While the traditional laboratory is a useful educational tool to attract top students, it is not an ideal organization model. Collaboration among researchers enhances the quality of their work. It is more efficient to coordinate research work rather than working in isolation. There are a number of cross-cutting activities in a laboratory, including validation of publications and standardized procedures. The number of researchers in a laboratory depends on its size and the amount of socialization and standardization it undergoes.
Equipment in a laboratory
In a laboratory, there are many items needed to conduct experiments, take measurements, and collect data. Larger equipment is called a scientific instrument. When used in a laboratory, equipment may be a source of safety risks, including infectious agents, poisons, flammable and explosive materials, lasers, and moving machinery. Purchasing safety equipment can help keep workers and other laboratory visitors safe. In addition, proper equipment maintenance and calibration are essential for the continued success of a lab.
A laboratory centrifuge is a common piece of equipment that spins liquid samples at high speeds. Centrifuges are used for separation of fluids based on their density. The centrifugal force pushes heavier materials to the outside of the vessel, while lighter materials remain in the middle. A laboratory electrolyte analyzer is another piece of equipment used in laboratories. These devices measure the levels of electrolytes in human blood. They can use colorimetric and ion selective electrodes to measure these levels.
Chemical hoods
To ensure that a laboratory fume hood provides adequate containment, it is important to understand what materials can be stored in them. Because the hood is usually the focal point for hazardous laboratory activities, materials stored in the hood may increase the chances of fire and explosion. These materials can also spread throughout the hood during attempts to control a fire or extinguish it. Nonetheless, with careful planning, laboratories can effectively store these materials in their hoods.
There are two basic types of hoods available for labs. Horizontal sash hoods have two horizontal sashes, which open inward. Their SOCs are approximately 30 inches and above. Horizontal sash hoods are also sometimes modified into chromatography hoods. The sash heights of these hoods are determined by the average velocity reading of the gases emitted by the hood.
Ventilation in a laboratory
The air in a laboratory must be properly ventilated to maintain the desired levels of humidity and temperature. Laboratory ventilation is an important part of a laboratory’s overall climate control strategy. In humid climates, mechanical ventilation can be beneficial for controlling air quality in the room. During warm weather, mechanical ventilation can reduce humidity levels, while preventing air recirculation. If the laboratory is in a warm climate, mechanical ventilation should be positive pressure, as it will allow the air to flow out through leakages in the walls, ceiling, or windows.
When choosing lab ventilation, consider the size of the room and the amount of noise it produces. If possible, you can do a noise study to determine the level of noise in the lab, as well as compare the sound generated by the old ventilation system. In addition to having quiet motors, modern ventilation systems are designed to reduce noise and vibration levels. In the case of tightly controlled labs, noise attenuators are recommended.
Hazardous chemicals in a laboratory
To prevent any incidents or injuries involving hazardous chemicals, laboratories should keep SDSs for their chemicals on file. These documents can be found on posters or in a laboratory safety binder. They should also be included in BioRAFT profiles, if applicable. In addition, every laboratory should follow specific procedures and label information for each chemical. EHS will review each laboratory’s safety plans for compliance with current environmental health and safety codes.
The labeling requirements of individual samples must be clearly indicated for both the chemical’s name and its primary hazard class. A small amount of a corrosive chemical, such as mercury, may be stored in a secondary, labeled container. However, the labeling requirements for small samples should be met and maintained in accordance with their primary hazard class and compatibility. If the labeling requirements cannot be met, laboratory staff and visitors should be properly informed.
Environmental factors in a laboratory
In many cases, environmental factors in a laboratory will have a profound impact on the volume and accuracy of pipetted liquid. Understanding these variables is important for those who rely on automated liquid handlers and pipettes. By understanding and managing air humidity, temperature, and other factors, labs can mitigate the effects of environmental variables. They should also use best practices when pipetting manually. Listed below are some of these factors to be aware of and monitor.
Sharing lab space is an efficient way to maximize the amount of resources used and can also reduce the climate footprint of research. Every square meter in a laboratory consumes between five and ten times more energy than an office building. Furthermore, laboratory buildings represent a significant embodied carbon footprint. In 2015, the global pharmaceutical industry’s climate footprint was 55% higher than that of the automobile industry. By 2019, health care accounted for 4.4% of the total global emissions. Consequently, it accounted for the emissions from 514 coal power plants. Click here to read more articles.
