Scientists, chemists, and researchers are all integral in the creation of medicines. But the human factor, while serving as the brains of the entire operation, is just one of the essential components in pharmaceutical laboratories. The adequacy of facilities is another. Chemists depend on the tools and equipment they have at their disposal. Insufficient equipment could hinder their ability to design new drugs or discover better formulations to the ones already out in the market.

There is another matter in which pharmaceutical companies cannot afford to fall short on: the physical conditions of their laboratories.

• Is there proper ventilation and an effective air filter in place?
• Do workers get sufficient lighting?
• Is there adequate space for the smooth movement between stations, both by humans and machines?
• Is there proper and secure storage for test and control samples?
• Is the room sound-proofed?
• Are there facilities for indoor climate control?
• Does the room have industry-standard pharmaceutical flooring?

The immediate environment where chemists work can affect the integrity of their studies, experiments, and tests. It can also have an impact on the quality of the medicines produced in the facility.

All of these need to be addressed, and all should meet industry standards to ensure the safety of the people working inside the lab and the quality of the products they produce. Out of all these concerns, Kalman Floor Company, Inc. can provide the materials and expertise for installing industrial-grade flooring for pharmaceutical laboratories and facilities.

How Does Flooring Impact Pharmaceutical Activities?

Laboratory floors often get overlooked, which is ironic because they are the biggest, single feature in any research facility. Companies, therefore, must ensure the quality of the materials and installation methods used. Substandard flooring can contribute to the birth of many problems, all of which can lead to a reduction in the quality of the drugs produced in the lab.

The ideal pharmaceutical flooring possesses the following qualities:

• Smooth – A glossy, smooth surface that lends an aesthetic touch to clinical surroundings. Often reflective and mirror-like, a smooth, epoxy floor is easy to keep clean at all times.
• Seamless – A non-porous surface prevents the buildup of dirt and bacteria on the laboratory floor. Coupled with seamless smoothness, this type of flooring repels water and dries fast.
• Durable – Flooring made with a dense material like epoxy is very durable and can withstand impact, scratches, and corrosion. It is also resistant to chemical reactions from spilled compounds and liquids.

Flooring that falls short in any of the above could present problems in the long run:

1. Rapid floor deterioration

Visible signs of flooring deterioration are curling, warping, and cracking of the surface of the concrete. Low-quality flooring could be one or a combination of these:

• Has a porous surface
• Retains moisture and takes a long time to dry
• The smooth, glossy finish chips off quickly and exposes the bare concrete beneath
• Cracks on impact
• Prone to fading and corrosion due to wear and tear

2. Workplace hazards

Warped and uneven flooring can cause people to trip and disrupt moving machines, like a self-navigating vacuum cleaner or laboratory cobots. Damaged flooring can also cause discomfort to the chemists, lab technicians, and other workers who’re often on their feet while working.

3. Possible product contamination

Substandard flooring in pharmaceutical facilities are prone to gathering dust and microbes. The presence of these substances and organisms in a room, which should be sterile 24/7, could risk tainting the test samples. Chemists’ findings will be skewed at best, and the drugs contaminated at worst.

4. High cost of operations

The cost of untimely repairs or new installations is a financial burden, so damaged flooring needs replacing as quickly as possible. Otherwise, a pharma company will have no choice but to write it off as a loss.

Functional and Durable Pharmaceutical Flooring Is an Investment

The consequences of choosing cheaper and low-quality flooring have far-reaching consequences that could cost your company more than the bill for flooring repairs. Kalman Floor Company, Inc.’s industrial flooring for pharmaceutical uses is a better use of a company’s money. The Kalman Seamless Concrete®, for example, is durable, resistant to moisture, abrasions, and chemicals, and can withstand the conditions within a pharmaceutical facility.

We can tell you more about this concrete floor topping and other flooring solutions that are worth investing in. Talk to our pharmaceutical flooring specialists at Kalman Floor Company, Inc. today.