When creating a functional, safe, and effective lab for scientists and doctors to carry out research and testing, there is plenty to consider. Lab planning and design require forethought and understanding of the work and equipment involved with the specific lab you are building. Even the most minor oversight could be disastrous to future safety and efficiency in the design stage. Here are some tips on effective laboratory design:
The location of your lab is critical. Consider your financial and physical boundaries when deciding between building and buying. It is essential to consider where the site or structure is located and what surrounds it. It is always best to choose an industrial or remote location that is easily accessible. Think about the routes in and out of the potential site and whether it is readily accessible to suppliers and staff. If it is on a public transport route staff may appreciate the ease of commuting. You will want affordable and accessible parking for anyone who drives to the lab.
Then consider the building design. Remember that multi-story facilities offer more space with a smaller environmental footprint and create issues with transportation and equipment implementation, shipment of goods, and chemical disposal. You should also consider the availability of high ceilings to assist with ventilation, access to natural light, and the potential for optimal airflow. Finally, if your lab is above the entry level, ensure elevator access for bulky equipment and people and stairs in emergencies.
The selection of appropriate materials to ensure building safety is essential. For example, you should avoid high-maintenance, absorbent materials like natural wood because they are challenging to clean and may become damaged or degraded by detergents and chemicals over time. Ideally, benchtops and floors should be made of PVC or polished concrete, and required coatings should be tiles or hard-wearing enamel paint for ease of disinfection and cleaning. Remember that tiling grout is a breeding ground for microorganisms, so it requires frequent disinfection and cleaning. There should be no raw edges or gaps between walls and floors to harbor germs and microorganisms and impede cleaning processes.
Laboratory design should offer flexibility for easy conversion to current and future user requirements. For example, many scientists and doctors use lab spaces to complete projects from start to finish. This often includes research on computers, note writing with paper and pen, experiment and test completion, and disposal and storage of chemicals, so your lab should account for these activities. Therefore, your lab space should be versatile and easily adaptable to accommodate different tests and research projects with varied requirements. A simple way to do this is by placing benches and storage facilities on lockable wheels for maximum adaptability and portability.
