Science Laboratory Facilities

Laboratory safety begins with creating a safe space for science and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)-related activities. Laboratories should be designed in accordance with the planned curriculum and activities that will take place in the space.

Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations (5 CCR) describes general guidelines for science laboratory construction, as well as labs used for industrial and technology education.

Science Laboratories Construction Guidelines

1. Size is at least 1300 square feet including storage and teacher preparation area.
   
   
2. Science laboratory design is consistent with the requirements for proper hazardous materials management specified in Education Code and Health and Safety Code.
   
   
3. Accommodations are made for necessary safety equipment and storage of supplies (e.g., fire extinguisher, first aid kit, master disconnect valve for gas).
   
   
4. Secured storage areas are provided for volatile, flammable, and corrosive chemicals and cleaning agents.
   
   
5. Properly designated areas are provided with appropriate ventilation for hazardous materials that emit noxious fumes, including a high-volume purge system in the event of accidental release of toxic substances which may become airborne.
   
   
6. Exhaust fume hoods, eye washes, and deluge showers are provided.
   
   
7. Floor and ceiling ventilation is provided in areas where chemicals are stored.
   
   
8. Room is provided for movement of students around fixed-learning stations.
   
   
9. There is the capability for technology which complements the curriculum.
   
   
10. Classrooms are flexibly designed to ensure full student access to laboratory stations and lecture areas.

Industrial and Technology Education Laboratories

1. Room is provided for movement of students around fixed learning stations.
   
   
2. Flexible stations with sufficient outlets and power source for industrial type equipment are provided.
   
   
3. Space is provided for various simulations of job-related experiences and laboratory workstations.
   
   
4. There is capability to utilize technology which complements the curriculum, such as computer-aided graphics, electronics, and specialized tools.
   
   
5. There is a lecture area within each laboratory or near the laboratory area where appropriate.
   
   
6. There are accommodations for necessary health and safety equipment, such as fire extinguisher and first aid kit.
   
   
7. Secured storage areas for volatile, flammable, and corrosive chemicals and cleaning agents are provided where appropriate.
   
   
8. There are properly designated areas with appropriate ventilation for the use of hazardous material that emit noxious fumes or excessive dust particles.
   
   
9. Proper storage and removal access for hazardous waste materials is provided in each laboratory using such materials.