REPORT FOR MANAGEMENT When a sample is received, the clerk takes a pack of report forms made up of two white forms and several colored forms and types the infor mation taken from the sample label on the upper half of the form. Si multaneously, by means of carbon paper the same information is typed on a Keysort index card. A typical combination of forms for a case where three different determinations are to be made would be two white, one green, and three yellow forms. The original white form is kept in the records office until the analysis is completed. The second white form together with the Keysort card is placed in a file in the order of the serial number of the sample. One yellow form is given to each of the three chemists who will be working on the sample. The green form is re tained by the supervisor to indicate work that is in progress in his section. The analyst records on the back of his yellow sheet all data that he obtains, such as weights, buret readings, normality of solutions used, and the necessary calculations. When he ob tains the final result, he enters it on the lower half of the front of the yellow sheet. He then goes to the file mentioned above and enters his result on the lower half of the front of the second white copy carrying the same serial number. After the last result has been obtained, the three yellow copies are stapled to the white copy, and the report of the analysis is complete. The clerk takes the original white copy, with the same serial number, which has been retained in the records office, and types on it the results which have been entered on the second white copy by the analysts. The original white copy now goes to the sender of the sample as a report, and the second white copy with data attached is filed according to serial number.
is already typed on the card. By suitable sorting techniques the cards can be classified easily by the categories for which they are punched and when a card is selected, the serial number on it will serve to locate the correspond ing analytical report. For efficient operation the super visor needs to know the trends in total workload, the demands for particular types of determinations and, of course, the costs of laboratory operation. It may be important to know the number of samples being received from each of several sources, such as different departments. In formation of this sort can be obtained from the Keysort cards. It is a good plan for the supervisor to keep run ning curves for any of these data which may be important to him. Such summarized information will be helpful in forecasting future needs for space or personnel. Research. Analytical procedures do not remain static but require constant improvement and change. A research program is required which will provide for the evaluation of new developments which are reported in the literature and for supplying new or revised methods to meet specific needs of the analytical laboratory.
The Keysort card, which was barely mentioned, is used for two pur poses. First, as indicated above, it is placed in a file to indicate the work in progress. When work is assigned, the initials of the analysts are stamped on the bottom edge of the card. As each analyst finishes his work, he crosses out his initials. Thus, an inspection of the card will tell im mediately the status of any job. After the analysis is completed, the Keysort card acts as an index to locate the corresponding analytical report. By suitable punches such in formation as the type of sample, the determinations made, the sender of the sample, and the date of receipt can be recorded on the Keysort card. The serial number of the sample
To take care of the first requirement a person or persons should be assigned to analytical research as their major job. As a minor part of this assign ment the person may be called upon occasionally to analyze unusual samples for which standardized methods are not available. A long range, continuing program of research should be planned for this unit. It should have as its broad objective the supplying of the analytical laboratory with the most up-to-date information on methods. For the second type of research requirement where a specific difficulty in carrying out an assignment has been encountered, it is good practice to assign a short term research proj ect to the analytical chemist who has encountered the difficulty. This per son will be most familiar with the problem and may have specialized skills which will have to be used in solving it. It should also stimulate the interest of the analyst to be able to follow through and work out a solu tion to his own problem. Ideas for research objectives should be solicited from all members of the staff and should be listed for review when time becomes available for undertaking a research assignment.
SAFETY first... plus
ECONOMY! KEWAUNEE AIRFLOW FUME H O O D S
• Scientifically designed for maximum pro tection of personnel working with radioactive or toxic materials. • Aerodynamically efficient design permits sub stantially lower face velocities— Vs to 'Δ less than conventional hoods. • Constant volume exhaust with sash up or down. • Savings of $100 to $800 per year per hood on heating and air conditioning costs. W A N T PROOF? W r i t e - t o d a y —for free copy of new 24-page book "Airflow Control Fume Hoods". Gives characteristics, applications, specifications.
Kewaunee Mfg. Co. J. A. Campbell, President 5090 S. Center St., Adrian, Mich. REPRESENTATIVES
IN
PRINCIPAL
CITIES
For further information, circle number 13 A on Readers' Service Card, page 39 A
V O L U M E 2 7, NO. 12, D E C E M B E R
1955
13A
