Laboratory L1 Lab functions, Safety & design

Flashcards on laboratory safety, function, and design.

Laboratory

A space equipped for experimental study of the sciences for testing, research, and analysis, conducted in a SAFE manner.

Well-designed, effective laboratory

Uses appropriate, durable material and finishes; promotes sustainability; has all the required equipment/facility within easy reach; provides infrastructure and layout needed to take advantage of latest developments; enforces good laboratory practices; ensures health and safe environment; protects the environment; enables experiments following SOPs; provides flexibility for future growth.

Why a laboratory should be well designed

Fulfills end users’ needs, optimizes layout for activities, decreases accidents, improves concentration and productivity, and allows for future plans.

Benefits of a well-designed laboratory

Efficient workflow/productivity, protection of the user, minimized contamination, protection of the environment, and compliance with regulations.

Considerations when designing a laboratory

Safety principles, chemical & waste storage, ventilation requirements, type of hazards, user needs, purpose, function, equipment, furniture, and floor plan layout.

How purpose affects laboratory design

Different equipment and storage, different types and degrees of hazards, different safety regulations, and different lab designs.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Establish standardized procedures for experimental/research processes, equipment usage, and data recording.

Layout and Furniture Considerations

Layout of furniture and equipment should support SOP and workflow; walkways should be clear; use overhead shelving.

Safety Principles for Lab Layout

Hazardous lab work should be placed deeper in the laboratory, with two or more clearly labelled exits; doors should swing outwards.

Hazard

Chemical, biological, and physical sources of potential damage, harm, or adverse health effects.

Chemical and waste storage guidelines

Chemicals used regularly are stored in designated, accessible cabinets, arranged in chemically compatible families; waste containers should be chemically compatible, sturdy, leak-proof, and labelled.

General Ventilation in Laboratories

All laboratories should have general ventilation systems for comfort and stable environment; single-pass ventilation without recirculation is preferred.

Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV)

Some labs require negative air pressure to prevent escape of contaminants; positive air pressure rooms prevent airborne contaminants from entering.

Safety Equipment in Laboratories

Fire/smoke detection and extinguishing systems, portable fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and alternative suppression systems.

Closed Concept/Traditional Laboratory Design

Compartmentalised, walled-off environments with built-in cabinetry and inflexible layouts.

Open Concept Laboratory Design

Big room concept, LEAN operation model with flexible spaces, overhead infrastructure, and modular reconfigurable casework.

Advantages of open concept laboratory

Space can be reconfigured, maximizes collaboration, supports team based research, cost-effective, accommodates expansion.

Limitations of open concept laboratory

Might not be useful for labs with specific functions, closed labs are still needed for safety reasons, research confidentiality.

Challenges to effective laboratory design

Requires expertise and collaboration, can be costly, time consuming and require eco-friendly materials

Laboratory Safety

Staff/students should be trained to abide by good laboratory practices.

Proper Attire in the Lab

Proper attire ensures that your clothing covers your skin and protects you from spilled chemicals, biological hazards and falling objects.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE protects the user against health or safety risks at work, protecting vital areas of the skin and face from harm.

Plan your laboratory work

Familiarize with procedures, identify hazards, materials and equipment needed, know chemical hazards and equipment condition, minimizing risk

During laboratory work

Follow SOP, know safety equipment locations, do not eat/drink and ensure workspace is neat and tidy

Safety equipment

Fire extinguisher, First aid kit, shower station and eyewash station

Safety equipment

Evacuation route, fire blanket

Good housekeeping and Lab behavior

Neat benchtop, attentive and avoid Playful behavior