Whether you’re a medical scientist or a college chemistry student, a well-arranged laboratory is integral to maximizing your work process. For this reason, laboratory tables must be designed to accommodate various scientific procedures.
Not to mention, a safe laboratory space will meet all hygiene and accessibility requirements while providing the operational flexibility that any hands-on lab tech needs.
We have put together the top four factors that enhance your laboratory table layout, helping researchers and clinical chemists alike work safely, mitigate hazardous incidents, and promote effective and efficient scientific work.
4 Factors for Optimal Laboratory Tables in 2023
Before any of these factors are implemented or acquired, it is imperative to prioritize a thorough pre-planning phase for your laboratory design. While designers are the star of the renovation and development of the laboratory’s ins and outs, an in-depth understanding of the facility itself is needed to build from the foundation.
The vital role that laboratory design plays in great scientific and research development outputs cannot be understated, and therefore collaboration and communication with facility stakeholders are highly recommended.
1. Ideal Space for Work and Equipment
Your laboratory might provide centralized facilities for sterilization, packaging, and hand-washing, so you want to ensure ease of access to all resources a researcher might need. This means configuring your lab tables so that there are safe, demarcated paths for workers that may be carrying equipment. One way to do this is to outline a clear laboratory floor plan.
Workstations should not double as storage space—perhaps two separate research teams are working in your lab, so you want to make sure that each group can pack their glassware, goggles, and gloves away in cabinets or storerooms.
That being said, your workstation will likely play host to a wide range of mechanical and chemical substances. Therefore, you want to provide a variety of industrial lab tables, from epoxy resin and stainless steel to high-pressure plastic laminate work surfaces.
A final tip to augment space design is to create easily-portable lab tables. In the event that researchers would like to customize the area for a particular purpose—for example, educational presentations that require space for a large group—make sure that it is easy to move around and reposition laboratory workstations.
2. Compliance with Industry Safety Standards
Every lab utility table must be equipped with basic features that supplement research and medical experimentation processes. This includes plumbing, gas lines, electrical outlets, and bunsen burners. Careful consideration must be taken before implementing these fittings to ensure functionality and accessibility.
Of course, safety is a critical aspect of each and every laboratory, and this also requires a great amount of forethought. Compliance with these industry standards is essential, not only for the health and protection of lab workers—but also for the longevity of the laboratory. There are specific, certified companies that can assess the durability and structural integrity of your laboratory casework.
Remember to be inclusive when addressing your lab accessibility needs. Pathways should be large enough for wheelchairs, safety signage, and messaging must be clearly visible—and any alarm systems must cater to sight and sound sensibilities.
3. Consider a Modern Laboratory Layout
Modern lab architects tend to favor open-plan designs, which foster collaboration and a positive lab experience. More researchers and lab workers are able to reach their full potential—through sharing of ideas, equipment, and assistance. In addition, a natural working environment does not isolate scientists from one another, stimulating inspiration and productivity.
A modern lab design requires moveable workbenches as well as overhead carriers for water, power, and gas utilities. Flexible casework that can be outfitted in an open-plan lab that is adjustable in height and mobility.
While these resources may be more expensive than fixed benches and traditional workstations, investment can yield savings in repairs and renovations—and will help cultivate an environment that spurns new research innovations.
4. Leverage Top-of-the-Line Laboratory Furniture Solutions
Regardless of the exact work specifications your lab has, you can guarantee ultimate research outcomes for any type of researcher with high-quality laboratory furniture. There are solutions for all lab tables in every industry—biotech, medical engineering, healthcare, and more.
Ergonomic Microscope Tables
Get customizable microscope tables for all levels of moisture, heat, and impact. Ensuring an ergonomically comfortable microscope lab table can deliver maximized outcomes for all microscopy needs.
Alternative microscope configurations, and surfaces with chemical-resistant coating, additional power strips, and vibration dampening, provide lab technicians and research scientists with a sound work environment to reduce fatigue and enhance productivity.
Balance Tables
Ensure your sensitive equipment is properly supported with stable balance tables. Designed for precision lab instruments, balance tables with an epoxy coating or marble equilibrium and heavy gauge steel frames can accommodate sensitive weighing and measurement workflows.
Additionally, rubberized vibration reduction pads absorb environmental disturbances and shock to reinforce stability when performing these tasks.
Laboratory Island
Implement simple and modular, reconfigurable systems with space for casework, umbilicals, nozzles, and electrical outlets. Increase productivity and efficiency with accessorized laboratory islands, work surface options, gooseneck faucets, and sink bow capabilities.
Start Renovations Today with LabTech Supply
There you have it—recommended practices for designing and customizing your ideal laboratory tables and space. You can now help curate the next generation of scientific research and innovation with ergonomic insights for durable workspaces.
These top practical tips for laboratory table layouts can contribute greatly to research and development in laboratories. Put safety, accessibility, and space at the top of your priorities to start configuring the ultimate laboratory design and tables.
Provide a high-tech environment in which students and leaders in medical development and chemistry can explore a world of possibilities—through science. To get started in providing your lab staff with the best working environment, contact us at 800-476-5228 at LabTech Supply today!
