The Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Applied Sciences organized a two-day workshop to enhance laboratory safety and maintenance practices for the university’s technical and laboratory staff. Held on November 6th and 7th, 2024, the event was guided by Prof. Champa Jayaweera, Head of the Department of Chemistry and funded by the Staff Development Centre at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJ). This workshop marked a significant initiative to provide technical officers and laboratory attendants with essential skills for safer and more effective lab operations.
The workshop opened with an in-depth session on Laboratory Safety conducted by Dr. Mahesh Karunaratne. Dr. Karunaratne covered important topics, including chemical safety protocols, proper chemical storage and disposal methods, good laboratory practices, and emergency response measures. Participants were introduced to best practices for managing laboratory hazards and were given guidance on adhering to personal protective equipment (PPE) standards. Technical officers and laboratory attendants actively participated in discussions to reinforce their understanding of lab safety fundamentals.
On the second day, the focus was shifted to Laboratory Maintenance, with Dr. Asitha Cooray delivering an in-depth session tailored for technical officers. Dr. Cooray covered essential maintenance routines for laboratory equipment, troubleshooting techniques, and routine checks to prevent equipment malfunction. In addition, Dr. Cooray covered key considerations for procuring lab equipment, which plays a critical role in maintaining lab standards. He discussed factors to consider when selecting equipment, such as compatibility with existing lab systems, durability, maintenance, and cost-effectiveness. Emphasis was placed on the importance of regular maintenance for extending the lifespan of lab equipment and maintaining an efficient workflow. Technical officers across the faculty attended this session, gaining practical insights into equipment upkeep and learning preventive maintenance techniques that could reduce downtime and improve lab efficiency.
Through this initiative, the Department of Chemistry and the Staff Development Centre at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura demonstrated a shared dedication to ongoing professional development. The Chemistry Society looks forward to organize such training programs in the future, supporting the technical staff and beyond in their roles and enhancing overall laboratory standards.
