Setting up a lab is a big step, whether it is for a school, research centre, or startup company. It requires careful planning and smart decisions to create a space that is safe, easy to work in and ready for the future. Many people make common mistakes that land them in difficulty in the future. These mistakes may range from bad layouts to choosing the wrong equipment.
In this blog, we will know why planning is important and what you should avoid while planning your lab setup.
Why Planning Your Lab Setup Matters
It is important to have a solid plan before you even begin purchasing equipment or lab furniture for schools and institutions. Proper planning assists in the following ways.
1. Better Workflow
A well-planned lab is one in which individuals can walk around freely without colliding with equipment or individuals. This improves working speed and minimises errors.
2. Saves Money in the Long Run
Pre-planning prevents purchasing the incorrect equipment or requiring expensive alterations down the road. Pre-planning helps your lab develop the correct way without wasting money.
3. Meets Safety Standards
As you plan your lab, you make sure your lab follows important safety standards. This protects students, scientists, and employees on a daily basis.
4. Ready for New Technology
By doing your planning carefully, your lab will be able to easily add new devices or equipment in the future. It means your lab stays modern and efficient for decades.
A good plan forms the basis of a safe and updated lab. It ensures your lab is comfortable for all who work in it.
5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Setting Up the Lab
When setting up your lab, some of the errors can cost time, money, or even compromise safety. Here is what to be cautious about when selecting lab furniture for schools and other research centres.
1. Poor Planning and Vision for Growth
Most individuals think about what they currently require and overlook upcoming needs. This can cause labs to become congested after a couple of years, when new equipment will have to be added. Without planning, your laboratory will lose the scope to expand when new projects or new members enter.
2. Ignoring Safety Standards
Omitting safety precautions is the biggest blunder. Adequate ventilation is required, particularly when chemicals are employed. Indian labs in India must adhere to the Factory Act, BIS Standards, and Pollution Control Board regulations for clean air and protection of workers.
3. Selecting Improper Equipment
Purchasing the wrong gear or low-quality pieces results in issues down the line. For instance, purchasing the wrong modular laboratory furniture can make it impossible to fit new machines or other kinds of experiments. This can delay work and even destroy valuable samples.
4. Poor Infrastructure
Not taking space, power requirements, or access to water into consideration is yet another common mistake. Your lab must provide sufficient space for staff and equipment, proper electrical facilities, and drainage facilities. A poorly located lab may even make it extremely difficult to make deliveries or dispose of wastes.
5. Hiring Unprofessional Staff and Neglecting Training
Having untrained personnel or avoiding their training is a safety risk and a mistake. Individuals must be trained on how to use lab equipment, work with chemicals, and properly use equipments such as the D Frame System or C’ Frame System. Without it, even the best of the laboratories can become a risky place to work.
Avoiding such errors will make your lab function smoothly, keep the staff safe, and make it easier to grow. It saves you the trouble and cost in the long run.
How to Plan a Lab That Is Future-Ready
To plan a future-ready lab is to plan ahead and act smart in the first place. These are some easy tips to be followed.
- Choose modular lab furniture that can easily be moved or modified if necessary.
- Use systems such as the D Frame System for flexibility and durability.
- Install C’ Frame System which provides additional worktop support.
- Provide adequate power for additional tools in the future.
- Leave room to install new machines later.
- Install good-quality storage to serve a variety of needs.
- Follow safety regulations closely to prevent future difficulties.
- Collaborate with experts who understand lab planning.
By keeping these tips in mind, your lab will be easier to run smoothly and will be ready for future projects. It will keep your staff happy and your investment safe as well.
Conclusion
Setting up a lab is a challenging task that requires careful consideration. Avoiding common mistakes makes your lab safer, more useful, and ready for the future. By planning well and choosing the right furniture and equipment, you create a space that supports everyone’s work.
When you are ready to start, partner with experienced office furniture manufacturers such as Santech Labs. Whether it is modular laboratory furniture, storage cabinets, the C’ Frame System or D Frame System, Santech Labs is the perfect place to procure reliable lab furniture for schools, colleges and other research organisations. With us, you will design a laboratory that will serve you for decades to come and exactly match your requirements.
