At Evolve, we know that the right lab environment can increase productivity and ignite new creativity.
We also believe the best designs keep people safe while also maximising efficiency and anticipating a wide variety of scientific procedures and processes.
Even if you require a lab for a single purpose, such as medical cannabis production, you’ll want to consider equipment and features that could take your business to the next level. No matter what type of lab you’re designing, we’re here to help you.
Effective laboratory design
At Evolve, we believe that effective laboratory design goes beyond providing a safe environment. We ensure that all lab users can enjoy a healthy, hazard-free workspace.
Here are five ways that effective design impacts health, safety, and productivity:
1. Lab users’ needs are fulfilled
To design a lab that supports both safety and productivity, the design team must start by determining specifications, such as how people will use the lab, how many people will be working there, what their roles are, and how much space is needed. This ensures that everything included in the design will serve a purpose in supporting lab users’ productivity. As a result, workers will have the equipment and materials they need to carry out their tasks.
2. The lab layout works
A well-designed lab’s layout provides appropriate storage, equipment, and workspaces. For example, simple cabinets may be adequate for electronics, but chemicals often require more complex storage spaces. By providing the appropriate accommodations, it becomes less likely that lab space will be wasted. In addition, lab users can avoid storing supplies in places that block exits or cause other dangerous conditions. For example, potentially hazardous materials and equipment should be stored and used in lab zones away from heavy traffic flow and ventilation sources that cause disruptive airflows.
3. The chance of an accident decreases
Proper lab design can’t eliminate hazards – many accidents are caused by human error or bad luck – but improper design does increase the probability of negative incidents. In addition to putting people at the risk of harm, these incidents ultimately decrease productivity, as they hinder the researchers’ ability to work. Hazards in the lab can range from fires to falls to eye damage and beyond, all of which can both harm lab users and shut down or delay work. A lab designed for safety makes these accidents less likely. When users have adequate workspaces and aisles between them, they won’t bump into each other; sprinkler systems can extinguish fires before they spread; and chemical spills and other hazards can be contained quickly, efficiently, and with minimal harm when appropriate warning systems and cleaning materials are available.
4. Users can focus on their tasks
When designing a lab, it is crucial to include vital safety features, such as biosafety cabinets, fire protection and detection systems, and emergency showers and eye wash stations. When users know these features are easily available, they can focus on performing their research with a greater measure of security regarding their health and safety, and thus be more productive. In addition, labs should have easy-to-access, well-marked exits so that researchers can get out quickly and safely in case of an emergency or accident.
5. The lab can be adapted for future needs
It is important to get a sense of how research efforts in the lab might change in the future – even five or more years out. A design with some flexibility built in will allow you to include features that lab users might not need now, but could benefit from later, such as more and/or moveable workbenches or advanced ventilation for chemical work.
Safety is only one discipline involved in lab design. At Evolve, we also work with architects, engineers, and the researchers who will actually use the lab. We believe that everyone needs to work together and understand each others’ vision, limits, and skills in order to be successful.
Evolve designs labs scientists love
Our specialists have all the skills needed to allow your new science laboratory project to thrive. From initial design, supply and installation of furniture to providing all associated building services, Evolve has the in-house expertise to deliver on time and within budget.
We can help you determine the best way to make use of your available space while prioritising safety, space, and accessibility.
Evolve has supplied and fitted lab furniture and accessories to a range of companies and institutions over the years. Major projects in recent years include:
- Brewing giant Farsons
- Metropolitan Police forensic science laboratories in Dubai
- University of Malta
- Semiconductor firm ST Microelectronics
- Pharma companies Aurobindo, Actavis and Pharmacare
- European Commission science laboratories in Brussels
- Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology
- Montekristo Wine Estates
- Environment services agency Wasteserv
- Malta’s state-run public health laboratory
We also offer a range of additional services, including fume management, network cabling, electricity distribution and testing, plumbing and testing both for water and gases as well as all drains and speciality gases.
We’re ready to be by your side to help you design, equip and maintain a fully EU-compliant lab for your next science-led project.
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Evolve is by your side
When it comes to professional scientific, medical, pharmaceutical and laboratory equipment, Evolve is the name you can trust. Our commitment to quality and excellence is unmatched, and our team of experts are dedicated to providing the best service possible.
We understand that time is precious, so we strive to make sure that every job is done right the first time. With Evolve’s world-class customer service, you can rest assured that your needs will be taken care of quickly and efficiently.
Experience the difference with Evolve – let us show you what professional service looks like!
For all your science-led solutions, speak to the Evolve experts today. You’ll be glad you did.
