Setting Up The Lab To Ensure Personnel Safety

Ensuring the safety of personnel is of paramount importance when setting up a lab. Irrespective of the type of work that will be carried out, it is critical that adequate measures are put in place to address any situation that could present a potential risk. This means considering the overall design of the lab space to avoid overcrowding and minimize footfall; configuring the layout of furniture and free-standing equipment such that the lab is uncluttered and easy to clean; selecting suitable safety equipment, including that used for handling and disposing of biohazardous material; and supplying the lab with everything necessary to contain and decontaminate any unexpected spills.

Here, we highlight some key factors to consider during lab setup and discuss ways of implementing these within your working environment. Also, with a growing number of labs being used to handle materials classed as biosafety level (BSL) 2 or higher, we offer some general guidelines for identifying a biosafety cabinet that meets your workflow needs.