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LABORATORY FLOOR SURFACES
Just like the laboratory walls, the floors are also consistently exposed to toxic chemicals and substances that may cause it to deteriorate. It is therefore important to select appropriate materials for construction. Various materials can be used for making the surfaces of the laboratory floors, e.g. wood, concrete, terrazzo, and linoleum. Plastic, PVC tiles etc.
However, some factors should be satisfied for it to be considered appropriate for use .i.e. they should;
- Be resistant to chemical attack ,
- Be cheap and easy to clean
- Not be noisy
- Offer maximum safety and comfort ,
- Be beautiful to the laboratory user
VENTILATION AND LIGHTING
Laboratories must be constructed in an environment that is exposed to good lighting and ventilation.
Ventilation means free circulation of air in and out of the laboratory.
Good ventilation is important in the laboratory; this is in order to rid the laboratory from dangerous fumes. There are two types of ventilation.
(a) Natural ventilation; include all ventilation that allows in fresh air e.g. through windows, doors etc.
(b) Artificial or mechanical ventilation; is achieved by means of fans, fume chambers etc.
Lighting in the laboratory is very important to enable the occupants to easily see and work comfortably without straining.
Lighting also provides an agreeable working environment and warmth.
There are two types of lighting in the laboratory i.e.
(a) Natural light includes day light, passing through the laboratory windows and doors.
(b) Artificial lighting includes use of electric bulbs and fluorescent tubes.
Good lighting can also be achieved through painting of laboratory walls with bright or light reflecting paint
LABORATORY SERVICES
Laboratory services are considered the most essential components of the lab. Without them, most activities will stall. There are four basic laboratory services, they include
- Water
- Electricity
- Gas
- Fume chamber