Laboratory Template
The following briefly explains how points are allocated for some key features.
- Proper laboratory space: 1 point for having a laboratory room with sink and benchtops; 1 point for separate rooms for micro and chemical analysis or room big enough for clear distinction of micro and chemical working areas; 1 point for air con.
- Basic equipment includes incubator, distiller, autoclave/oven for sterilising, bacterial analysis units, residual chlorine meter, pH meter, conductivity meter, glassware etc.
- Staff knowledge includes relevant qualification, data interpretation skills, proper sample collection/preservation skills, certification etc
- Data storage: hard copy (on paper worksheets), on excel spreadsheets, electronic database.
- Funding deals with the labs commitment to allocate funds for regular analysis/monitoring to be done, maintaining or having adequate lab staff to do job properly and not be overloaded.
Please refer to the Best Practices Guide for Water Laboratories for more details on each key features and best practices to achieving those.
The template below can be used see where your laboratories stand as compared to an ideal water quality laboratory. The template will reveal the weak areas where improvements could be done.
The template below can be used see where your laboratories stand as compared to an ideal water quality laboratory. The template will reveal the weak areas where improvements could be done.
| Key features | Ideal lab |
Your laboratory
|
|
3
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
3
|
|
| Total |
30
|
|
Score: Poor - 0 Fair - 1 Satisfactory - 2 Good - 3
