Laboratory Startup Layout and Design Considerations
Following are basic considerations for general laboratory layout and design. It is not a comprehensive list but can help when reviewing the needs and requirements for laboratories. Use this information when interacting with the Cole-Parmer Lab Startup design team on the layout of furnishings for your lab.
- Determine the general purpose of each lab, support, or workspace. Consider the number of people, the amount of bench required per person or per operation, and the number of fume hoods or biological safety cabinets needed.
- Confirm the rough lab spaces and sizes needed and their locations within the building. Review service runs required, confirm the floor- to-deck space in the labs, and inspect proposed mechanical distribution and passageways.
- Engage your Environmental Health & Safety person as well as Facilities Operations & Maintenance for input.
- Develop a lab equipment listing reflecting the sizes of each piece, service requirements, and respective heat loss. Confirm if the equipment will fit on the bench or floor and consider your future operations. All equipment should be placed into a plan view drawing to confirm fit. Review overall voltages and total amperage needed for the project. Review venting requirements, data connections, and any ancillary equipment needed.
- Examine the proposed lab layout and workflow. Confirm that the lab will fit your workflow process.
- Review the need for flexible, open lab space in the lab layout, and consider future needs.
- From a historical perspective, review what’s working and not working if there is a current lab.
- Review specific needs within the lab for radioactive or biological materials, hazardous operations, ADA compliance, and access for rolling equipment.
- Confirm the need for ancillary lab space or other space that makes the rest of the lab work more efficiently such as sample receiving, work in process, glass wash/prep areas, equipment support space, and offices or desk spaces.
- Examine lab storage needs for supplies, glassware, chemicals, samples, and receiving.
- Review hood selection and distribution in the lab. The hoods should be sized to safely fit the purpose; and provide access for people, equipment, and the process. Determine how hoods should be positioned correctly within the lab. Confirm plumbed and wired service needs. Confirm the HVAC requirements and the need for both supply and exhaust air systems.
- Confirm the effective separation of lab areas such as the lab and office; higher and lower areas of hazard or chemical use; sinks and electronics; safety showers and electronics; and centrifuges and balances.
- Review needed availability and service distribution in the lab with deck-mounted pedestals, wall-mounted fittings, and overhead service panels.
- Review lab lighting and orientation for effective workspace illumination.
- For sinks, review location, size, purpose, and services needed.
- Confirm locations for coat racks, safety glasses, gloves, shoe covers, and tack mats.
- Review room air changes needed within the lab and storage spaces.
- Review aisle way clearances including code considerations, passage of equipment, and avoid back-to-back chair arrangements.
- Confirm the placement of all lab safety fixtures and equipment including eye washes, safety showers, and fire blankets.
- Review the need for controlled access to the lab and support spaces.
