By Doug Penvose, Lab Sales Consultant

Don't let your facility go to pieces, for the sake of a few spare parts. Are you prepared?

I know you have heard it before; from your teacher, your parents, your scoutmaster, but maybe they're right.

In these days of doing more work with less people, one thing that gets overlooked is stocking spare parts. When does that filter canister o-ring “choose” to rupture in your automated watering system? Of course, on a Friday when everyone is leaving for a long weekend, and you can't find that particular o-ring anywhere within 25 miles. I know, because I have been there before.

What should you do? Assign someone in your staff that you can depend on to be responsible for keeping spare parts on hand. Review the Edstrom parts catalog with them and make sure that you have a stock of commonly used spare parts. Keep that level of parts so there is always availability. It is important to keep the spare parts organized in designated bins or drawers perhaps with labels and pictures. This way the parts are readily available and you can see at a glance if there are enough parts in the bins or drawers when you need them.

If you are currently using the Edstrom Automated Watering system you may want to verify that you have some of these spare parts on hand.

• O-rings for the drinking valves or the pressure reducing stations
• Spare regulator or filter for the pressure reducing station
• Rebuild kits for the solenoids in the pressure reducing station
• Quick disconnects for the recoil hoses or valves

Don't know what spare parts to have on hand? No problem. Contact your friendly Edstrom Sales Consultant and have them visit with you and together mark up a parts catalog and establish which parts and how many to have on hand. You can order on-line at www.edstromdirect.com or contact telemarketing at 1-800-558-5913 and we will gladly assist you.

- Doug Penvose - Lab Sales Consultant - I began my career in lab animal science as a Supervisor/ Technician, responsible for a small Vivarium at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. From there, I moved into a position as a research technician and surgical technician, while performing research in the Infectious Disease Division at Hopkins. After four years at Hopkins, I took a new position as a Lab Chief at the Frederick Cancer Research Center, then transferred to the Animal Production Area for NCI where I managed the Barrier Rodent Section, before joining Edstrom Industries in 1986. I enjoy the independent nature of my position as Lab Animal Consultant and interfacing with all members of our industry. Our sales calls are conducted with Site Directors, Managers, Supervisors, technical staff, architects, and engineers. Every day is different, and every day is rewarding. I have a BS degree in Zoology from the University of Maryland and was certified as a LAT and LATG while working at NCI-FCRDC in the 1970's.  I am blessed with three wonderful daughters, two of which are in college this year.  They have taught me as much (or more) than I have taught them.