Medical labs must upgrade with new technology. Upgrading a laboratory may involve wiring, lights and furniture that makes your research environment safer and more productive. If you decide to remodel your laboratory, you likely need a guide to help you focus on your goals. Here are five upgrading tips for medical labs in Raleigh, NC:
- More electric outlets: If your laboratory is a hazardous area with multiple extension cords and power strips, you may face an outlet shortage. Extension cords should contain three prongs and plug directly into the receptacle—no chains. But if you use outdated extension cords or start plugging them into each other, you create a fire and trip-and-fall risk. Rather than turn your lab into an obstacle course, consider adding outlets and giving all your equipment a place to plug in directly.
- Surge protection: A good power surge from overloads or an electrical storm can disable expensive equipment and burn out computers. You can buy high-end surge protectors for each computer and piece of equipment, or you can install surge protection into your electrical system. If you take this approach, you enjoy better protection, plus you no longer have to worry if a lab assistant plugs something in without a surge protector. It creates a safer environment where you do not face delays because a lightning storm took out your essential machinery.
- Safety features: Your lab should contain all the safety features, especially emergency showers, eyewash stations, fire suppression, bio-safety cabinets and ventilation. You should also mark exits clearly in case of an emergency. If anything on this list is missing or located inconveniently, this is the time to change it. It’s also a chance to increase the number of safety features if you have more people working in the lab. This consideration is critical if the lab or room was originally designed for a different purpose. What worked 20 years ago for one project may not work for your current one.
- Storage: Closets, drawers and cabinets are always welcome, especially if you do not have enough. Choose metal shelving for cabinets holding chemicals or bio-samples, or choose wood shelving for workers’ personal belongings. Create better, lower foot-traffic areas for hazardous materials and separate places for eating. You can avoid many dangers by simply designing a better layout.
- Be open to change: Your lab will change with results and funding. Add elements like movable dividers and work benches, and place outlets where you may install new devices. Make it easy to add people, equipment and furniture. You never know what the future will hold, but you certainly hope it includes progress and money!
If you take these upgrading tips for medical labs to heart, electrical and lighting improvements are likely on the list. Box Electric Company in Raleigh, NC offers wide-scale wiring renovations for many industries, including medicine. Call us today to schedule an estimate if you wish to turn these tips for upgrading a laboratory into a new reality for your staff and your project!