Laboratory setup is a process that requires meticulousness and planning. It is important to determine the right equipment, layout and procedures for both safety and efficient operation. Here are some basic points to consider during laboratory setup:
1. Safety Precautions
• Fire Safety: Fire extinguishers, fire alarm systems and emergency exits should be placed correctly. In addition, special safety procedures should be established for flammable substances and gases.
• Biological and Chemical Safety: Proper labeling and safety data sheets (SDS) should be provided for chemicals, biological substances and toxic materials to be used. Appropriate storage areas and safety equipment (e.g. separate storage of acidic and basic substances) are important for chemical substances.
• Emergency Equipment: Eye wash, emergency wash stations and first aid equipment should be provided against eye splashes, chemical spills or injuries.
• Protective Equipment: The use of personal protective equipment such as goggles, gloves and lab coats should be encouraged for the safety of laboratory workers.
2. Interior Layout and Placement
• Workflow: The layout of equipment and materials should be optimized according to the workflow. For example, chemical operations and biological operations should be kept away from each other.
• Work Areas: Adequate work space and desk arrangement should be provided. Work tables, benches and cabinets should be wide enough and of appropriate height to perform work efficiently.
• Ventilation: The laboratory should have good ventilation. Ventilation systems for chemical vapors and harmful gases (for example, special exhaust systems for substances such as acetic acid or formaldehyde) should be installed.
• Electrical and Water Installations: Electrical installations should be placed safely, electrical outlets and water connections should be placed according to the needs of the laboratory.
3. Equipment Selection and Placement
• Basic Equipment: Basic laboratory tools such as pipettes, microscopes, scales, centrifuges, evaporators and ovens should be positioned in appropriate places according to the frequency of use.
• Equipment for Chemical Processes: Vapor extraction systems (fume hoods), safety cabinets (safely cabinets) and benches resistant to acidic/basic substances are required for laboratories that will work with chemicals.
• Special Areas: For special areas such as biotechnology, microbiology or biology laboratories, special equipment such as biological safety cabinets or laminar flow cabinets should be provided.
4. Material and Chemical Storage
• Labeling and Classification: Chemicals, biological samples and other materials must be labeled and classified correctly. Chemicals must be stored according to their hazards (flammable, corrosive, toxic, etc.).
• Storage Conditions: Storage areas such as temperature-controlled areas, freezers and refrigerators must be checked for compliance with the requirements. The life and effectiveness of chemicals and biological materials depend on their storage under the correct conditions.
5. Legal and Regulatory Requirements
• Licenses and Permits: All necessary legal permits and documents must be obtained for the laboratory to operate. This is especially important when working with hazardous chemicals or biological materials.
• Legal Standards: Health and safety regulations, environmental protection rules and industrial standards must be followed. The laboratory design must comply with these regulations.
6. Employee Training
• Training Programs: Laboratory workers should be trained on safety, equipment usage, emergency procedures and general occupational health and safety.
• Procedures and Instructions: Written procedures and instructions should be provided for employees. Detailed work guides are necessary, especially for complex or hazardous operations.
7. Monitoring and Maintenance
• Regular Maintenance: Regular maintenance and calibration of equipment prevents possible malfunctions. In addition, the functionality of safety equipment should be checked periodically.
• Waste Management: Appropriate waste management systems should be established for chemical, biological and general waste. Waste should be labeled and disposed of correctly.
8. Data and Documentation Management
• Data Records: Records should be kept of all experiments and analyses conducted by the laboratory. Electronic data systems (LIMS - Laboratory Information Management System) can be used.
• Systematic Filing: Chemical substance inventory, test results and safety documents should be stored in an organized and accessible manner.
9. Sustainability
• Energy Efficiency: Since energy consumption in laboratories can often be high, LED lighting, efficient heating-cooling systems and energy-saving devices should be used to ensure energy efficiency.
• Environmentally Friendly Materials: Care should be taken to ensure that the materials to be used are environmentally friendly. In addition, chemical waste that may occur in the laboratory
