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Some automated and larger-scale lab equipment can be particularly heavy, and even high densities of smaller equipment or storage items can result in relatively high loads when compared to a standard office fit-out.A typical office may have a live load capacity of around 3-4kN/m.
2. , while a lab will often require 4-5kN/m.2. , with some specialised equipment reaching over 20kN/m.Labs will also require additional suspended services and potentially new HVAC or utility plant in the refurbished office space or on the roof, meaning a wider building assessment is necessary.
Additionally, some lab operations can be extremely vibration sensitive, and a lightweight steel-framed office might not be the best starting point..Potential solutions include spacing and arranging lab equipment or storage to better distribute loads or reduce vibrations (e.g.
by placing sensitive equipment near grids and cores), introducing new steelwork, converting ground-floor units or older, sturdier buildings, or localised solutions such as spreader plates, analytical benches, and even active dampening systems..
Lab fit-out in a building originally intended for office use.Similarly, labs in office buildings can result in additional occupancy types (‘purpose groups’ in the UK) and will therefore drive the need for additional fire compartments.. Possible solutions could include storing materials or siting labs on ground or lower floors, local gas generation (to reduce peak volumes), detection, shut-off and alarm systems, local extract or natural ventilation, and it may be necessary to divide labs up into smaller compartments to keep hazardous material quantities below acceptable limits.
In the UK it can also be useful to appoint a specialist Approved Inspector rather than go through the Local Authority Building Control.This will often accelerate the project, which is particularly important in the life science industry, and they will be more familiar with labs and specialist standards that can be more forgiving (e.g.
Of course, there are a wide range of other health, safety, and environmental regulations to incorporate, as well as the possibility of insurance or employer standards and recommendations that can, for example, dictate sprinklers even when this isn’t a legal necessity.. 9.Façades & finishes..