Problems in Laboratory - Case Study Example

Running Head: PROBLEMS IN LABORATORY Problems in laboratory Name Tutor Course Date Problems in laboratory The laboratory is a very important place which requires that some set procedures are followed so that there is conformity of rules. This conformity is not merely for the sake but it’s important because it creates order in how to handle materials which can be armful to an individual. Currently the there are several issues which are facing the laboratories and they can be grouped under the management and the technical department. One issue which involves management is staff not undertaking routine check of equipments. Root cause of the problem using fish bone Fish bone analysis gives a way of structurally recording the potential root causes by encouraging teams to come up with the solutions or brainstorming so as to come up with a better idea. There are five processes which an individual goes through in the process of fishbone and is geared to finding the solution and remedies of the problem. These processes include identifying the problem, taking a remedial action, performing a root cause analysis, taking corrective actions, taking preventive actions and finally monitoring and reviewing. Making sure proper personnel training the technician are out in place Strict on check control Report any suspicion aid where there is a loophole The above fish bone diagram illustrates the process of cause and effect of a technical problem in the management of the laboratory i.e. ways of solving a problem of lack of routine checks in place. From the illustration, the causative factors include methods, procedures which can be taken, the role of administration, technician or students and other parties in solving the problem. 1. Identification of the problem The process of undertaking routine checks in the laboratory needs to be done every time since it will eliminate the misuse of the instruments and liquids in the laboratory. It’s important to keep routine checks because it will keep the focus and the budget which has been made intact. Undertaking routine checks in the laboratory involves looking for personnel who will be accountable for checking the procedures which are taking place in the laboratory and having very accountable lab assistants who will be able to deliver their duties with due care and professionalism. It’s therefore very important to note the skills of the technicians before they are recruited in the laboratory (General Safety Committee, 1998). 2. Remedial Action When lack of routine checks has occurred in the lab, it’s important that the activities of the technician should be scrutinized to find out whether the action which he took was done with due professionalism and care or there might have been some malicious reason behind the action. Any student or trainee who uses the lab and feels that the right checks are not in place is expected to report the case as soon as possible to the higher authorities. When they know the problem, they should check the results of QC and patient since the last time of daily check and maintenance of equipment which has been done (General Safety Committee, 1998). 3. Root Cause Analysis The problem of lack of routine checks is very common in laboratories where the technicians are not up to the scratch of doing their job because of lack of professionalism. It also comes as a result of the administration not doing their purpose of recruiting the right people to look at the checks in the laboratory constantly. A good laboratory is designed in such a manner there are special checks which are done regularly by the internal technician himself and also an external assessor. 4. Corrective Actions In some circumstances, lack of regular checks may not be stemming from the inefficient duties of the lab technician the students themselves. This occurs when the students hinder the services which are provided by the technician by using the apparatus in the laboratory wrongly and not following the expected laboratory rules. Lack of routine check causes a variety of problems. It can cause the stopping of the machines and as a consequence; it will cost a lot of money to repair it, or it can be in QC which may become out of range and that leads to wrong in patient results. So the corrective actions are 1. Technician or trainee should do routine check of equipment daily and documented in special sheet for daily maintenance. 2. Head section or high authority must check after technician and sign in the document sheet for maintenance. 3. Administration should evaluate all staff monthly. 5. Preventive Actions The administration need to find out the root cause of the problem so that a proper solution to this problem needs to be sought before it goes too far. This involves looking for experts who can perform the checks so as to ascertain whether the right procedures have been followed in the laboratory. This step is very important because it will save the administration from costs which will be incurred when the actual problem occurs. 6. Monitor and Review. This is the point where the findings which have been found are recorded. This step involves the administration looking at the criticality of the problem, the effects and the options which can be done so as to be able to solve the problem. After this has been done, the management then implements another solution for instance hiring another lab technician who may be better in terms of deliver of good social services (General Safety Committee, 1998). Another area which is very critical in the laboratory is the technical department. There are several errors which may happen in the technical department and they include mishandling of the apparatus and liquids which can be harmful to individuals. In the process of doing research and experiments in the lab, there can be a failure of the generator which is used as a substitute power. This can be as a result of mishandling of the generator or non conformation of the operating procedures in the lab. Policies Procedures Keeping the lab rules using an alternative Generator Needs to be aware of Need to know the the problem Usage of the generator Management lab technician This fishbone diagram illustrates the causative effects of generator breakdown. The policies, procedures, the reaction of the management and lab technician have been all need to be followed so as to harmoniously solve the problem. This diagram generally shows the flow of the causative factors to the effect which is the maintenance of the generator. 1. Identification of the problem The generator is an alternative source of power in the laboratory. It’s very important that it should be stored in a safe place and constantly checked for its functionality. The lab technician if often required to comply with the rules which are in place and which guide the store, usage and repairs of the generator. The lab technician and all the parties who are responsible for handling this machine therefore need to do it by following the set rules. Failure of the generator leads to a huge problem in the laboratory. 