Why is some of the laboratory equipment old?

----- We have a large quantity of equipment that is properly maintained and replaced when needed.  We strive allocate equipment purchasing funds effectively and intelligently.  Throughout the hundreds of lab sessions that we host every week, wear and tear on equipment is normal.  In many cases the equipment is not very old, rather it is well used.   

• Here is an example of the scale of our operation and the cost associated with it.  Hot plate stirrers are one of the least expensive pieces of equipment commonly used in the laboratories. 
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• Hot Plate Stirrers (450 units) @ $350.00 each = $157,500
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•  We appreciate the way in which people care for our equipment and realize that wear will occur on anything when it is used.  We are continually purchasing new and improved equipment to keep pace with a constantly changing field.

Why is there only one person to hand out equipment?

We have found that one person handing out equipment to be more than adequate.  To help speed things along it is appreciated when the orange equipment check-out slips are filled out properly.   

Why are there only 6-8 balances per room to share?

This is due to special issues. Electronic balances are very expensive and fragile and thus should not be placed in heavily used areas.  They are easily damaged by chemicals and shock.

If you have any questions you think should appear on this page, please e-mail them to Paul Hanson  (hansonp@email.arizona.edu)