Ultimate Guide To New Laboratory Setup

Setting up a new laboratory involves much more than just buying equipment and placing it on counters. A well-planned laboratory setup can greatly improve your team’s efficiency, safety, and overall performance. Whether you’re designing a research facility or a lab for educational purposes, it’s important to carefully consider every detail.

Assessing Your Space

Start by evaluating the available space. Measure the room and think about the flow of work. How will people move around? What type of activities will take place? Laboratory workstations should be strategically placed to minimize unnecessary movement. Your setup should allow easy access to equipment, chemicals, and supplies while maintaining a safe distance between hazardous materials.

Choosing the Right Furniture and Equipment

One of the most critical aspects of a laboratory setup is selecting the right lab furniture and equipment. The workbench is the foundation of your lab. Choose sturdy, chemical-resistant counters with ample space for tasks. Make sure there is enough room for equipment like microscopes, centrifuges, or fume hoods, depending on the type of research or work being done. You will also need storage units to keep chemicals and tools organized.

Fume hoods are vital for labs that deal with volatile substances. Make sure to choose hoods that meet your specific needs. Consider adding cabinets for chemicals that are fireproof or designed to handle hazardous substances. Your equipment must be chosen with safety and efficiency in mind.

Focus on Safety Measures

Safety should be a priority when setting up a lab. Invest in high-quality ventilation systems. Fume hoods and proper air filtration systems help remove harmful vapors and particles, keeping the air safe for everyone in the room. Install fire extinguishers, emergency eyewash stations, and first aid kits in easily accessible areas.

Depending on your work, you might also need spill containment units or specific waste disposal systems. Clearly mark all exits and make sure there are easy pathways to them in case of emergencies. Safety signs and labels should be displayed throughout the lab to reinforce safe practices.

Layout and Workflow Design

Consider the work your lab will focus on. A biology lab will have different needs compared to a chemistry or engineering lab. Design your space to support the tasks at hand. For instance, in a chemistry lab, you’ll need areas for mixing, storage for chemicals, and ventilation systems. On the other hand, a biology lab might need space for petri dishes, microscopes, and sample storage.

Think about the lab’s workflow. From incoming materials to finished work, each phase should have a designated area. An efficient lab design minimizes the chance of cross-contamination and boosts productivity. When planning the layout, think about how equipment will be arranged. Organize high-traffic areas so that workers don’t bump into one another or knock over equipment.

Compliance and Standards

Any new laboratory setup should comply with local and national regulations. Be sure your laboratory meets health and safety standards, especially if dealing with hazardous materials or conducting experiments with animals or human samples. Certifications for equipment, like fume hoods and storage units, are important for long-term safety and compliance.

Make sure you’re familiar with guidelines set by health and safety organizations. Local laws may require specific certifications or inspections before you can open for use. Make it a priority to stay updated on relevant standards and make adjustments as needed.

Design Your Ideal Lab with LOC Scientific

At LOC Scientific, we specialize in creating customized laboratory setups that meet your exact needs. From innovative lab design to durable furniture and safety-enhancing fume hoods, we’re here to make your lab environment safe and efficient.

With over 35 years of experience, our team is ready to guide you through every step of the process. Let us help you create a functional, high-performance laboratory space. Call us today at 877-527-5775 to get started on your lab project.