Lab Design, Setup and Space Planning
Laboratory Space Planning
Laboratory space planning requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure efficiency, safety, and compliance with regulations. Here’s a brief summary of points to help you through the process:
- • Identify the type of laboratory (e.g., research, clinical, educational).
- • For each type of lab determine the function (e.g. wet chemistry lab, analytical area, microbiology lab etc.)
- • Determine laboratory specific activities that will take place (e.g., experiments, testing, analysis).
- • Calculate the square footage needed based on equipment, lab workstations, storage cabinets, and proper movement.
- • It’s important to consider future expansion needs. Consider modular lab furniture or mobile furniture and partitions as required.
- • Create a logical flow of materials and personnel to minimize bottlenecks.
- • Designate areas for different functions (e.g., documentation, packaging, preparation, testing, storage, waste disposal).
- • Position laboratory equipment based on usage frequency and workflow.
- • Consider power and connectivity needs for each piece of equipment.
- • Involve researchers, technicians, and other stakeholders in the planning process to gather input and ensure their needs are met.
- • Plan for necessary utilities (e.g., water, electricity, gas, vacuum, compressed air).
- • Ensure that outlets and connections are accessible and appropriately placed.
- • Plan for temperature and humidity control as needed.
- • Consider sustainability measures, such as energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems.
- • Design the space to allow for easy reconfiguration as needs change.
Following brochures can be referred for planning of laboratory based on material selected:
Step by step guide for Laboratory planning & design based on material selection
- 1. Laboratory Design using Standard Lab Casework & Ducted Fume Hoods (Method CLF-01)
- 2. Laboratory Design using Flexible Lab Casework & Ductless Fume Hoods (Method FLF-01)
- 3. Laboratory Design using Tables, Table Systems & Other Equipment (Method LTD-01)
- 4. Laboratory Design using Combination of Multiple Styles of Casework (Method MSCD-01)
