BIOLOGY LABORATORY DESIGN

Photography taken from Mwenge Catholic University Biology Laboratory on 20190308.

INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY LABORATORY

Experiments play a crucial in the progress of science. A large number of oath breaking discoveries and inversions have been possible through investigations done usually in laboratories.

The experimental work is therefore, an essential component of any course in science. The science laboratory envisages developing problem-solving skills help the learner to acquire ability to identify a problem to design and set up the experiment, to collect and analyze data through experiment to interpret data to arrive at plausible solution in due course of time. Biology laboratory is among the school science laboratories.

The biology laboratory is a modern research infrastructure, providing a broad range of biological and biochemical techniques with in depth practical training offered by experienced staff important routine work is on microbial and molecular analyses and biological sample in general.

Performing experiments by one’s own hands is not only a thrilling experience but is also important because in entails learning by doing. The experiments suggested at the secondary stage intend to develop basic skills of measurement, handling of some common measuring instrument, equipment and chemicals, setting simple apparatus, handling microscope and preparing slides, making observations, collecting data presenting it in appropriate format interpreting and drawing conclusions and preparation of report.

Important information about biology laboratory

Building structure
The laboratory building structure should be designed to promote flexibility and adaptability. The structural grid should be sized to support contemporary research laboratory module. The structure should be sufficiently strong to safety support heavy instruments or a large number of medium-weight instruments.

Flooring
The selection of laboratory should be based on the type of laboratory and the scientific discipline. The flooring should be easy to clean and maintain it should prevent water penetration and with stand damage from haugh chemicals such as string acids and caustic and organic solvents. If damaged the flooring system should permit simple repair or complete replacement. Seamless vinyl. Epoxy coatings or flooring materials. Antis lip and anti-static mats, pitched floors and grating may also be required in special situations.


Large and flat tables
It must have large and flat working tables or working benches. Large and flat tables are easy to clean and do not allow flow of laboratory users especially when acid spills or the table. Large tables give enough spaces for doing experiments and for arranging useful apparatus and chemical used during experiments. They must be a seamless are piece design to prevent contamination.

Fire extinguisher
There should be at least four fire extinguishers at least one in each corner. This will help to prevent fire outbreak in the laboratory. The students should be taught on how to use them practical. The extinguishers should be placed in the place which they will be taken easily and there should be clear path towards them.

Laboratory doors
They should be automatically self closing such self closing are to be able to be opened with the minimum of efforts so as to allow access and egress for physical challenged individuals. Doors which swing in the direction of egress will facilitate occupant departures from laboratory during emergency. There should be also emergency door which is always opened and is in the place that is known by each individual in the laboratory.

Earthquake restraints
All equipment requiring anchoring, supported and braced to the building structure in accordance with CCR title 24, part 2 for example any equipment including but not limited to appliances and shelving that are 48 inches or higher and have the potential for falling over during an earthquake, shall be permanent braced or anchored to the wall and/or floor.
Size of lab to meet user requirement
Sizing the lab to meet user requirement may seem like a given but all too frequently a visit to a lab facility will reveal this is a major issue. A failure to meet user requirements can result inadequate bench and equipment storage space, inflexibility or limited growth and limited functionality in the lab. By working with lab users and managers early in the design process, the design team can appropriately size by determining the number and types of lab users i.e. researchers? Graduates or undergraduate students, identifying any existing lab equipment and the size of floor-mounted equipment to establish clearances and adequate bench size and safety maximizing opportunities for shared space and collaboration between scientists.

Plan for chemical storage
In any lab setting planning for appropriate and adequate storage is critical to avoid potential safety hazards and code issues. By collaborating with lab users and managers, designers can identify the types of chemical and gases requiring storage and determine the resulting types of necessary storage. This effort eliminates the potentials for in appropriate, dangerous storage on bench tops or inside fume hoods and supports safe effective lab environment.

Electrical system
Lighting design are of three types of power are generally used for laboratory project.
Normal power circuits are connected to the utility supply only, without any backup system. Loads that are typically on normal power include some HVAC equipment, general lighting and most lab equipment.
Emergency power is created with generators that will back up equipment i.e. refrigerators, freezers, fume hoods, biological safety cabinets, emergency lighting, exhaust fans, animal facilities and environment room.

An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is used for data recording, certain computers, microprocessor controlled equipment and possibly the vivarium area. The UPS can be either a central unit or a portable system.
Also each laboratory users should know the location of the main switch.

  Safety showers for hand and apparatus washing
It is extremely important that hands and apparatus are washed prior leaving the laboratory so as to prevent exposure to hazardous material or pathogenic organisms. For this very reason the safety showers should be located close to the egress. These references apply specifically to laboratories containing biological and radioactive materials, however Stanford university EH & S interprets this to include to all laboratories. Also laboratory safety showers shall have hips that protect sink drain from spills.

Ventilation controls
Ventilation controls are those controls intended to minimize users exposure to hazardous chemicals by removing air contaminants from the laboratory. Also if the laboratory has windows that are open, they must be fitted with insect screen i.e. insects as flies are known to be a potential carries of diseases. To keep insects out of the lab, the doors must be closed while an experiment is in progress and windows shall be screened if they are capable of being opened. The windows must be large so as to allow efficient air supply.

Generic signs
Every laboratory unit shall have the following signs visibly posted. Emergency contact numbers (at least two names) shall be posted on the external doorway to the lab. These names and number shall be updated when personal change. In case of an emergency, responders need this information to contact knowledgeable personal about specific laboratory hazards. If a laboratory has 10gallons or more of a flammable liquid, the main doorway to the lab shall have a flammable stickers visibly posted on it. This is on acid to fire response personnel.

Conclusion
Generally, the biology laboratory facilities have a general ventilation system with air intakes and exhausts that are capable of providing source of air for breathing. The system also provide  air for  input into the local ventilation system such as fume hoods, labels and warning signs that should alert employees to potentially hazardous materials and allow those in familiar with the laboratory surrounding to identify hazardous chemical use and storage areas, safety facilities, emergency response personnel. These information’s should be considered to ensure the construction of good laboratory that will also reduce the risk of being affected by different accidents that may arise in the laboratory especially during experiment.

REFERENCES
Handbook of facilities planning Vol, 1: laboratory facilities by T. Ruys. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1990.
Laboratory, A. Briefing and design guide by Watter Hain, London UK: E. & FN spnn 1995.
Laboratory design from the editors of R &D magazine
https://www.nap.edu.