General Space Guidelines

These guidelines are based upon the NSTA and NSELA guidelines, plus the ADA regulations and the ANSI Z9.5 Laboratory Ventilation Standard. Guidelines do not have the force of law, but should be viewed as necessary for maximum safety in the science room.

General Requirements

Category                                            Guideline
Space/Student		60ft2 (Laboratory/Classroom Combination) 45ft2 (Laboratory Only)
Maximum Class Size		24
Counter Space/Student		15ft2 (Min. 24" depth)
Computer Workstation Space/Station		15ft2
Prep Space/Student		10ft2
General Storage Space/Student		10ft2
Aisles		4ft. Wide Minimum (5ft. in high traffic areas)
Doorways		36" Width Minimum
Exits/Room		2, Minimum

ADA Requirements

Category Guideline
Workstation Area		20ft2, Minimum
Counter Height		34", Maximum
Knee Space (Height, Width)		30" Minimum, 27" Minimum
Sink (Height, Depth)		34" Maximum, 6" Maximum

Laboratory Ventilation Requirements

Category Guideline
Classroom Air Exchange Rate (Changes/Hour)		4, Minimum
Chemical Storage Air Exchange Rate (Changes/Hour)		6, Minimum
Fume Hood		100ft2/Min at Face of Hood Plus Air Flow Monitor/Alarm

In addition to these, the NSELA recommends the following for Prep Rooms:

"A lab prep room should be next to the science lab/classroom. If this is not possible, the prep room should be no more than 760 feet from the science lab/classroom and chemistry teachers should never be assigned a room that does not have a prep room adjoining it."