Requirements for laboratory chairs in genetic engineering laboratories

Work in molecular biology and genetic engineering laboratories is characterized by constant movement between individual workstations and equipment. Depending on the height of the work surface, one remains standing or sitting at each position for varying periods of time. Depending on the proportion of analysis work, which is usually IT-based, and, of course, especially the cell culture work that is performed while seated, prolonged sitting is an important aspect.

The following key features are essential for adequate laboratory seating: stability against tipping, yet requiring as little space as possible, as well as ergonomic requirements and comfortable seating through appropriate cushioning and haptic feedback in the areas of body contact. The latter aspect is usually achieved in conventional office chairs through fabric covers with underlying foam cushioning.

However, in genetic engineering laboratories, the following is essential and even prescribed in the GenTSV (see AI a) No. 2 Annex 2 to Section 14 GenTSV) from safety level 1 onwards:

Work surfaces and the surfaces adjacent to the work surfaces, in particular wall surfaces, floors and the Furniture should be easy to clean and must be resistant to the substances used as well as to cleaning and disinfection agents be.

This requirement is all the more important the more likely the compartments specified in the GenTSV represent "hot spots" for contamination. Chair seats, undersides, and adjustment levers on chairs are particularly hot spots, as they are frequently touched during laboratory operations. To prevent the spread of contamination, chair surfaces must be disinfected regularly. Efficient disinfection with common surface disinfectants is not feasible for porous fabric surfaces. Therefore, chairs must be selected that have closed and disinfectant-resistant surfaces and that also have small gaps between the upholstery and the "chair frame." Finding this "blend" of ergonomics, seat cushioning, and disinfection resistance on the laboratory furniture market is a challenge for scientific working groups and those supplying laboratory equipment.