Laboratory Furniture & Planning Solutions
The role of hygienic furniture and equipment in contamination control
By Michelle Locke, Teknomek
In laboratory settings, maintaining a hygienic and contamination-free environment is of utmost importance. The choice of furniture and equipment plays a critical role in ensuring hygiene, reducing contamination risks, and meeting stringent regulatory standards. From material selection to design considerations, laboratory furniture and equipment must support Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), facilitate effi cient workfl ow and actively support a hygienic culture.
Controlled lab environment
Laboratories, particularly in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, must adhere to strict hygiene standards. Any contamination in these environments can compromise research integrity, impact product quality, and pose health risks. Furniture and equipment designed for such environments must not only be durable but must also be easy to clean, resistant to microbial growth, and compliant with industry standards.
We have seen a noticeable increase in the demand for bespoke hygienic laboratory furniture, refl ecting a growing trend in the pharmaceutical and cleanroom sectors investing in specialist, customised hygienic furniture. This rise underscores the fact that many businesses are committed to enhancing GMP and ensuring every aspect of their facilities are optimised for contamination control.
Key design considerations for
contamination prevention Non-porous, smooth surfaces
Laboratory and cleanroom furniture must be designed with smooth, non-porous surfaces to prevent the accumulation of dust, bacteria, and chemical residues. Easy- to-clean surfaces reduce the risk of contamination and improve cleaning effi ciency, making it easier to tackle biofi lms.
Seamless construction
The presence of joints and crevices provide harborage points for bacteria and contaminants. Furniture with seamless construction, such as stainless steel workbenches and cabinets, ensures easier sterilisation and minimises contamination risks.
Ergonomic and space-optimising designs
Laboratories and cleanrooms often have limited space, requiring furniture that maximises functionality while maintaining accessibility. Ergonomic furniture, such as height-adjustable tables, enhances usability and the comfort of team members, as well as workfl ow effi ciency.
Laboratory environment filled with Teknomek’s hygienically optimised stainless steel and Trespa furniture
Material selection for hygienic laboratory furniture
Stainless steel furniture and equipment is still the industry standard for hygienic environments. Stainless steel’s austenitic structure means it has no pores or cracks where microorganisms can gain a foothold. It is inert to most acids and alkali, eliminating the risk of pitting or crevice corrosion.
304L grade stainless steel is widely chosen for hygienic environments such as changing rooms due to its corrosion resistance and hygienic properties. 316-L grade stainless steel is a step up, with improved resistance to chemicals, making it ideal for class B cleanrooms and other ultra-sterile environments where rigorous cleaning protocols are required. Electropolished 316 stainless steel is another alternative that is favoured in grade B cleanroom areas due to its ultra-smooth fi nish, which further reduces contamination risk.
316-grade stainless steel contains molybdenum, a naturally occurring element that enhances corrosion resistance, reducing the risk of rouging and tiger stripes while improving clean-down productivity. The International Molybdenum Association (IMOA) states that molybdenum signifi cantly increases stainless steel’s resistance to chloride- induced pitting corrosion.
Hygienic Bimos Labsit chairs providing ergonomic support – credit Bimos
Harsh sterilisation chemicals can degrade stainless steel over time, leading to corrosion and contamination. Particularly relevant for cleanrooms, ultra-smooth or electropolished surfaces minimise microscopic grooves where cleaning chemicals can linger and corrode the furniture. Smoother surfaces prevent the accumulation of particles, ensuring compliance with ISO 14644 cleanroom standards.
Customisation
Custom-built furniture is essential for workspaces and people that have particular requirements. Investing in bespoke solutions can result in a marked improvement in workfl ow as well as supporting hygienic protocols. For example, creation of a seating bench in a changing room or cleanroom that has been designed specifi cally to provide wheelchair accessibility will make life more straightforward for the user and have a positive impact on productivity.
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