Maintenance of
measuring instruments
Storage
What is a storage?
storage space: a place or an area
designed for holding or safe-
keeping objects.
It is an area where tools and
objects keep in place in order to
prevent them from being damage
by any physical or chemical
object but in every instrurment
there is a proper storage for it.
Why is storage very
important?
Storage is a critical element of measuring tool care, as these
devices can spend significant amounts of time in cupboards or
cabinets where they may get damaged. Be sure to follow the
recommendations for how to store each tool you use. Different
types of gages and tools made of different materials often have
different storage requirements.
Many measurement devices come in cases, and it’s often a best
practice to store your tools in these cases. If your tool didn’t come
with a case, purchase one that meets the storage requirements of
your instrument. Make sure it’s the right material, size and shape
and that it has the right features. Often, these containers will
have padding. For some types of gages, you may want to place
them on a clean, dry cloth inside a case. Keeping your tools in a
case helps to protect them from airborne contaminants and
accidental physical damage.
Be sure to keep the storage area at an appropriate
temperature and keep your devices away from
sources of heat, including sunlight. If your gages get
exposed to sunlight or other sources that produce too
much heat, they may expand as they heat up and
then contract as they cool, potentially damaging
them and decreasing their accuracy.
You also need to take steps to keep the humidity of
the storage space at a suitable level and to take care
of any moisture issues that may arise. Doing so is
crucial, since excessive moisture can lead to
corrosion. Air conditioning or a dehumidifier can help
you control humidity and reduce ambient moisture.
Placing silica gel packets in the drawers where you
store your tools can help take care of any other
excess moisture.
Example of storage space
CABINET
Shelf
Drawer
Racks
3.2 Identifying To Be
Undertaken for Proper Storage
of Instruments according to
manufacturer's Specifications
and Standard Operating
Procedures
Proper Storage Of
Instruments
Measuring instrument are vital set of instruments in
any sphere. Because of their importance, they should
remain in proper condition all the time. A slight
discrepancy in measurement can lead to a disaster.
Plus, they are not useful if they cannot give accurate
and reliable results. To ensure the measuring tools do
not fail you, you should maintain them as much as
possible and keep them in good condition. Also,
preserve precision tools in optimum conditions. To
maintain a high level of accuracy in the results they
give. In this article are tips to help you maintain your
measuring tools the best.
Once you obtain your industrial measuring tools,
have professional maintenance services for when you
need them. For instance, if your instruments get
faulty or deteriorate, your first call should be the
professionals who are the manufacturers themselves.
They have ultimate knowledge of the product, and
they can get you original NRI industrial spare parts
and a warranty in most instances. But, before you
work with a reputable repair company. If you are not
getting the manufacturer, check their reviews to
know if they are trustworthy. Also, avoid making any
DIY repairs for your measuring tools. If you detect a
faulty measuring tool, stop using it immediately to
prevent any damage it can cause.
Store instruments in an appropriate location
Store your measuring tools in an optimum
environment. For instance, you do not want to store
them in a wet location or where they can bang
against each other. Instead, ensure where you place
or arrange them is in good condition. Also, do not
stack instruments on top of each other except when
in cases to protect them. Whereby the nature of your
work has a vibration factor. Store your measuring
tools far from the vibrations to prevent the
instrument from falling out of calibration. Also, if
you are in a moist or damp place, use a dehumidifier
or other moisture removal levels to dry up the
storage area to a certain level.
Avoid exposure of tools to extreme temperatures
Extreme temperatures affect tools. As you use these tools,
ensure it cools down or heats up intermittently. This is
because heating and cooling are one of the most effective
ways of wear and tear. And this case of measuring tools leads
to rapid deterioration. Not only with handling, but observe
the instruments and storage place if it has a uniform
temperature. More so, if you do not use the tools as
frequently. Also, do not place them on surfaces with
extreme cold or extremely hot, especially for precision
instruments. Keep them in their original packaging if you do
not use them frequently.
Use them for designated purposes only
Measurement tools are in various forms, and they can be
in different types too. To ensure they last long as they
should. Use them solely for their designated purpose in
your workplace. For instance, do not use your
measurements tools for prying or hammering. Even
though the design they have makes them look like they fit
the bill to a certain extent, in this way, it exerts
unnecessary pressure on the tools, leaving them
disfigured and reducing their useful life. Therefore, you
should be aware of the limits to which their functionality
reaches.
A Clean Slate
When evaluating the best storage
options for your business, you first
have to know what it is you are
storing. Go through your items and
make sure that everything you are
keeping on hand is actually something
you need. If it isn’t essential, get rid
of it; it is just taking up valuable
space that could be used for
something you really do need.
Shelving
What kind of shelving are you using for your storage? Does
it fit your needs? If you are having an issue with finding a
good method to controlling your storage, what you’re
putting it on might be an issue. Shelves seem like a simple
thing, but the wrong type or size shelving may cause
unnecessary issues. You need shelves that accommodate
what you have on hand, and not one size fits all.
Certainly, if you are in a warehouse, you will need pallet
racks. These are special types of shelving that are
designed to carry the heavy loads required for warehouse
storage. If you are storing larger or heavier item, but
aren’t using pallets, bulk storage racks might be a good
option. These come with and without decking (the wire or
boards that make the shelf) to accommodate bins.
Bin Storage
Speaking of bins, utilizing storage bins and containers can transform your
storage space from a cluttered mess into a streamlined picking system. Loose
items—such as hardware, office supplies, rolls of tapes and wire and small
tools—should always be placed in bins. This isn’t just good organization, but
good safety practice as well. Small, uncontained items not kept in bins can
easily fall in walking paths or cause clutter that may block things like safety
equipment or exits. Therefore, always keep your smaller items in their proper
containers.
Bins come in many different shapes and sizes to fit several different needs.
Some bins are designed to be nested—that is, to be able to stack one on top of
the other without needing lids. Stacking your bins vertically allows you to
make the most of your storage space. There are also shelf bins, which sit on
the shelf open, allowing for easy access. These are a good choice for the
smaller items that you use regularly and need immediate access to.
Other types of bins include the hanging bin, which is designed for use with a
hanging shelf. These are sloped shelves that allow the bins to sit on an angle.
This way, the contents are easy to see and access. Most types of hanging bin
shelf systems are designed so the bin may be removed as needed, and returned
when finished.
Closed Locker Storage
While you want most of your inventory on hand and available
to the workers who need them, some items need to be kept
under lock and key. You may have certain chemicals at your
plant which need to be stored separately from everything—or
everyone else. Or perhaps you keep specialty tools or items
that only certain employees are certified to use. In any case,
sometimes closed storage is the right option.
Lockers can be for large items, bulk items, or smaller items,
depending on your needs. Cell phone storage lockers are a
good idea for facilities where employees may not keep a
personal cell phone on their person during the work day. Most
lockers also come with various visibility options, depending on
whether you would like to see the contents or have them
concealed.
Labeling
When thinking about storage, do not overlook
labeling. Even the best storage container
system can fail if you do not know what is
inside any certain container, or on any one
shelf. If you are organizing a storeroom or
warehouse, be sure to include all the
pertinent information you need to find what
you are looking for quickly. SKUs, product
names and descriptions, and even pictures can
save time and effort when locating an item.
Storage for Your Storage
Thebest way to care for the things you keep
on hand is to store them in a safe, organized,
easy-to-understand fashion. This can protect
from loss, from clutter and save time while
selecting items. Most of all, it helps you keep
track what you have, so you have a better
idea of what you need.