Is it time you considered a cleanroom lab refit? A wide range of industries and organisations rely on the effective operation of cleanroom labs on a daily basis. Once this type of facility has been installed, it is important that it is kept in good repair and continues to operate as intended. This means regular maintenance and validation are vital, and periodically a refit or refurbishment will also be needed.

Furniture Solutions are experts in both cleanroom and clean area lab refurbishments. We have decades of experience in this field and are fully qualified to carry out installations and repairs to cleanrooms, ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation and guidelines.

Reasons for a Cleanroom Laboratory Refurbishment

There are various factors which might mean it is appropriate to carry out a cleanroom laboratory refurbishment. One reason could be if a change of layout is needed, because the workflow and type of processes being carried out have changed since the cleanroom was set up.

Another key reason is to make sure the cleanroom is performing as intended and complying with regulations. If monitoring shows up any existing or potential problems with your cleanroom lab, you need to work out the best way of addressing the situation. This could include equipment which is becoming outdated or repeated problems with ventilation. The answer will probably be to go ahead with a refit now and prevent any unnecessary downtime or loss of production in future.

A cleanroom laboratory will include a range of high-tech equipment used for the process or production which is being protected, for instance within a pharmaceutical facility. If you need to introduce new equipment, whether this involves replacing or adding to the current installation, this could mean the whole layout has to be changed and provide the cue for a refit.

Usually, access to a lab within a cleanroom will be via chambers and there will be a specialist air filter system to ensure any contaminants flow away from the cleanest area. If the performance of the air filtration is not up to standard, it could mean existing systems need to be upgraded or replaced with more up-to-date versions, and this could again mean it is time for a lab refurbishment.

Where décor in a cleanroom is becoming worn, this can cause a risk of contamination, so it is essential that all walls, doors, floors and ceilings are in good condition, without any weak spots which could lead to dirt being trapped. All furniture must also meet high standards of construction and to be easy to clean and sterilise. If the room itself or its fittings and furnishings are showing signs of wear, refurbishing will give an opportunity to remove any damage and restore the affected areas to top condition.

What Does a Refurbishment Involve?

When carrying out a cleanroom laboratory refurbishment, we start by looking at the existing layout and discussing with you what changes need to be made. We can draw up a design for the whole area and provide a full project management service, ensuring work is carried out quickly and that any downtime is kept to a minimum.

All laboratory benching and seating which we install in a cleanroom lab will be made from resistant materials, to minimise any risk of contamination and make it hard for any surface bacteria to grow. Stainless steel manufactured to a high grade is often used for furnishings in this type of lab, while some items may also be made from Trespa Toplab Base, which is strong, durable and highly acid-resistant. Chipboard and other lower-grade materials are not suitable for this type of facility.

Suspended benching is usually the best choice in a cleanroom setting because it makes it easier to carry out cleaning, by leaving the whole floor clear. Tecomak supplies a range of suspended benching constructed around metal frames, with high-grade worktops seamlessly constructed to avoid trapping dirt. We can also install other furniture built to a suspended design, including shelving, drawers and storage cabinets.

Tecomak doesn’t only refit cleanroom labs, but also carries out refits of clean area labs, which operate within many modern industrial facilities. These laboratories also need to be equipped with furniture made from hygienic materials and will often contain safety cabinets, including laminar flow benches, which Tecomak’s engineers can install.

Tecomak’s cleanroom lab refit process doesn’t just involve installing furniture, but is a complete project management service, including installation of ventilation equipment. Our engineers can install and commission many different types of specialist ventilation systems, ensuring they perform as intended.

Click here to find out more about Tecomak Furniture Solutions’ expert cleanroom lab refurbishment services.