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JackG

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Posted 04 June 2021 - 09:33 AM

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

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Posted 04 June 2021 - 01:45 PM

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.

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Scampi

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Posted 04 June 2021 - 02:08 PM

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


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JackG

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Posted 04 June 2021 - 02:19 PM

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

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Posted 04 June 2021 - 02:22 PM

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/


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Charles.C

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Posted 05 June 2021 - 06:13 AM

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.

 

Attached File  Eurachem Accred. Guide Micro. Lab.pdf   312.74KB   28 downloads


Kind Regards,

 

Charles.C


EagleEye

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Posted 05 June 2021 - 07:17 AM

@ Charles.C,

 

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



Charles.C

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Posted 05 June 2021 - 09:10 AM

@ 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 -

 

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

Attached File  Lab design accomodation and environment,Nestle.pdf   1.75MB   21 downloads


Kind Regards,

 

Charles.C


JackG

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Posted 14 June 2021 - 08:20 AM

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.

 

attachicon.gif 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

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Posted 14 June 2021 - 05:22 PM

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 :smile: )


Kind Regards,

 

Charles.C


JackG

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Posted 15 June 2021 - 07:44 AM

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 :smile: )

 

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  :smile:



Charles.C

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Posted 15 June 2021 - 01:47 PM

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  :smile:

 

Hi Jack,

 

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

 

Refer the table examples in attachments/Post 8

 

Attached File  lab design for micro.safety.pdf   3.85MB   25 downloads

Attached File  guidelines micro. teaching lab.pdf   499.61KB   12 downloads


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

Kind Regards,

 

Charles.C




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