Testing area components:
(1) benchtop equipment
(2) benchtop work areas and sinks
(3) floor mounted items (refrigerators, freezers, large centrifuges, analyzers)
(4) chemical hoods and biohazard cabinets
area for each component in square feet =
= (length along walkway in feet) * ((depth in feet) + (walkway width in feet))
|
Parameter
|
Variable
|
Measurement
|
|
walkway access
|
with aisle
|
(distance to opposite side) / 2
|
|
|
facing wall
|
(distance to wall)
|
|
depth measurement
|
benchtop
|
depth of benchtop
|
|
|
floor mounted item
|
depth from front, including space for cables and tubing
|
Some recommended guidelines (Table 3, page 17):
(1) countertop depth: 2.5 feet (30 inches)
(2) aisle width: 5 to 6 feet
(3) distance to wall: 4 to 5 feet
Factors that can affect estimates:
(1) equipment requiring access from sides as well as front
(2) equipment with greater depth
(3) U-shaped work areas at the end of aisles
(4) doorways
Additional areas affecting laboratory space needs:
(1) conference, educational and meeting rooms
(2) administration offices
(3) different storage requirements (bulk, equipment, refrigerated, flammable, toxic, records)
(4) lockers, break areas and change rooms for employees
(5) bathrooms
(6) specimen collection areas
(7) waiting areas
(8) clerical areas
(9) assess passageways
Other issues:
(1) Making a floor diagram can help visualize the needs and reduce omissions or oversights.
(2) Space needs are impacted by staffing levels, with smaller staffs needing less space.
(3) Comparing the current laboratory space with the estimate of space needs using current resources can help defend projections.
