Periodic renovations are an important aspect of running an efficient laboratory. Unfortunately, money can be tight in many lab environments, which can cause much-needed renovation projects to be put off far longer than they should. By forgoing necessary renovations, labs can experience several negative consequences in relation to productivity and the safety of lab personnel. That being said, renovating your lab when it isn’t necessary can waste precious time and money. To avoid renovating your lab too soon or too late, keep an eye out for these signs it’s time to renovate your laboratory.

Staff Safety Is at Risk

The main sign that it is time to renovate your laboratory is if the safety of lab personnel is at risk. Labs that haven’t been renovated in the past 20 years pose several safety risks. In addition to potential exposure to asbestos, older labs may not have updated equipment, which can pose several health risks.

For example, if the fume hoods in the lab are outdated, they may be too small to effectively reduce exposure to volatile chemicals and fire hazards. If any part of your lab fails to meet updated safety codes, a renovation should be conducted immediately.

Downtime From Constant Calibration

In virtually any industry, time is money—especially in an environment as time-sensitive as a laboratory. As such, laboratories can’t afford to waste countless hours calibrating equipment.

While periodical calibrations are a normal and necessary aspect of lab equipment maintenance, frequent calibrations can stunt productivity and significantly reduce the efficiency of a laboratory. Plus, regular calibrations can also impact experiment results, causing them to shift upward and downward without reason. If you notice that your lab equipment needs to be calibrated on a regular basis, it may be necessary to invest in upgraded equipment.

Temperature Fluctuations

Another sign that your laboratory requires a renovation is if it experiences temperature fluctuations. Because lab equipment, processes, and experiment results are often highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations, it is essential for a laboratory to remain at a consistent temperature throughout the day. As such, you should invest in renovating your laboratory with newer heating and cooling systems if you notice that temperature fluctuations are occurring.

USA Lab Equipment is a leading provider of top-quality new and used lab equipment at competitive prices. If you are interested in renovating your lab, take a look at our extensive stock of lab equipment, which ranges from vacuum distillation kits to chillers and heaters. To learn more about our products, contact us today.