11 replies to this topic

[JackG]

Hi all, we are a Nutraceutical distributor which includes the importation, occasional labelling for specific product line, storage and distribution. We are currently building a lab which will be used for the sampling of raw materials and finished products for external analysis. I am struggling to understand what the requirements are in terms of worktop materials and windows. I have been told that standard lab benches wouldn't be accepted as they're wood and could chip. However, I can't seem to find anything regarding this in the standard. Would anyone be able to guide me on this, please. We are installing contained lighting and wired and laminated windows. Any advice would be hugely appreciated! Thanks.

[Cthulhu]

I worked in a micro lab for 4 years at a dietary supplement company and we had Phenolic Resin countertops because of the possibility of wood chipping. I was just a lowly microbiologist and had no input on what was going in our lab when we put up a new one, but, I specifically remember hearing my supervisor talking to some consultant and he mentioned no wood because of it possibly chipping and it being porous(even with paint or whatever else covers the wood). Cant really help you with the actual standards, but that I have in the past heard about wood lab benches/countertops being a no go.

Edited by QAFSerik, 04 June 2021 - 01:47 PM.

[Scampi]

wood yuck 

 

Why not just source actual laboratory furniture?

https://www.camlab.c...s/lab-furniture

https://www.labuk.co.uk/

https://www.mark-finn.co.uk/

 

and many more

 

Alternatively, source the cabinets from IKEA and have stainless counter tops made

 

Stainless steel unless it will react with your product/reagents etc

[JackG]

wood yuck 

 

Why not just source actual laboratory furniture?

https://www.camlab.c...s/lab-furniture

https://www.labuk.co.uk/

https://www.mark-finn.co.uk/

 

and many more

 

Alternatively, source the cabinets from IKEA and have stainless counter tops made

 

Stainless steel unless it will react with your product/reagents etc

 

I was fine with getting lab worktops, but again, they're made with wood and covered in vinyl and I was told this may not be suitable, either.

 

Sorry if this seems daft but as I mentioned, I am very new to this!

[Scampi]

Hmmm

 

I would go with inexpensive cabinets and have SS countertops made to order............it won't be cheap to get lab quality stainless, but you'll never have to replace them!

 

https://www.stainles...tchen-worktops/

[Charles.C]

BRC Standard Forum ??

 

It's often controlled by $$$.

 

Do you have a lab designer ?

 

The lab is only for sampling ? Not for self-analysis ? to be analysed for ?

 

Working surfaces are critical re stability. Many lists on IT, again related to cost.

 

What kind of sampling is involved ? What kind of liquids ? It's all about durability / contamination.

 

Metal is nice if yr budget can do it ? I  have used metal for functional tables but wooden/formica (stains/cracks eventually) tops in non-"sensitive" locations. Phenolic seems to be popular. Granite is beautiful but expensive.

 

 Eurachem Accred. Guide Micro. Lab.pdf   312.74KB   31 downloads

[EagleEye]

@ Charles.C,

 

Is granite a recommended material for counter tops/work benches as it known for staining eventually?

[Charles.C]

@ Charles.C,

 

Is granite a recommended material for counter tops/work benches as it known for staining eventually?

 

No personal experience due cost.

 

Opinions seem to vary.  Maybe it also depends on the Grade of Granite/Sealant.

 

https://usenaturalst...te-countertops/

 

https://www.kewaunee...s-work-surface/

 

https://resources.wo...lab-countertops

 

JFI -

 

 Lab-Design-Tables-Brochure.pdf   1.96MB   18 downloads

 Lab design accomodation and environment,Nestle.pdf   1.75MB   22 downloads

[JackG]

BRC Standard Forum ??

 

It's often controlled by $$$.

 

Do you have a lab designer ?

 

The lab is only for sampling ? Not for self-analysis ? to be analysed for ?

 

Working surfaces are critical re stability. Many lists on IT, again related to cost.

 

What kind of sampling is involved ? What kind of liquids ? It's all about durability / contamination.

 

Metal is nice if yr budget can do it ? I  have used metal for functional tables but wooden/formica (stains/cracks eventually) tops in non-"sensitive" locations. Phenolic seems to be popular. Granite is beautiful but expensive.

 

Eurachem Accred. Guide Micro. Lab.pdf

 

Thank you for your response.

 

The lab is only going to be for sampling of capsules, liquids (oils, liposomals) and powders. 

 

Would we be able to get away with standard lab benches i.e. wood/vinyl. Considering it is only for sampling. Would we be able to put a check in-place in which we sign that we have checked all surfaces for damage before and after?

[Charles.C]

Thank you for your response.

 

The lab is only going to be for sampling of capsules, liquids (oils, liposomals) and powders. 

 

Would we be able to get away with standard lab benches i.e. wood/vinyl. Considering it is only for sampling. Would we be able to put a check in-place in which we sign that we have checked all surfaces for damage before and after?

 

Hi Jack,

 

I'm unclear what "sampling" actually means in the present context ?.

 

Can you clarify what specific operational  activities are involved in this "process" and are to be applied to what kind of items/presentations ?

 

(obviously a simple direct sampling of an incoming finished packed product does not require a lab )

[JackG]

Hi Jack,

 

I'm unclear what "sampling" actually means in the present context ?.

 

Can you clarify what specific operational  activities are involved in this "process" and are to be applied to what kind of items/presentations ?

 

(obviously a simple direct sampling of an incoming finished packed product does not require a lab )

 

Hi Charles,

 

So the sampling will involve moving sealed products into the lab to aseptically remove samples for micro and analytical.

 

We will also be taking retention samples 

[Charles.C]

Hi Charles,

 

So the sampling will involve moving sealed products into the lab to aseptically remove samples for micro and analytical.

 

We will also be taking retention samples 

 

Hi Jack,

 

If yr budget permits I would avoid wood. It can be a hassle.

 

Refer the table examples in attachments/Post 8

 

 lab design for micro.safety.pdf   3.85MB   26 downloads

 guidelines micro. teaching lab.pdf   499.61KB   13 downloads

Edited by Charles.C, 15 June 2021 - 02:45 PM.
added