Laboratory refurbishment

Specialist for S1 and S3 security levels

Specialized laboratory modernization during operation

The refurbishment of laboratories requires the highest level of specialization and detailed knowledge of laboratory guidelines. From medical diagnostics to research, laboratories have to meet various safety levels and cope with complex technical requirements.

As an experienced general contractor for laboratory refurbishment in Frankfurt am Main and the surrounding area, chore bauen GmbH implements sophisticated laboratory modernizations in accordance with the latest safety standards - without interrupting ongoing operations.

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At a glance

The CHORE approach

Laboratory refurbishment with general contractor

UNDERSTANDING FOR LABORATORY OPERATION

Over ten years of experience in the healthcare sector have shaped our understanding of the special requirements of medical facilities. This know-how flows into every planning and implementation phase.

  • Process understanding: knowledge of typical workflows
  • Safety awareness: understanding risks and protective measures
  • Flexibility: Adaptation to specific requirements
  • Adherence to deadlines: Reliable implementation even for complex projects

24/7 service for critical healthcare infrastructure

Laboratories often work around the clock - and so do we:

  • Permanent availability: contact person even outside business hours
  • Emergency repairs: rapid assistance in the event of system failures
  • Preventive maintenance: avoiding unplanned downtime
  • Spare parts service: Fast procurement of special components
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All trades in-house - without subcontractors

The chore group of companies consists of three specialized divisions:

build chores:
Conversion, extension and renovation

chore studio
Planning, drawing and furnishing

chore technics
Electrical, sanitary and heating engineering

This unique structure enables us to cover all the necessary trades without external subcontractors. For you, this means one point of contact, uniform quality standards and reliable deadlines.

Our services

Laboratory renovation services from chorE

Modern laboratories require highly specialized technical systems that go far beyond conventional office equipment. The complex building technology includes precise air conditioning, comprehensive safety equipment and a wide range of supply media.

Air conditioning and ventilation technology

Precise ambient conditions are essential for reliable analysis results and occupational safety. Modern room air systems guarantee constant parameters with simultaneous energy efficiency:

Temperature and humidity control

  • Constant conditions for sensitive analyses: to ensure reproducible measurement results and avoid temperature-related errors
  • Redundant air conditioning systems for continuous operation: safeguarding laboratory operations even if individual components fail
  • Zoned control for different laboratory areas: enables individual adaptation to specific requirements of different work areas
  • Energy-efficient systems with heat recovery: using waste heat to reduce operating costs

Air quality and filtration

  • HEPA filter for particle-free air: protection of sensitive analyses from contamination by dust particles
  • Activated carbon filter for chemical contaminants: for removing unwanted organic vapors from the room air
  • Directed air flows to prevent contamination: prevent the spread of hazardous substances between work areas
  • Continuous monitoring of air quality: for early detection of filter breakthroughs

Exhaust air treatment

  • Chemical-resistant exhaust air systems: Resistance to aggressive vapors
  • Flue gas scrubbers for aggressive vapours: neutralize hazardous substances before they are emitted into the environment
  • Fail-safe emergency exhaust air systems: to protect staff even if the main ventilation system fails
  • Emission controls and measuring equipment: by documenting compliance with legal limits

Safety equipment and emergency systems

Comprehensive protective measures safeguard both personnel and work processes against unforeseen hazardous situations. Well thought-out emergency concepts minimize risks and enable quick reactions:

Personal protective equipment

  • Body showers with large-volume water supply: for rapid decontamination in the event of contact with chemicals
  • Eye showers with tempered water: for reliable emergency eye rinsing
  • Emergency rinsing for acid and alkali accidents: neutralize corrosive substances and minimize the consequences of injuries
  • First aid stations with special equipment: for the immediate treatment of laboratory-specific injuries

