How COVID-19 Is Changing The Future Of Laboratory Design
The coronavirus pandemic has triggered many changes within the scientific research community. It has given us a new fear and appreciation of recent viruses. COVID-19 is proven to be highly infectious and the slightest exposure to droplets is enough to transmit the disease. This makes changes in laboratory design a necessity.
With that in mind, we are going to take a look at some upcoming changes we could see in future laboratory design:
Improved Security- future laboratory designs will make it easier to control who can gain entry to the facility. Only authorised researchers, scientists, and equipment technicians are allowed entry to prevent possible transmissions. Biometric security systems can be installed in each sections of the laboratory to ensure that each personnel can enter, depending on their security clearances.
Easier Prevention Of Viral Transmission- future laboratories will have dedicated area for storing and cleaning PPE, hazmat suits, gloves, and other protective gear. It will be easier for staff to wash their hands in different areas of the laboratory.
Better Layouts- workstations inside future laboratories will have adequate spacing. Modular furniture makes it easier to improve and adjust the layout of the laboratory. Workbenches may also have transparent shields that can be cleaned and replaced easily.
More Personal Space- working areas in future laboratories will be bigger to ensure more space for each individual to maintain adequate physical distancing and prevent the possible transmission of virus. Lab staffs will be prohibited from sharing workspaces and equipment whenever possible. Personal storage will be enlarged as well to accommodate reusable protective gear.
Improved Filtration And Air Flow- good air flow ensures that virus-loaded droplets are removed from the working space easily. Before being expelled or recirculated, the indoor air is filtered with industrial-grade HEPA filters. More filters are installed in high-traffic areas to ensure cleaner air. Based on studies, downward directed air flow works better in reducing transmission of viruses. This means fans can be installed near the floor to suck air into the HEPA filtration units. This prevents aerosols and droplets from being dispersed horizontally.
More Automation And Virtualisation- the pandemic has shown us that automation and virtualisation are useful for reducing physical contacts and viral transmissions. Automated systems can help staff do repeated and time-consuming tasks. Artificial intelligence could automate more tasks without human intervention. High speed Internet access makes virtualisation a possibility. Staff can perform virtual meetings and control lab equipment remotely from other locations.
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