Are you thinking of setting up a laboratory? You should know that it’s not that easy, especially if it’s a chemical laboratory. There are certain norms and essentials that you need to follow while setting up any laboratory.

There are a lot of Sops, guidelines, permits, and regulations when it comes to a lab. Maintaining all of that as well as setting up an efficient lab, is essential. You need to find the optimum ways to do this. While setting up a laboratory and thinking of the space, you need to focus on the gas, water, and electrical connections, stable and fast internet connection, equipment and devices, and other research and development essentials.

This article will give you an insight into what you must have when setting up a chemical laboratory.

6 Things You Need While Setting Up A Chemical Laboratory

Here, six things are listed that you need to have if you are thinking of starting a laboratory. The setup, apparatus, access to facilities, sound manufacturers, and suppliers are crucial for a chemical lab. 

• Airy And Hygienic Place

The foremost thing you need before setting up a chemical laboratory is a cool, dry, and airy space. Since it’s a chemical laboratory the place should be suitable for all the experiments. The place should be hygienic with adequate facilities and access points. The area should have a sound ventilation system for conducting experiments and research with flammable substances. 

• The Laboratory Furniture Setup

While setting up any business, the foremost important thing you need is the proper setup and space. The same goes for a chemical laboratory. You need the perfect furniture setup for a laboratory in your area. Long tables and benches are required for carrying out the various experiments. Shelves and cabinets are necessary for the equipment and devices in the laboratory.  

Because of the chemicals, a sound ventilation system is also essential in the lab. You also need to take special care of the flammable liquids; safety racks need to be made for the same. You should also remember that arrangements are made for future machinery and equipment additions. Thus make sure to keep necessary space available for further expansion to your setup. 

• Electrical, Gas, And Water Connections

While doing laboratory work, water, gas, and electricity are necessities. For a chemical laboratory, water is needed. Thus, a good functioning and regulated water pipeline are essential. Out of all the valves in the piping, you must go for the marine butterfly valve. Butterfly valves have a low-cost and fast operating system. These valves are also helpful in some other chemical processes.

An excellent electrical and gas system is needed to conduct research experiments. An electrical connection is a basic need; a generator or other backup options should accompany it.

• Equipment And Devices

No experiments can be carried out without any equipment. You need to have the essential and fundamental apparatus like microscopes, burette, thermometers, bunsen burner, hot plates, weighing balances, PTFE sheet lined containers, etc. Other miscellaneous devices needed for complex experiments are electrophoresis kits, pH meters, incubators, deep freezers, sonicators, etc. Many labs get customized equipment and devices per the type of experiments and the requirements in the lab. You can also get it from contract medical manufacturing companies. 

Connection with a contract medical manufacturing company and PTFE sheet manufacturer is necessary for a chemical lab. PTFE sheets are highly used because of their high resistance to acids.  

• General Supplies

The equipment and devices are not enough. To carry out experiments and research, there are certain general supplies that are required. They also comply with the norms of working in a laboratory for conducting procedures. Gloves, rubbers, glasswares, test tubes, pipettes, thermometers, syringes, safety goggles, PPE kits, etc. are the must-haves and essential supplies. Without them, experiments cannot be initiated. Ensure that first aid kits and fire extinguishers are always disposable in emergencies. 

• Qualified And Dedicated Researchers And Technicians.

Last but not least, you have all the setup ready, but you need qualified staff to work at the lab. You should look for dedicated researchers and chemistry enthusiasts while setting up a chemical lab. The entire staff should be knowledgeable, from the ground staff to the core team, as working at a chemical lab is risky. 

These are the things that need to be on your checklist before proceeding with the process. Make sure you have efficient and affordable equipment and devices and a well-studied staff.

Conclusion

The above listing is an excellent guide for setting up a chemical laboratory. However, these are just general things that are necessary; they may vary according to the purpose of use. Setting up and new business or a laboratory may not be easy. If you have everything ready beforehand, you won’t struggle much.