Fire protection and explosion protection

  • Special extinguishing systems for chemical areas: Firefighting without hazardous reactions with laboratory chemicals
  • Explosion-proof electrical installations: to prevent ignition sources in potentially explosive atmospheres
  • Fire detectors with typical laboratory settings: reduce false alarms while maintaining reliability
  • Escape and rescue route concepts: for rapid evacuation even with limited visibility

Emergency communication

  • Direct connection to emergency services: speeding up professional help in the event of serious accidents
  • Internal alarm in the event of accidents: informs safety officers and colleagues immediately
  • Video surveillance of critical areas: to document accident events for analysis and prevention
  • Access control and person detection: prevents unauthorized access to hazardous areas

Media and supply connections

Diverse technical infrastructures form the backbone of modern laboratory work. The reliable provision of various supply media enables efficient and precise analysis procedures:

Gas supply

  • Nitrogen for inert atmospheres: Avoidance of oxidative reactions in sensitive syntheses
  • Hydrogen for flame ionization detectors: for highly sensitive trace analysis of organic compounds
  • Acetylene for atomic absorption spectroscopy: generates high flame temperatures for element determinations
  • Compressed air for pneumatic systems: for operating valves and controls without electrical ignition sources

Ultrapure water systems

  • Demineralized water for analyses: Elimination of interfering ions from test solutions
  • High-purity water for sensitive processes: to meet the highest requirements of trace analysis
  • Sterile water for microbiological work: prevents contamination of culture media
  • Ring distribution with circulation systems: for constant water quality at all tapping points

Power supply

  • Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for critical devices: preventing data loss and sample damage in the event of a power failure
  • Stabilized voltage for sensitive measuring devices: to eliminate mains-related measurement inaccuracies
  • Equipotential bonding and earthing for electronic systems: protects against electrical interference and danger to persons
  • Emergency lighting and safety lighting: for safe evacuation in the event of a power failure

Chemical storage and handling of hazardous substances

The safe handling of hazardous substances requires professional storage and expert handling to protect personnel and the environment. Directive-compliant disposal procedures are therefore essential for the comprehensive safety concept:

Hazardous materials storage

  • Acid and alkali cabinets with extraction: Prevention of corrosion damage and protection of personnel
  • Flammable liquids in explosion-proof cabinets: to minimize the risk of fire and explosion during storage
  • Cold storage for temperature-sensitive reagents: maintain stability and efficacy of temperature-critical substances
  • Separate storage of incompatible chemicals: to prevent hazardous reactions in the event of leaks

Waste disposal

  • Collection containers for different waste categories: Enabling professional separation and cost-effective disposal
  • Temporary storage until collection: for safe storage until transportation
  • Documentation and declaration: fulfills legal obligations to provide evidence of disposal routes
  • Special disposal routes for special waste: for the environmentally sound treatment of hazardous substances

    Specific requirements

    What specific requirements do different laboratory types have?

    Different areas of application place individual demands on the equipment and infrastructure of laboratories. From medical diagnostics and basic research to industrial quality control, the technical specifications vary considerably.

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    Technical infrastructure

    Technical infrastructure in modern laboratories

    Intelligent systems and networked workflows are increasingly shaping the modernization of contemporary laboratory processes. Efficient IT infrastructures and robotic solutions can increase both the efficiency and quality of analysis procedures.

    Laboratory information systems (LIMS)

    End-to-end digitization optimizes workflows and significantly improves data quality. With the help of modern information systems, all phases of the laboratory process can be supported:

    Data management:

    • Central management of all laboratory results: for quick access and simplified trend analyses
    • Sample tracking from receipt to findings: Avoidance of mix-ups by documenting the processing status
    • Quality control and method validation: for analysis reliability using statistical evaluations
    • Integration into higher-level IT systems: to ensure seamless data exchange with clients

    Workflow optimization:

    • Automatic workstation allocation: optimizing capacity utilization and minimizing throughput times
    • Capacity planning and scheduling: prevent bottlenecks through forward-looking resource planning
    • Materials management and inventory management: to avoid supply bottlenecks by means of automatic reordering
    • Cost accounting and service recording: enables transparent costing and billing

    Laboratory automation

    Automated processes can take over recurring tasks and reduce sources of human error through the precision of the analysis procedures.

