How to Fit Out a Laboratory

Any place of business needs to have an environment which is suitable for the workforce in order to keep moral high and productivity up. Most businesses though can regulate the same environmental conditions throughout their properties. However, a laboratory environment is different as it has to be diverse, depending on what research is being conducted and where. This is why you need experts to help!

Fitting out a laboratory is a more complex task than most other work places and therefore needs forethought and planning in order to be functional and productive. Here are some of the factors which should be considered in those plans:

• Power
• Lighting and Heating
• Gases and Gas Storage
• Air Handling and Filtering
• Data Security
• Other Security Features

POWER

Due to an array of different chemicals and gases used in a laboratory, the risk of fire is greater than in most other residential or business premises. Care should therefore be taken in deciding what power should be used and then having all power sources, cabling and fixtures fitted in accordance with NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Instillation Contracting) specifications by JIB (Joint Industry Board) qualified contractors.

LIGHTING AND HEATING

Whilst the comfort of any workforce is important, in a laboratory the amount of light and heat provided may often be determined by what is needed for the specific work carried out in each area, rather than the comfort of the workers.

GASES AND GAS STORAGE

The nature of work carried out in most laboratories means that an assortment of different gases, many of which may be volatile, may have to be stored in the facility. As well as ensuring all staff are aware of the hazards associated with these gases and general safety precautions which are needed with each, the original setup of the gas storage and how they are used should be designed and installed by professional, highly qualified experts, working in accordance with the laboratory’s requirements.

AIR HANDLING & FILTERING

It is not only excessive heat which can affect laboratory research but even ventilation or air conditioning units, including the noise created by an AC unit. Experts should therefore be consulted prior to fitting out each individual laboratory area to determine which and how the separate AC and ventilation systems should be setup and operate.