One of the most important aspects of laboratory construction and design is mechanical and electrical maintenance. This will help ensure that everything will be safe and fully functioning so that your laboratory runs smoothly on a day-to-day basis.

However, what exactly is mechanical and electrical maintenance? This article will answer this question, so continue reading for more valuable information.

What is M&E, and Why is it Important?

M&E refers to mechanical and electrical systems in laboratory facilities. The mechanical systems include heating and ventilation and elements of infrastructure. On the other hand, the electrical system covers the power supply and distribution, control system, and computing instruments.

Incorporating M&E laboratory maintenance when designing is important to make the overall operation of the lab easier and more convenient. Here are some ways of how to do that:

• Use Standard Equipment

Using sophisticated furniture in a lab is an awesome idea. However, it does not automatically mean that its productivity and output will be increased, so you can go by just choosing simple yet standard equipment. If possible, choose those that are the most economical and convenient.

• Keep a Record for Routine Maintenance

One way to ensure that you get the best out of mechanical and electrical maintenance is by keeping a proper record. Track the frequency of your maintenance so that you have a benchmark for your progress. It will also help you figure out which areas or equipment require more attention.

• Create a Plan for Maintenance

It would help if you planned a maintenance routine for M&E equipment with the appropriate stakeholders. Make sure that this schedule does not interfere with the workflow of the laboratory to maximize its efficiency.

Safety Tips When Doing M&E Maintenance

Here are some laboratory construction tips for M&E equipment:

• Secure the Electrical Cords

One of the most effective laboratory tips for maintenance is to secure electrical cords. These must be properly insulated and arranged.

It is also good to inspect the cords regularly to identify if there are damaged or frayed cords. If there are any of these, it must be addressed immediately by qualified personnel.

• Protect the Circuitry

A lab’s circuitry is an essential component to its productivity, so it must be maintained regularly. The electrical equipment must be isolated from the power supply to avoid accidental contact. To do this, suitable barriers must be used.

• Put Extra Precaution for Flammable Materials

It is a good practice to use explosion-proof electrical and lighting features when a lab uses large amounts of flammable materials. The electrical equipment and fixture must also be up to the standard of local codes and regulations.

Final Words

Taking M&E maintenance into consideration while designing a laboratory can be significantly beneficial later on. It will help ensure that equipment lasts for a long time and little to no disruption happens in the daily duties of the lab. Besides that, proper laboratory construction also increases the lab environment’s safety because it can significantly reduce hazards and accidents.