in laboratory equipment.
The participants were awarded certificates at the valedictory session held on 12th January 2024.
