Description

Laboratory practice technology

Laboratory practice is a subject intended to provide the student trainee with basic knowledge of safety in the laboratory, use and care of basic laboratory equipment, laboratory plants and animals

Laboratory layout

• A science laboratory is specifically designed for conducting scientific works e.g experiments. It can be a complete building or part of a building or just a room within a given building. A laboratory has to be equipped with necessary laboratory facilities. Laboratories are usually designed according to the type of work they are intended to perform e.g. Hospital laboratories, veterinary laboratories, school teaching laboratories, agriculture laboratories, and research laboratories.
• The designing of a science laboratory should be a cooperative work between the laboratory science advisers, architecture, science teachers and institutional management.

Factors to consider when designing laboratory layout

1. The amount of money available will determine the size and type of materials to be in cooperated in the laboratory. The designer must in cooperate the main components into a plan and indicate the cost
2. Purpose of the laboratory- Kind of work to be done in the laboratory. This will determine size and fittings to be incorporated and capacity
3. Capacity –the number of persons who will use the laboratory at any given time. This in turn determines size of the laboratory.
4. Benches and gangways (circulation space)-type of benches to be fitted depends nature of work to be done. There be must enough space for laboratory workers to move freely within the laboratory.
5. Permanent laboratory equipment eg demonstration bench, sinks, fume chamber etc. They must be considered in terms of location, number and space.
6. Environmental conditions; – lighting, ventilation and temperature of the laboratory. Conditions should be conducive. Will they be provided naturally or artificially

Important laboratory features

1. Safety floor-not slippery. The floor has to meet high standards outlined by government legislation
2. Preparation room/area ;- is where chemicals are kept out of reach of students and for preparation of teaching materials