Despite stereotypes of scientists as disorganized, scientific facilities adhere to strict safety and efficiency guidelines. Best practices in lab design, whether for compact or large facilities, continue to evolve. Here, we will discuss an overview of design basics and practical advice for creating safe, efficient labs. Lab Classification The first place to start when designing
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Table of Contents Fire Safety Symbols Fire Extinguisher Flammable No Open Flames Oxidizing Material Hazard Symbols Biohazard Corrosive Material Hazard Explosive Material General Warning Health Hazard High Voltage Laser Beam Hazard Low Temperature Toxic Material/Poison UV Light Physical Safety Symbols Breathing Masks Eyewash Station First Aid Station Food and Drink Prohibited Gloves Required No Pacemakers
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A Laboratory Information Management System, or LIMS, is an important tool used by laboratories to improve workflow and organization. Providing a central interface for the organization and tracking of samples and testing, a LIMS software system assists lab managers with the difficult task of collecting and maintaining enormous amounts of data. Traditional methods of recording
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Since the late ’90s, the number of accredited training programs for laboratory technologists and technicians has seen a drastic decline, reducing the number of qualified laboratory professionals entering the field each year. With more retirements than graduations and the number of available and qualified lab technicians dwindling, laboratories across the country have been forced to
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Metals are used in virtually every type of product, from consumer goods like basic kitchen supplies or children’s toys to industrial machinery, medical equipment, electronics, and more. Before use in manufacturing, metallic elements go through a series of tests to assess and analyze their physical and chemical properties. Since metallurgy is a multidisciplinary science, metallurgical
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Oil and gas refinery laboratories manage the testing of crude oil, gases & fuels, petrochemicals, and a variety of other petroleum industry products/materials. Due to the highly flammable nature of petroleum products, refinery labs must be designed with the utmost caution and care. Oil and gas refinery lab design can be an extremely complex and
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Agricultural and seed laboratories measure seed characteristics for the purposes of improving best known agricultural practices. Seed labs test seeds for factors like germination viability, genetic purity, seed safety, herbicide tolerance, and more. Agricultural labs also help to prevent the accidental importation of non-native or invasive species. The vital research performed in agricultural and seed
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Soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering involve the study and analysis of natural materials, specifically soil, manure, plant tissue, and water. Soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering labs typically perform testing for the purposes of determining soil health and fertility, water quality, soil mix quality, agricultural viability, and so forth. These facilities are often called on by
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Regardless of the type of lab you are designing, choosing furniture can be a make-or-break step. It can dictate the future success of your facility. In wet labs, special consideration must be taken in regards to the water-resistance of all furniture. You must also consider resistance to bacterial buildup, and ability to withstand regular cleanings
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