2. Remedial Action It’s recommended that in case such a thing happens, the affected parties need to look for an alternative power source because such a faulty machine cannot be used lest it create more mess in the laboratory. Another generator can be sought from the other departments who may not be using at that particular time (www.rootcause.com). 3. Root Cause Analysis If not taken care of, generators are prone to misuse which can lead to therefore eventual damage. Many laboratories and departments use the generator as an alternative source for power and therefore since they need to put in place special rules which will govern the handling of these machines. 4. Corrective Actions There can be a minor problem which could have occurred to the generator so that it cannot function correctly. Several issues need to be put in place so as to correct this action: It’s very important to have spare parts and a person who can repair in case such a thing arises. The lab technician should be taught the basics of using the generator so that in case an issue arises he can handle it without consulting an expert since this can take along time and at the same time expensive to the institution. The management needs to be aware of the problem and it should be documented. Polices should be put in place so as to keep the lab rules and in control to avoid any serious problem. Also, lab procedure should include steps for using an alternative generator. 5. Preventive actions It’s advisable for the institution to buy the recommended generator which is known for its genuineness. This is because it can eliminate the late rush of looking for a technician to handle it or buying spare parts so that they can be used to repair it. Preventive actions also involves making sure that the people who are handling this machine have some basics which can help prevent any damage which is anticipated to occur (General Safety Committee, 1998). 6. Monitor and control When the administration has identified the problem which has occurred in the laboratory they need to look for ways of solving it. They will develop an alternative way of acquiring a new generator or repairing the old one. When a new one has been acquired, they will then restructure their system so that future damages can be avoided. Monitoring will involve a very organized and detailed process which can make individuals to be obliged in case of any damages to the machine (www.rootcause.com). Non conformance investigation process is very important in the laboratory for quality improving because it makes the handling of duties and responsibilities to be efficient and affective. It should be documented, root cause analysis and corrective and prevention action taken. A good none conformance process is very important because it will give the direction with which the company is operating and it aids in minimizing risks and misuse of the machines in the organization or company. There are two sides which normally benefit from a good management of the non conformance procedures and this is the institution and the student or the organization and the customer in case where they are applicable (Seaver, 2001). The institution or the company benefits from the non conformance investigation process since they will get to know the flow of the assets and their usage in the organization. When a good record is kept it indicates the amount which has been spent every year and the possible losses which might have occurred. Its also defines the main causes of these losses and therefore it can really give the weak point of the company. Apart form knowing the flow of the resources within the company the manager or the organization will also know which materials to purchase when the year starts and which ones to dispose sin/ce their lifespan is reducing (www.rootcause.com). The organization can also be in a position to understand the flow of technology in the organization by simply looking at the results of the non conformance investigation process. The flow of technology in the company is very crucial because without it, the organization may not run some of the activities. This will also enable the organization to improve their technology so as to suit the dynamic world. A good non conformance investigation process is also very essential because it gives the company a chance to obtain more information about the company which it did not have before. This is very important because it will aid the organization in knowing the stand point of its activities (Seaver, 2001). The employees or the students who are subject to non conformance process can benefit from this process since they will be able to trust the system which is in place in the company. A good non conformance report is very essential for the employee or the student because through it they can weigh the reputation level of the organization and therefore benefit both in their assignments. The International Organization of Standardization is a federation that is known worldwide to contribute so much to the standards of several organizations and take control of their affairs in case there is a problem with the auditing section, how the management is going on and the implications of the various issues which take place in the organization. ISO together with various arms of the government has been in the front line in deciding what the organizations need to do so as to keep the goal of the company and maintain standards in health and environmental conscious dimensions (Stevenson and Westover, 1994). The ISO15189 standards require that the non conformance investigation process is fair enough so that it can benefit all parties in an organization. These standards have been designed in such a manner that they provide quality, health and environment friendly services. This system is integrated in such a manner that it creates a harmonious environment where several procedures can be carried out like general audits and adherence to the common principles (Seaver, 2001). References: General Safety Committee (1998) Safety guide in the chemical laboratory Chemists' Manufacturing Association, Van Nostrand Plc General Safety Committee (1998) Safety guide in the chemical laboratory Chemists' Manufacturing Association, Van Nostrand plc Hoyle, D. (2006) ISO 9000 quality management handbook, Butterworth-Heinemann Little, M. (1990) Occupational analysis and health activities: toward health through activities Brown Plc. Stevenson, D. and Westover, D. (1994) ISO 9000: mastering the process, motivating the people, Irwin, 1994 Seaver, M. (2001) Implementing ISO15189 standards, Gower Publishing, Ltd ‘Corrective and Preventive Actions’ 5th Oct, 2009 from ‘Management Review’ 5th Oct, 2009 from ‘Non-Conformance Reporting, Corrective, Complaint and Preventive Actions’ on 5th Oct, 2009 from ‘Patient Safety Quality Improvement’ retrieved on 5th Oct, 2009 from Read More