    Sample transportation:

    • Pneumatic pneumatic tube systems: Accelerating transportation between sampling points and laboratory
    • Robotic sample distribution: eliminates mix-ups thanks to seamless barcode tracking
    • Barcode-controlled identification: for clear assignment across all process steps
    • Cold chain monitoring: documents transport temperatures for temperature-critical samples

    Security

    Safety levels in laboratories

    The classification of laboratories according to safety levels forms the basis for all structural and technical requirements. Depending on the hazard potential of the materials processed, the protective measures range from basic S1 standards to highly complex S3 safety systems:

    Protection level 1 (S1) - Basic laboratory safety

    The basic equipment for safe laboratory work forms the foundation of all diagnostic and analytical activities. S1 laboratories form the basis for the majority of medical examinations:

    Areas of application

    • Clinical chemistry and hematology
    • Microbiology with non-pathogenic organisms
    • Histology and cytology
    • Routine diagnostic laboratories

    Structural requirements

    • Workstations with smooth, easy-to-clean surfaces: enable rapid decontamination and prevent cross-contamination
    • Hand basins with elbow or sensor taps: ensure hygienic hand cleaning without re-contamination
    • Eye showers and body showers in the immediate vicinity: minimize the risk of injury from contact with hazardous substances
    • Separate storage areas for chemicals and reagents: prevent unwanted chemical reactions and increase occupational safety

    Protection level 2 (S2) - Increased safety requirements

    As soon as potentially dangerous biological agents are processed, extended protection concepts are required. The increased structural and technical standards ensure the safe handling of pathogens:

    Areas of application

    • Microbiology with risk group 2 pathogens
    • Virology and immunology
    • Toxicology and pharmacology
    • Research laboratories with biological agents

    extended building requirements

    • Controlled access areas with airlocks: prevent uncontrolled spread of pathogens into public areas
    • Class I or II safety cabinets: protect laboratory personnel from aerosols and splashes of contaminated samples
    • Autoclave for decontamination in the laboratory or building: ensure safe inactivation of hazardous biological substances before disposal
    • Special wastewater treatment for contaminated liquids: prevent environmental contamination by pathogenic microorganisms

    Protection level 3 (S3) - Highest safety standards

    High-risk biological work requires complex safety systems and fully controlled work areas. These laboratories must meet the highest technical standards for the purpose of occupational health and safety:

    Areas of application

    • Highly pathogenic viruses and bacteria
    • Special research with dangerous organisms
    • Biodefense and disease control
    • Reference laboratories for special pathogens

    maximum safety equipment

    • Fully enclosed laboratory areas: prevent any uncontrolled leakage of hazardous substances
    • Negative pressure maintenance and HEPA-filtered exhaust air: guarantee directed air flow to the inside and eliminate pathogens from exhaust air
    • Double entrance doors with interlock system: prevent simultaneous opening of both doors and maintain pressure barrier
    • Central decontamination of all materials: ensure complete pathogen inactivation before leaving the safety area

      economic aspects

      economic aspects of laboratory renovation

      With the help of strategic investment planning and the use of available subsidies, the financing of modernization measures can be made easier. It is also important to remember that modern equipment pays for itself through increased efficiency and reduced operating costs.

      Investment planning and funding opportunities

      Strategic modernization concepts enable sustainable laboratory equipment even with limited budgets. Various funding instruments are available to support the financing of innovative laboratory projects:

      Funding program for research infrastructure

      • EU funding programs for scientific institutions
      • Federal funding for innovation laboratories
      • State funding for technology transfer
      • Tax depreciation options

      Optimizing operations through modernization

      Efficient laboratory processes significantly reduce both personnel and operating costs in the long term.

