A laboratory is a space for conducting scientific experiments and research. This specificity presupposes the presence of various equipment and devices. Since one of the main conditions of work is to maintain cleanliness, the furniture should be simple and comfortable, as well as safe for employees. To properly organize the workspace, a laboratory project is initially created.

Calculations in the design of the laboratory

Before describing the types of laboratory furniture, it is worth saying a few words about the room itself. The optimal area for activities of 1-2 people is considered to be 6-10 square meters. More employees can comfortably be accommodated in rooms over 12 square meters.

In laboratory rooms, most often the arrangement of furniture is:

U-shaped.
L-shaped.
One- and two-sided.

A properly designed laboratory should have sufficient space for unhindered movement of personnel

Between the rows of furniture, as well as between the last tables and the wall, it is necessary to leave a free space with a width of at least 1.20 m.The minimum width of a one-sided and L-shaped laboratory should be 1.80 m, two-sided and U-shaped – 2.40 m.

Calculations are made separately when creating an island laboratory project. In addition to the furniture along the walls, the dimensions of the complex in the center of the room are also taken into account.

Criteria for choosing laboratory furniture

Interior items for equipping laboratories are produced in accordance with the criteria of GOST 16731-93. Let’s list the main characteristics of quality furniture:

Welded frame. Provides additional strength and reliability compared to prefabricated structures.
Height-adjustable feet. They compensate for unevenness in the floor and make it possible to level several tables or shelves in the same row in height.
Powder coated external metal parts. Withstands significant temperature rise and does not cause allergic reactions in personnel.
Light colors of work surfaces. Allows you to quickly detect small instruments or particles of investigated materials and substances. It gives the room a strict and well-groomed look.

Before purchasing laboratory furniture, special attention is paid to the material from which the work surface is made. His choice is due to the specifics of the activities of a particular research center. Most often used:

Stainless steel.
Laminate.
Ceramic tile.
Porcelain stoneware.
Polypropylene.
LabGrade laminate.
Durcon epoxy composite.

Spacious light laboratory and high-quality furniture will provide the required level of comfort for your specialists

Laboratory project – examples of furniture selection

Let’s dwell in more detail on the types of furniture for laboratories. Its quantity and range will depend on the direction of research, but we will list the main types of interior items.

Tables

Laboratory tables can vary in height (75 and 90 cm) and length (from 510 to 1930 cm). When buying them, the number of people who will work for it is taken into account. Also, tables are often used as a stand for appliances, ovens and drying cabinets. In appearance, they are divided into:

Open. With or without drawers located under the countertop.
Closed. With compartments covered by doors.

By type of installation, laboratory benches are:

Wall mounted. They are located along the walls and serve as the main workplace for laboratory staff.
Attached. There are corner and end types of tables. They are used to increase workplaces in island complexes or as a temporary extension of the surface of tables standing against the walls.
Washing rooms. Sinks are built into the surface of the tables to facilitate the work with the investigated materials. They can be equipped with one or more water taps, mixers, dryers and individual hoods. The drying surface with hooks can be attached to a tabletop or to an adjoining wall.
Weighted. They are used to set up analytical or laboratory balances, they have a specific design. Height adjustable.
Titling. Supplied with tripods. In the room, laboratories are installed next to conventional work tables. They are supplied with electricity.

Fume cupboards

Fume hoods are installed in accordance with standard projects in laboratories where operations with chemicals and hazardous substances are carried out. They consist of a reinforced base, which looks like a regular cabinet – a frame, sheathed with metal with storage boxes. The lower part must be closed with doors. A hood is attached to it – a metal structure with holes. Its front part is often equipped with a protective lifting screen made of plexiglass, triplex or impact-resistant glass.

A fume cupboard kit may include:

Electrical outlets.
Lamp.
Washing.
Water supply and discharge.
Faucet or mixer.
Gas tap.
Forced exhaust unit.
Vacuum unit.

Auxiliary cabinets

Designed for storing reagents, materials for analysis, laboratory glassware and employee clothing. They must be closed with doors with locks, they can have built-in safes. Chemical storage facilities are often equipped with additional hoods. The width of the cabinets varies from 42 to 83 cm, which allows you to find a place for them in any room.

Additional furniture

For a comfortable work performance, the following equipment may be present in chemical, testing and microbiological laboratories:

Add-ons. They are mounted on island and wall-mounted desks, supplied with electrical outlets. They are made in the form of cabinets with glass doors or racks from open shelves (metal and glass).
Movable pedestals. They can be completed with boxes, be open or closed with a door.
Transport carts. They are used for transporting materials from cabinets to the workplace, as well as for transporting used laboratory glassware to washers and dryers.
Chairs, armchairs, stools. Often equipped with adjusting screws to adjust the seat height and backrest position.

Pedestals, trolleys and armchairs are almost always installed on casters for easy movement around the room.

Proper adherence to laboratory design rules is the key to productive work

When designing any laboratory, it is worth contacting professionals who will help you choose the right furniture and will be able to competently use the usable space to maximize the filling of the room.