Planning for sufficient ventilation is vitally important when developing a research suite, ensuring no workers in the lab suffer as a result of poor ventilation. The Department of Education states that ‘There are no regulations controlling the size of individual laboratories, but adequate space is clearly needed for safe practical work.’ Laboratory Ventilation But this may not be adequate, depending on the nature of laboratory work and the layout of your lab.įor example, do you need to allow enough space for large equipment to be moved around or for back-to-back working? The latter will be particularly relevant in a school laboratory. Guidance from the HSE states that a minimum allocation of 11m3 is required per person working in a space. Laboratory SizeĬertain considerations are required during the planning process, depending upon the size of the planned laboratory. But precise regulations your build is subject to will depend on your area and your application.įor example, school science labs are regulated by The Consortium of Local Education Authorities for the Provision of Science ( CLEAPPS) and medical laboratories are required to follow guidance from The Department of Health (see HTM 67).

Which building regulations apply to science laboratories?Īll building work carried out in England and Wales must comply with The Building Regulations 2010. Your insurance provider may also impose conditions on your build that you will need to fulfil before they will provide cover for your laboratory. They might collaborate with, or seek input from, your local Fire Safety Officer to ensure that the appropriate safety measures have been accounted for, in accordance with the safety regulations as defined in the Regulatory Reform Order 2005 (RRO). Ideally, an architect experienced in laboratory planning will draft your initial plans. If you’re planning to house your laboratory in a purpose-built facility or proposing an extension to an existing building, you must apply to your local planning department for approval. Which planning permissions are needed when building a science laboratory?

In laboratories where the contamination risk is high, you may need to consider the following.

What to consider when building a COSHH-compliant laboratory:.

How often should you have your system tested?.

Which building regulations apply to science laboratories?.

Which planning permissions are needed when building a science laboratory.

Planning and regulations can seem complicated and daunting, that’s why we’ve put together this guide to meeting all standards and maintaining the highest quality of building work. This will ensure your build complies with all safety standards and will protect you against avoidable delays. When building a new research suite, it’s vital you consider permissions and regulations from the outset.

Lab room planning tool