At the Department for Mechanical Engineering, Building and Materials Technology (IMBM), a lot of time is spent on refreshing knowledge on how to operate machines in the laboratories.
Recording in the laboratory with Mona W. Minde and Johan A. H. Thorkaas. Photographer Kåre Spanne and video producer Mari Linn Atterås Larsen from NETTOP-UIS in action.
Often, these are simple questions, where the user simply wants to check the procedure for using a machine. This often occurs besides the working hours of the person responsible for the instrument, which may lead to unneccesary work for employees on weekends and in the evenings. The professional leaders wanted to produce short videos that could be used for training purposes, after the ordinary training, which describes simple functions in the use of an instrument or a procedure in the laboratory.
In this project NETTOP-UIS, together with the subject matter experts, will produce training videos for five different instruments in the laboratory. The videos will be linked to the equipment in URLabs, with QR codes on each machine, and in any user manuals. The training videos will not replace ordinary training in the laboratory such as lab teaching, HSE or workshop courses. The videos are ment to be a supplement to this type of teaching.
By using a visual platform, instead of plain text, it will be much easier for users to for example, find the right button, or see the difference in what chemical to use.
The benefits of having such videos available to students and staff are:
HSE considerations
One of the most important things about working in a lab is to make sure that no one is harmed in the use of machines, chemicals and equipment. If the user is in a hurry, or does not remember exactly how to use the instrument, it can quickly become a so-called "MacGyver solution", and it can be dangerous. With the help of a short training video, one will be able to prevent many of these errors from happening.
Avoid improper use and damaged equipment
Improper use of equipment means that it wears out extra over time, and in worst case it can be damaged or have the calibration damaged. This is expensive for the university and time consuming to handle.
Time-saving
There are many students, employees, and some external people who use the equipment in the laboratories. After basic training, it can easy take a month for one to use the equipment again, or years in between each time it is used. Today, the training schedule must be suitable for both the lab engineer and user.