Typical write-up stations/tech desks:

 

·        Provide adjustable height top with a range of 22” – 32”.  If top must be fixed, set height at 28-1/2”.  Note that height of Steelcase 9000 series desk is 29-3/4”.  The desk should be adjusted down to 28-3/4”, which will then be acceptable in this application.

 

·        Provide knee space with minimum 30”-wide clearance.  Avoid pencil drawers or aprons at knee spaces, as these interfere with legroom.

 

·        Use of removable, mobile under counter storage units promotes flexibility to adjust number and location of knee spaces as needed.  If mobile units are relocated, ensure aisle clearances and accessibility are maintained. 

 

·        Depth of work surface should be 30” if a CRT monitor and keyboard will be placed on the work surface.  A depth of 24” minimum can be used if a laptop or flat panel monitor will be used.

 

·        If feasible, avoid epoxy resin tops at write-up desks, as it is difficult to install keyboard trays to the underside of epoxy without special drills.

 

 

Sitting-height lab benches:

 

·        Provide adjustable height top with a range of 22” – 32”.  If top must be fixed, set height at 28-1/2”. 

 

·        Provide knee space with minimum 30”-wide clearance.  Avoid pencil drawers or aprons at knee spaces, as these interfere with legroom.

 

·        Use of removable, mobile under counter storage units promotes flexibility to adjust number and location of knee spaces as needed.  If mobile units are relocated, ensure aisle clearances and accessibility are maintained. 

 

·        Depth of work surface should be 30” if a CRT monitor and keyboard will be placed on the work surface, or as other current or future lab equipment requires.  A depth of 24” minimum can be used if a laptop or flat panel monitor will be used, and for microscopy.

 

 

Standing-height lab benches:

 

·        At typical 36” high counters, provide no less than one knee space per each side of an island, with minimum 30”-wide clearance.  Avoid pencil drawers or aprons at knee spaces, as these interfere with legroom.

 

·        Depth of work surface should be 30” if a CRT monitor and keyboard will be placed on the work surface, or as other current or future lab equipment requires.  A depth of 24” minimum can be used if a laptop or flat panel monitor will be used, and for microscopy.

 

·        Use of removable, mobile under counter storage units promotes flexibility to adjust number and location of knee spaces as needed.  If mobile units are relocated, ensure aisle clearances and accessibility are maintained. 

 

 

Lab top edges:

 

·        Round or bevel the front edges of epoxy resin or similar tops to eliminate sharp edges.

 

·        Avoid placing lips on countertops.  The lips create contact stress to users and interfere with equipment placement.

 

 

ADA compliance:

 

·        36”-wide knee space is required at ADA work areas.  Standing height counter-tops will generally be adjustable in the range of 28” – 34” or fixed at 34”, or as established by authority having jurisdiction.  See code and authority having jurisdiction for quantity, location, dimensional and other requirements of ADA-compliant lab benches.  Requirements will vary depending on whether the labs are for teaching or research, and as a function of the specific program.

 

 

Lab furnishings:

 

See “Laboratory Ergonomics Information Packet”, University Health Services, for examples of adjustable sit/stand laboratory stools with a height range of 22” – 32”, adjustable production foot rests and other products. (http://www.uhs.berkeley.edu/facstaff/ergonomics/lab/index.shtml)