When designing or renovating a laboratory, accessibility should be top of mind. Laboratories are complex environments where researchers, students or technicians work with precision equipment and hazardous materials.
If the space is not designed to accommodate everyone, it not only risks violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) but can also create barriers to productivity, safety and collaboration.
A truly inclusive lab requires careful attention to how furniture, equipment and pathways are arranged. Unfortunately, many facilities make common mistakes that compromise ADA compliance. Below, we’ll explore the most frequent ADA laboratory layout issues and how industrial furniture solutions can help avoid them.
Mistake #1: Aisles That Are Too Narrow
The problem:
One of the most frequent mistakes in lab layouts is designing aisles and pathways that are too tight. The ADA requires a minimum clear width of 36 inches for accessible routes, and additional space is often needed in labs where carts, stools and large equipment are used. If aisles are too narrow, individuals using wheelchairs or mobility devices may find it difficult or impossible to move freely.
The solution:
When planning a laboratory, prioritize wide, unobstructed pathways. Adjustable or modular furniture systems can be rearranged as equipment needs change, helping preserve adequate clearance.
Mobile lab benches and storage cabinets also allow for flexibility if new instruments are added later. By choosing industrial furniture designed for mobility and modularity, labs can maintain compliance without sacrificing efficiency.
Mistake #2: Fixed-Height Counters and Workbenches
The problem:
Traditional laboratory benches and counters are often built at a fixed height of about 36 inches. While this works for some users, it excludes those who need to work from a seated position or those with height differences. Non-adjustable surfaces are a major accessibility barrier and can create discomfort or even safety risks.
The solution:
Industrial-grade, height-adjustable laboratory benches are one of the most effective ways to promote ADA compliance. Crank-adjustable or motorized benches allow users to easily modify surface heights to meet their needs.
This flexibility benefits not only individuals with disabilities but also an entire team, since industrial workstations can be tailored for comfort and ergonomic support. Investing in adjustable lab furniture ensures that no one is excluded from participating in essential tasks.
Mistake #3: Inaccessible Storage and Shelving
The problem:
Storage is a critical part of any laboratory, but shelving mounted too high or cabinets placed too low can pose accessibility challenges. Reaching overhead or bending to the floor may not be possible for all users. If researchers cannot access tools, chemicals or safety equipment independently, the lab environment becomes both inefficient and non-compliant.
The solution:
Design storage with ADA reach ranges in mind: typically 15 to 48 inches from the floor for forward or side reach. Mobile storage carts, pull-down shelving systems and under-bench drawers can all help make supplies more accessible.
Modular ADA cabinets also gives facility managers the flexibility to reconfigure storage as needs change. With the right furniture choices, labs can provide safe and convenient access to materials for everyone.
Mistake #4: Overlooking Accessible Sinks and Safety Stations
The problem:
Sinks, eyewash stations and emergency showers are essential in laboratory environments. Yet many layouts fail to make these critical features ADA accessible. Sinks with cabinets underneath may block knee clearance, and eyewash stations are sometimes mounted at heights that don’t work for all users. In an emergency, these oversights can be especially dangerous.
The solution:
Select laboratory sinks with open knee clearance below and controls that can be operated with one hand. Adjustable-height sink units are an even better option for flexibility. For safety equipment, ensure eyewash stations and showers are installed at accessible heights and with adequate clearance around them. By pairing ADA requirements with industrial furniture designed for accessibility, labs can improve both safety and compliance.
Mistake #5: Ignoring Technology and Equipment Placement
The problem:
Even if aisles and benches are compliant, poor placement of computers, fume hoods or specialized equipment can undermine accessibility. For example, monitors or keyboards positioned too high, or controls mounted out of reach, may prevent independent operation.
The solution:
Plan technology placement with universal design principles in mind. Adjustable monitor arms, height-modifiable fume hoods and flexible utility connections make it easier for all users to operate equipment. When combined with ADA-compliant furniture, this approach helps create a truly inclusive laboratory environment.
Mistake #6: Treating Accessibility as an Afterthought
The problem:
Perhaps the biggest mistake is leaving ADA laboratory compliance until the end of the design process. Retrofitting layouts later often leads to higher costs and disruptive construction. Worse, it may result in stopgap fixes that don’t truly support inclusivity.
The solution:
Accessibility should be integrated from the start. Work closely with architects, furniture manufacturers, and compliance experts to plan an ADA-friendly laboratory from the ground up. Investing in modular and adjustable height workbenches early on provides long-term flexibility and helps future-proof the facility against changing needs.
The Role of Industrial Furniture in ADA Laboratories
Furniture is not just about function. It’s also about enabling access, comfort and safety. Industrial furniture manufacturers can play a key role in helping laboratories avoid costly compliance mistakes. Features like height adjustability, modular design, chemical resistance and mobile bases all support ADA requirements while maintaining the durability needed for demanding lab environments.
By selecting the right furniture solutions, laboratories can not only meet ADA standards but also foster inclusivity and innovation. After all, when everyone has equal access to tools and resources, science thrives.