Laboratories play an important role in any institution since they serve as nodal points of research and testing. As such, all-round smooth functioning of labs is of utmost significance in ensuring quality education. In view of this, Dhempe College of Arts and Science in collaboration with DHE organised this Six-Day Skill Enhancement Workshop for Laboratory Assistants across Goa. A total of 45 laboratory assistants from ten institutions namely – Carmel College, DMC, Government College-Khandola, Government College-Sankhali, Government College-Kepem, Parvatibai Chowgule College, P.E.S, St. Joseph Vaz College, St. Xavier’s and Dhempe College participated in the Workshop from 24th to 29th June 2019.

The Inaugural Ceremony on 24th was graced by Dr. Kamlesh Pai Fondekar, Head, Technology and Engineering Division, Deccan Fine Chemicals. In the First Session after the Ceremony, he delivered a talk on Laboratory Safety focusing on handling hazardous chemicals; he emphasized that chemicals like mercury should be used with utmost care and precaution in labs. He also underlined the use of appropriate personal-protection equipment, proper storage and disposal of chemicals. In the session that followed Dr. Kalpana Mahatme – Health Officer, Directorate of Health, spoke on First Aid and acquainted participants with common injuries at labs and measures to be taken in event of mishaps. Following this, Mr. Mangesh Dagre from M/S Toshvin Analytical gave a demonstration on maintenance of FTIR and UV-VIS instruments.

The Workshop featured a demo lecture on maintenance of various microscopes, a demonstration in soldering and hands-on practice of the same, applicative training in maintenance of various equipment like potentiometers, conductometer, incubator and the like used in Chemistry and Biology labs, session into maintenance of optical and measuring devices used in Physics laboratory, a lecture on computer organization, session on calibration of glassware, hands-on training on standardization of solutions, sessions in safety aspects in biological labs, sterilization of biological equipment and biological waste disposal, a talk on electrical hazards and basic aspects of electrical maintenance. Highlighting some common errors made while operating electrical equipment, practical insights into preventive and safety measures that need to be integrated in every day practice in labs and a session in the rubrics of stock verification.
With an amalgamation of theoretical knowledge with practical application, this Workshop aimed at improving the competencies of laboratory assistants and also equipping them with additional skills required to ensure a methodical and sophisticated functioning of labs.

The Valedictory Ceremony was graced by the distinguished presence of Director of DHE, Shri. Prasad Lolayekar. Speaking of the significance of Skill Enhancement, DHE Director Shri. Prasad Lolayekar iterated the need for continual learning and development in the field of education. He said that advancement in skills can help Colleges from Goa meet global standards of quality education. Reinforcing the objective of the Workshop, Principal of Dhempe College Dr. Vrinda Borker put forth the need for sophisticated functioning of laboratories across institutions. She emphasized that laboratories should be spaces where leading-edge research is undertaken and for this purpose, all staff members including laboratory assistants must be equipped with advanced skills. The workshop was coordinated by Assistant Professor from the Department of Chemistry, Mr. Vishnu Chari.