Lab Manager actions while physical distancing and COVID19 Supply Chain Updates 4/15
Lab Manager Actions
Here are some action items HappiLabs recommends while operations at the lab are limited:
- Chemical inventory (and gathering SDSs that are missing)
- Take refresher courses on safety and operations
- Inventory and document capital equipment on site
- Gather serial numbers, warranty expiry dates, service agreements, and maintenance contact info on a spreadsheet
- Plan to start up again (make a plan for people to ramp up work
- Including getting orders in place where possible (some suppliers will hold them until you're up and running again)
- Review suppliers/supplies currently used and shop around for better pricing/quality (sales reps are pretty responsive just now)
- Catch up on reading papers
- Do technical research on supplies/equipment that might be needed
- Ensure any equipment not in use is properly shut down (e.g. BSCs)
Supply Chain Updates
Per our last updates, suppliers are mostly operating and processing orders.
They are practicing physical distancing and operations are a bit slower than usual.
Reminder that some suppliers are considering all sales final and not accepting returns due to COVID-19.
And some suppliers are noting that FedEx and UPS are no longer guaranteeing delivery.
Courier Updates
Couriers continue to operate, but note they are still missing deliveries, at times only making one attempt before returning to sender. Last-mile delivery is still the biggest current issue.
FedEx and UPS, as we have noted are also not guaranteeing delivery and not offering reimbursement for lost packages.
If you do need an order processed, let the supplier know that the your lab is open and accepting deliveries and post signage at your delivery entrance to signal to delivery drivers deliveries are being accepted.
The Happi Note
Biocom is maintaining a list of institutions needs for PPE that are working on the COVID-19 front lines. If you have excess, consider donating.
There is a similar list of institutions in need in Illinois and a team is working to match those with supply to those with demand.
HappiLabs is continuing to monitor the effects on the scientific supply chain and continuing to help scientists get the quality items they need to continue their research.