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OBJECTIVES
This chapter, we will;
- Discuss the importance of laboratory design and layout.
- Describe standards for a good science laboratory.
- Describe the essential features of a prep room and a laboratory store.
- Describe the basic laboratory services
INTRODUCTION
Good laboratory design and layout is one of the most crucial step in the establishment of any scientific laboratory. An ideal laboratory is that which is designed to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, security and safety for all laboratory users and the environment. Safety and productivity are the two most important elements of a good laboratory design. If laboratory users are not safe, they will not be productive. A well-designed laboratory will help to create a hazard free environment that will reduce risks of accidents and injuries, wastage of time and laboratory resources besides also providing appropriate controlled conditions that will enhance the credibility of the tests and research findings.
It is the objective of any laboratory to meet the needs that it was intended for, bearing in mind that the facility should be there to serve both in the present and in the future. Therefore having a clear vision for the laboratory facility is key element that will contribute towards the success of laboratory design and layout. However, having a decent laboratory design is not just a matter of common sense. It means creating optimal working conditions for your staff, increasing productivity and, above all, increasing safety. Successful laboratories are the result of extensive planning, collaboration, and coordination between the design team and all impacted stakeholders. Even the smallest detail, performed incorrectly, can have a detrimental impact on lab function and safety. The design step, therefore should not be done in a hurry but in a very sober and consultative environment where every input from all stake holders, irrespective of the position or status, be considered based on facts and merit.
Early involvement stakeholders in the design process is critical. Failing to involve them early enough will certainly result in a cascade of future problems impacting design, construction, and long-term lab use. Stakeholders will help to identify internal opportunities for improvement which if implemented can yield significant improvements in your lab. With the designer as the facilitator, stakeholders to be involved include the owners, lab users, lab managers, faculty and staff, and facilities and maintenance personnel.
Besides stakeholder involvement, it is also advisable to do bench marking with other already established institutions having similar laboratory needs as the one you are envisaging to have. Benchmarking with such institutions will help to identify internal opportunities for improvement which if implemented can yield significant improvements in your lab.
Benchmarking may help laboratory designers to unravel more ideas about:
- Knowledge about what the facilities might look like.
- Budgetary allocation
- Knowledge about the essentials required for health and safety.
- Putting in place measures that could accommodate future modifications