On a similar note, when we remodeled our chemistry labs the project engineer decided we didn’t need hot water in the labs so didn’t provide anyL  We had to install instant hot water heaters under each bench.  Ditto not only on communication needs but check on what they are actually doing.

Laura Damon

Flathead Valley Community College

We are in the throws of shaking down a new chemistry lab from a remodel last summer. This comment is more sanity-related than safety related, but important for the function of your new lab space: Make sure your electrical system designers and contractors know your "worst case scenario" power needs. For example, yesterday - the first time we went to use hot plates in our new lab - the breakers tripped for all the benches.  (This occurred despite the distant memory that we told the architect how many hot plates we use and their draw.)  On top of that, the breaker locations were not made known to us users, nor were the circuit breakers in the box labeled. The lab had to be cancelled.

So, communicate, early and often, how many hot plates (or other high-draw equipment) you will be using at one time, and their electrical draw.  And when you get back into your space, test your "worst case scenario" ahead of time.

Barry Ferm

Ba Fm

"Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love." - Lao Tzu