Science Lab Design and Installation

Layout focused on safety

A major factor in designing school science labs is the layout. The layout should ensure everyone can move around the room to minimise accidents. Laboratory furniture and materials are vital in the laboratory design process of safe labs, including:

A well-thought-out layout is critical to the safety and function of any science lab. Our designs are structured to facilitate easy movement, thereby reducing accidents. We arrange high tables or fitted lab benches around service pedestals, allowing students to access equipment with safety and comfort.

Skid-based chairs at the correct height for these benches further enhance comfort and safety. We also use resilient, long-lasting flooring that can withstand the rigours of daily lab activities and is easy to clean. The materials selected for tabletops are anti-scratch and chemical-resistant, ensuring longevity and endurance.

Safety features

School laboratory learning environment design and installation have multiple needs to ensure the safety of both students and teachers. This includes the materials used, equipment fitting, and material storage solutions for easy access. Some of the safety factors our design team implements in our science laboratories in schools include:

Safety is embedded into every aspect of our lab process, including in the installation of lab equipment. This includes the safe integration of essential services like electricity, gas, and water.

Lockable cupboards for harmful chemicals or equipment ensure that these items remain stored when not in use, with teachers having access via a master key. To further enhance safety, we provide ample storage for personal items like bags and coats, keeping them away from lab workspaces to minimize tripping hazards.

The benefits of modern science labs

Modern science labs in schools offer numerous benefits that enhance both teaching and learning. Here are some key advantages:

1. Hands-on learning – modern labs allow students to engage in practical experiments, bridging the gap between theoretical concepts and real-world applications. This hands-on experience deepens understanding and retention.
2. Encourages scientific inquiry – well-equipped labs foster curiosity and critical thinking. Students can explore hypotheses, conduct experiments, and learn the scientific method through direct interaction with materials and equipment.
3. Enhances engagement – interactive activities in labs make science subjects more exciting and engaging. This encourages students to participate actively and develop a genuine interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).
4. Develops technical skills – using modern tools and technologies in the lab helps students acquire skills that are relevant to higher education and future careers, including data analysis, problem-solving, and the use of specialised equipment.
5. Promotes collaboration – many lab activities require teamwork, helping students build communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills as they work together to solve problems.
6. Real-world applications – modern labs often include technology like simulations, 3D modelling, and data-collection sensors, allowing students to connect their lessons to real-world phenomena and advanced scientific research.
7. Prepares for advanced studies – access to updated equipment and technology helps students prepare for advanced studies in science and engineering, where familiarity with modern tools is often essential.
8. Encourages discipline and safety awareness – working in a lab teaches students to follow protocols, handle materials responsibly, and prioritise safety, which are crucial skills in scientific environments.
9. Encourages Innovation – modern science labs inspire creativity and innovation. Students have the freedom to experiment, potentially leading to the discovery of new ideas or solutions to existing problems.
10. Builds Confidence – successfully completing experiments and solving problems in the lab boosts students’ confidence in their abilities, encouraging them to pursue science-related fields with greater assurance.

Storage

Science classrooms often require various science equipment and resources, including chemicals, scientific equipment, and hazardous chemicals. Install suitable storage in the science labs and prep rooms to keep these resources safe and secure.

Place most storage for science labs away from teaching areas. Recommend including storage inside the technician or prep room. Teaching labs may contain storage for specific equipment, such as Bunsen burners and power packs.

Many science resources and equipment pose a risk to health and safety. Therefore, suitable storage is vital for storing such equipment. Store hazardous chemicals inside a shielded container with a lock. This also applies to dangerous chemicals.

Prep Areas

The prep and technician areas are the backbone of science in schools. Technicians require a suitable prep area to prepare any science equipment or chemicals needed for a lesson plan. After a practical lesson, these areas will also handle the cleaning and disposal of equipment.

These areas should also be by teaching labs designed to allow for easy access. Reducing the distance resources move before and after lessons also reduces the risk of safety hazards. Such spaces should be large enough and have a suitable layout to support technicians. These areas also provide a foundation for safe and effective school science labs.

Student Belongings

Science labs will require somewhere for students to store their coats and bags. Keep these from practical working and seating areas to reduce safety and fall hazards.

Place a compartment bag storage and coat hooks at the lab entrance so students can store their belongings. The amount required will depend on the size of the room or class. This also reduces the risk of falls or injury during practical exercises.

Size and Layout

There are no specific regulations relating to the laboratory size. Lab size should be in line with class size. The size of a given space will also affect the layout. To reduce accidents during practical, ensure plenty of spacing between furniture and fixtures, including:

• Between each workbench
• Doorways and workbenches
• Walls and workbenches
• Storage and workbenches

Consider the room to provide safe spacing between furniture and fixtures. A school science lab of 70m2 is sufficient for classes with less than 25 students and 85m2 for classes with 30 or more students.

Eyewash

Every science lab should have an eye-washing station. If chemicals splash into someone’s eye, eye wash stations need to be close by. Attach these to a lab tap or surface and run cold water to wash the chemicals away.

Fume Cupboards

Fume cupboards are vital for chemistry labs where practical tasks may create toxic fumes. These filtration systems remove airborne toxic fumes to improve air quality. Equip half of all K-12 labs with a fume cupboard or fume hood.

Prep rooms will also require a fume cupboard. These help to remove toxic airborne fumes. Technician rooms will also need a fume cupboard to handle and use dangerous chemicals.

You will also need to choose between a duct or filter system. Ducts capture hazardous fumes in the air and release them outside. Filters remove any toxic fumes and circulate cleaner air.

The duct or filter system choice will depend on room size, chemical usage, and frequency. Fume cupboards must run at 65db or less to ensure students can hear the teacher.

Science Lab Design Factors

Other important factors in science laboratory design include acoustics, heating, lighting, air quality, and window placement. Labs should be soundproofed to minimize outside noise, heated to a comfortable temperature, and well-lit, with careful attention to glare that could impair students’ vision during delicate tasks. Air quality is also a crucial factor, and we ensure that CO2 levels in our labs are monitored and maintained below safe thresholds.

• Acoustics – ideal background noise for labs in 40db. Take measures to reduce outside noise. Each lab should ensure a reverb time of 0.5 to 0.8 seconds.
• Heating – heat labs to around 18°C using aircon to maintain this.
• Lighting – The lighting in a lab should be at most 300 lux. Consider natural light and glare to prevent vision impairment when handling chemicals.
• Windows – Install glazed windows on at most 20% of an exterior wall. Consider outside shading or blinds to reduce heat during hot weather.
• Air quality –Labs require sufficient air circulation to ensure the average CO2 levels do not exceed 1500 PPM. PPM should also not exceed 5000 PPM at any time during the day.

With our comprehensive approach to lab design, Learning Space Solutions ensures that schools receive not just a functional space, but a safe, engaging, and inspiring environment where students can thrive in their STEM education.