Equipment 101

Question

As you can see, there are a lot of important developments in Bioengineering. Like all fields of engineering, cleaning and maintaining equipment is an essential part of the job. For those in Bioengineering, many of their jobs will require not only taking care of the tools that allow them to get the job done, but also making sure that lab surfaces and equipment are sterile. As you learned, viruses spread very easily. For those working on solutions, they need to make sure that samples are pure. If machines are not properly cleaned, contamination can occur. If this happens, it will alter the results of experiments. Since human health is at the core of biotechnology, these kinds of errors can invalidate the results of any experiment.

Part of the routine care of equipment in bioengineering will be sterilizing equipment. This is a process that eliminates microbes, usually through heat or chemicals. You might have been to the dentist or nail salon and seen tools removed from sealed packages. Tools are stored this way because they are sterile. Other times, items are sterilized by dropping them in boiling water. Just touching equipment with your bare hands transfers microbes, so this is why those working in labs will often wear gloves or protective masks.

Beyond keeping equipment clean, it is also important to store it correctly and ensure that it gets proper maintenance. What this requires will largely depend on the type of equipment. An incubator will need different care than the hard hat a structural engineer is required to wear on the job. Therefore, part of the job of any engineer is to know the proper care, maintenance, and storage of equipment.

For this activity, choose a machine or other piece of equipment that you might find in a bioengineering lab, such as an electronic microscope or a 3-D printer. Once you have chosen a piece of equipment and gotten it approved by your instructor, use the Internet to research the care of this equipment. In addition, discuss how to safely handle the piece of equipment. Create a presentation illustrating how to properly clean, maintain, and store this piece of equipment. Use software such as PowerPoint, Prezi, or another of your choosing. Make sure that your visual elements illustrate your points well and that all writing is free of mechanical errors and easy to read.

Answer 1

Presentation Outline: Care and Maintenance of a Biological Microscope

Slide 1: Title Slide

• Title: "Proper Care and Maintenance of a Biological Microscope"
• Subtitle: "A Guide for Bioengineering Professionals"
• Your Name
• Date

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Slide 2: Introduction to Biological Microscopes

• Definition: A biological microscope is a tool that allows scientists to view small specimens at high magnification.
• Importance in Bioengineering: Essential for studying cells, microorganisms, and tissue samples.

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Slide 3: Components of a Biological Microscope

• Eyepiece (Ocular Lens)
• Objective Lenses
• Stage
• Illumination Source
• Base
• Arm
• Focus Mechanisms (Coarse and Fine Focus)

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Slide 4: Cleaning the Microscope

• Importance: To prevent contamination and ensure clear imaging.
• Steps:
  • Wear gloves to avoid transferring oils and microbes.
  • Use lens paper and a suitable cleaning solution (e.g., isopropyl alcohol) to clean lenses.
  • Wipe down the stage and body with disinfectant wipes or a soft cloth.
  • Ensure all components are dry before storing.

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Slide 5: Sterilizing Parts of the Microscope

• Frequency: After each use, especially when dealing with biological samples.
• Method:
  • Use UV light or an ethanol spray on non-optical surfaces.
  • Autoclave removable parts if compatible.
• Caution: Avoid abrasive cleaners that could scratch lenses.

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Slide 6: Maintenance of the Microscope

• Regular Checks:
  • Inspect the light source for function and brightness.
  • Check the mechanical parts for smooth functioning and any obstructions.
• Calibration: Ensure lenses are calibrated correctly for accurate measurements.
• Service Intervals: Schedule professional servicing at least once a year.

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Slide 7: Safe Handling Procedures

• Before Use:
  • Ensure surfaces are clean and organized.
• While Using:
  • Always support the microscope base with two hands when moving.
  • Avoid touching lenses with bare hands; use lens covers when not in use.
• After Use:
  • Turn off the light source to prolong bulb life.
  • Clean and replace dust cover before storing.

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Slide 8: Proper Storage Techniques

• Location: Store in a dust-free, dry environment.
• Storage Case: Use dedicated microscope cases or cabinets.
• Positioning: Store upright to prevent damage to lenses and mechanical parts.

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Slide 9: Summary

• Regular cleaning and maintenance prevent contamination and ensure reliable results.
• Safe handling protects both the equipment and the user.
• Proper storage prolongs the microscope's life and functionality.

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Slide 10: Questions and Discussion

• Inviting questions from the audience regarding the care and maintenance of biological microscopes.

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Visual Elements:

• Use images of a biological microscope, cleaning supplies, and diagrams for each step.
• Incorporate infographics summarizing cleaning and maintenance processes.
• Ensure all text is clear, using bullet points and keeping font sizes readable.

Technical and Mechanical Writing Check:

• Ensure all writing is free of grammatical errors.
• Use simple language for clarity.

Final Step:

• Practice your presentation for clarity and confidence before presenting to the class.