      • Personnel efficiency: relieving specialist personnel for demanding tasks by reducing manual activities
      • Material savings: minimizes consumption through precise dosing and optimized reagent use
      • Energy efficiency: significantly reduces electricity costs thanks to modern appliances with lower consumption
      • Increased quality: increases throughput thanks to improved process quality with fewer repeat analyses

      hygiene and infection protection

      Hygiene and contamination protection in laboratories

      The protection of analysis results and laboratory personnel is based on strict hygiene measures and reliable contamination barriers. Specialized cleanroom technology and validated decontamination procedures guarantee the highest safety standards.

      Cleanroom technology for sensitive areas

      Contamination-free working conditions are essential for sensitive analyses and sterile processes. However, the defined levels of cleanliness can only be achieved if the room concepts are designed to guarantee this.

      Data management:

      • HEPA filtration of the supply air: removal of 99.95% of all particles larger than 0.3 µm
      • Laminar air flows: to avoid the formation of vortices and particle turbulence
      • Continuous particle monitoring: documentation of compliance with the cleanroom class
      • Personnel airlocks: to minimize the entry of particles through step-by-step decontamination

      Decontamination and sterilization

      Systematic reprocessing and validated sterilization procedures ensure the complete elimination of pathogens and thus prevent the spread of hazardous substances.

      Autoclave systems:

      • Steam sterilization for solid materials: Inactivation of microorganisms through heat and pressure
      • Special cycles for sensitive instruments: to protect temperature-sensitive materials
      • Validation and documentation: prove the effectiveness of every sterilization process
      • Maintenance and qualification: ensure long-term functional reliability

      Chemical decontamination:

      • Disinfectant-resistant surfaces: Resistance to aggressive cleaning chemicals
      • Fumigation process for large areas: for decontaminating entire laboratories if required
      • Neutralization and disposal: remove disinfection residues before wastewater discharge
      • Efficacy controls: verify successful pathogen inactivation

      quality assurance

      Quality assurance at chore

      Systematic quality control

      The highest quality standards require structured monitoring of all project phases. It is therefore essential to carry out continuous checks during the renovation phase in order to guarantee compliance with all laboratory-specific requirements:

      Planning quality:

      • Detailed requirements analysis: to fully capture functional and regulatory requirements
      • Simulation of critical workflows: identifies bottlenecks before construction begins
      • Consideration of future developments: Creation of expansion reserves for changing requirements
      • Coordination with laboratory users and safety officers: ensures practical solutions

      Execution quality:

      • Specialized craftsmen with laboratory experience: avoiding typical errors through expertise
      • Use of laboratory-grade materials: to ensure durability under laboratory conditions
      • Continuous quality controls: detect deviations at an early stage
      • Documentation of all work steps: as a basis for validation

      Acceptance and validation:

      • Functional testing of all technical systems: Proof of compliance with the specifications
      • Instruction of laboratory personnel: ensures safe use of the system
      • Handover of comprehensive documentation: enables proper operation

      Long-term support

      Our service does not end with the handover: Sustainable project success requires continuous support even after the completion of the refurbishment and modernization work. Maintenance concepts and regular updates ensure optimum laboratory performance in the long term:

      • Maintenance contracts: Regular maintenance of technical systems
      • Calibration: Precision adjustment of measuring devices
      • Updates: Adaptation to new directives and standards
      • Extensions: Flexible adaptation to changing requirements

      chore - Quality is our foundation

      Contact for your laboratory renovation

      Are you planning to refurbish or modernize your laboratory? As a specialized general contractor for laboratory projects of all safety levels, we are at your disposal with our comprehensive expertise.

      Contact us for a no-obligation consultation. Our laboratory specialists will analyze your specific requirements and develop a tailor-made refurbishment concept that meets the highest safety standards and takes ongoing operations into account.

      You can rely on over 10 years of healthcare expertise and specialized skills in laboratory modernization. Together we will implement your laboratory project - safely, functionally and on time.

      +49 69 6066 4500

      info@chore.de