Lab Equipment Purchasing

Are you planning to purchase new equipment for a laboratory? 

Laboratory research often requires specialized equipment. Because this type of equipment is not always formally tested and certified to meet American safety standards (such as UL Listed), and because installation may require unexpected infrastructure upgrades (electrical, HVAC, structural support, noise/vibration, etc.), all lab equipment purchases must be reviewed using the criteria in the Research Equipment Procurement & Installation Checklist below.

This checklist is designed to help you determine whether additional evaluation is needed before procuring and installing research equipment. While it is not all-inclusive, it highlights common issues that can delay research if overlooked. Using the checklist and its related resources will help ensure that your equipment can be installed safely, successfully, and without unnecessary interruptions.

For the purposes of this guidance, "equipment" refers to any electrical or mechanical device used for teaching or research within University of Minnesota facilities.

Research Equipment Procurement & Installation Checklist

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Listing Requirements

Is the equipment listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory? 

  • If “yes”, listing requirement has been met.
  • If “no”, continue to next question.

Have you provided UHS with a 3rd party engineering report validating the equipment as safe for use? 

  • If “yes”, listing requirement has been met.
  • If “no”, complete a PR form requesting a “3rd party equipment validation”

Pressurized/Steam Equipment

If your purchase meets any of these parameters, please reach out to [email protected] before making the purchase to ensure that the equipment meets current regulations and requirements. 

  • Is the equipment designed to operate (contain material) above 15 pig?
  • Does the equipment produce and/or use steam?
  • Does the equipment produce and/or use hot liquid above 210 degrees Fahrenheit? 

Electrical

Does the equipment require electric power greater than existing electric outlets in the space intended for installation?

  • If Yes, complete a PR form requesting a “building infrastructure review”

Physical Size & Weight

Is the equipment too big to fit though existing entrances to the building and space?

  • If Yes, complete a PR form requesting a “building infrastructure review”

Does the equipment weigh over 1000 lbs, or is it likely to exceed building structural load limits?

  • If Yes, complete a PR form requesting a “building infrastructure review”

Heating and/or Cooling

Does the equipment generate sufficient heat requiring cooling beyond existing?

  • If Yes, complete a PR form requesting a “building infrastructure review”

Does the equipment require air filtration or clean room systems beyond existing?

  • If Yes, complete a PR form requesting a “building infrastructure review”

Liquid and Gas System Requirements

Does the equipment require deionized water, compressed air or other gas supply, beyond existing?

  • If Yes, complete a PR form requesting a “building infrastructure review”

Noise Considerations

Does the system generate noise (>60bD) or vibration levels which may be detected and considered a nuisance or distraction to adjacent spaces?

  • If Yes, complete a PR form requesting a “building infrastructure review”