Author: Andrew Leigo
At Amicus Labline, our team is regularly involved in our clients' hunt for the perfect site to develop into laboratory and workshop spaces. One of the first steps of the process is to pinpoint a variety of sites that have the potential for development into specialised laboratory spaces, whether the choice is to start with a new build or to refurbish an existing building (see our article on which suits you and your organisation better here).
If the decision is made to refurbish all or part of an existing building, then one of the next steps is to understand the building classification and what that means for your project.
Each state in Australia has specific building classifications for science laboratories and research facilities. In this blog post, we will delve into these classifications and discuss their significance in fostering innovation and scientific excellence.
Building classifications are a fundamental aspect of construction and building management. They categorise buildings based on their primary use and occupant load, serving as a framework for assessing the design, construction and maintenance requirements.
In the context of science laboratories and research facilities, the building classifications are typically categorised under 3 main classes.
Class 5 buildings are primarily intended for office use. While they may house scientific administrative offices and support spaces, they are not designed for research or laboratory work. However, some administrative areas within research facilities may fall under this classification due to their non-laboratory function.
Class 8 buildings are designed and equipped specifically for laboratory work. These facilities house a wide range of scientific activities, from chemistry and biology to physics and engineering research. Safety is paramount in Class 8 buildings, with stringent regulations in place to protect occupants from hazardous materials, chemicals, and experimental conditions. Ventilation, waste disposal, emergency response, and controlled access are key considerations.
Class 9 buildings primarily cater to the healthcare sector but can also include research and teaching facilities associated with medical and scientific research. These buildings are equipped with specialised infrastructure to support medical research, diagnostic laboratories, and clinical trials.
Compliance with health and safety standards is vital in Class 9 buildings, considering the potential exposure to biological agents and patient care areas.
The classification of science laboratories and research facilities serves several crucial purposes. This includes:
Best practice on any refurbishment project is to gain an expert’s advice; town planners and local governments are generally the best first stop in this process.
Whether deciding between new builds or refurbishments, understanding building classifications is essential. In Australia, the Class 5, 8, and 9 dictates the design, safety standards, and funding eligibility for science laboratories and research facilities, highlighting the nuanced relationship between compliance and innovation.
Building classifications go beyond mere categorisations, serving a diverse role in ensuring safety, shaping design, distributing funds, promoting research excellence, and advocating for environmental sustainability. Navigating this intricate landscape underscores the significance of seeking expert advice from town planners and local governments, reinforcing the importance of well-informed decisions in constructing laboratories that foster groundbreaking discoveries and scientific excellence.
In the pursuit of optimal laboratory spaces, Amicus Labline serves as a reliable partner, guiding clients through the crucial decision-making process. Find out more about our Laboratory Consulting and Feasibility Study service
Office vs Warehouse - Choose the ideal starting point when building a laboratory
In this article, we explore whether an office space or a warehouse space is the better starting point for your lab construction project.
Andrew has been a project manager for over a decade, working on projects across both the public and private sectors for clients such as: University of Sydney, Rio Tinto, NSW Roads and Maritime Services, and TAFE NSW. With a strong background in interior design, he’s spent the past number of years also working as a design director for a well known design firm.
Andrew is now in-house with Amicus Labline delivering high service environment projects. Andrew has an uncanny knack of quickly identifying processes that impact on workflow and gains real satisfaction in working with his clients to deliver the best possible outcome within their space and budget. He is motivated to deliver valuable, successful projects for his partners that unlock the potential of workspace strategies and transforms the workspace environment to achieve the best outcomes for the user.
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