A laboratory provides the perfect environment for researchers like you to create groundbreaking medical therapies, agricultural inventions, and solutions to the world’s greatest challenges. A practical laboratory layout creates a safe, productive, and hazard-free environment to increase efficiency and promote productivity.
1. Safety Comes First
A well-designed lab features lots of critical space for natural movement and flow. You’ll need to be able to have quick access to safety features such as an eyewash station, an emergency shower, biosafety cabinets, and a fire detection and protection system.
A sound ventilation system is another vital safety feature in a lab. If you want the added features of temperature to keep you and your lab assistants comfortable, you can add a temperature control device.
2. Workflow-Centric Design
Ever wondered why some research facilities generate more patents? They are built to promote productivity. Laboratories designed with the traditional approach have become operationally inefficient. The best design strategies for laboratory productivity include:
Bringing the outdoors in: Nice views at work can have a positive impact on attentional focus and wellbeing.
Ergonomically beneficial furniture: When researchers have good posture, they exert themselves less and complete their tasks quickly, which results in greater productivity.
Proper lighting: A third of employees in the United States suffer from eye strain and headaches due to poor lighting. In a lab, both ambient lights and task lights are needed.
No distractions: The 2 most common distractions in laboratories are visual interruptions and excessive noise. You can create a quiet zone where researchers can concentrate on their work.
3. Chemical Storage Should Be Top Priority
Many chemical experiments are carried out in laboratory settings, so planning adequate storage is of utmost importance. Work with Environment, Health, and Safety (EH&S) at the start of the design process to avoid code issues and safety hazards.
In addition, collaborate with the designers and lab users to identify the types of chemicals that will require storage and determine the necessary storage. This will eliminate dangerous storage of chemicals on bench tops, lab tables, or in fume hoods.
4. The Right Furniture and Storage Can Make All the Difference
Laboratory tables, cabinets, and workbenches are some of the most essential furniture pieces in a lab. Decide whether you want the tables to be in a fixed position or mobile. Lab tables and workbenches can be attached permanently to the floor, fully mobile, or freestanding. Those that need to be moved occasionally can be fitted with lockable castor feet; they can be freely moved as needed but locked in position during use.
You can also incorporate different storage options such as racks, shelves, storage cabinets, and specialty storage cabinets. Pipettes, glassware, and plates can be stored in shelves, racks, and cabinets while biological samples and reagents can be stored in customized storage equipment. Specialty storage cabinets can hold volatile chemicals and acids.
5. The Design Must Be Adaptable
It’s a fact, laboratories will change over time. Maximizing flexibility must be a significant consideration when designing a laboratory. Flexibility can mean the ability to easily accommodate reconfigurations, to permit a variety of uses, or to expand easily.
To Sum It Up
Safety and productivity are the 2 most important elements of a good laboratory design. If researchers are not safe, they will not be productive. Liaise with a reputable laboratory supplies company for the best layout. You’ll be glad you did. Read more about our steel lab table and computer lab furniture.
