9
Sep
Setting Up a New School Laboratory: Step-by-Step Guide with LabChoice Australia
Establishing a school laboratory is an exciting milestone, giving students hands-on opportunities to engage with science and STEM education. However, setting up a lab involves more than buying equipment — it requires careful planning to ensure curriculum alignment, safety compliance, and long-term affordability. At LabChoice Australia, we partner with schools to provide complete laboratory packages that meet AS/NZS 2243 standards and the Australian Curriculum (ACARA), while ensuring practical usability for teachers and students.
Step 1: Assess Curriculum and Teaching Needs
- Primary schools: Focus on simple, safe science kits for introducing STEM concepts.
- Secondary schools: Require full lab setups with microscopes, glassware, balances, and physics kits.
- Senior/tertiary education: Needs extend to advanced equipment, PPE, and chemical handling facilities.
LabChoice helps schools map equipment directly to ACARA requirements, ensuring practical learning is aligned with teaching outcomes.
Step 2: Prioritise Safety and Compliance
- Install eyewash stations, fire blankets, and extinguishers.
- Store chemicals in AS1940-compliant cabinets.
- Ensure PPE (lab coats, goggles, gloves) for all students and staff.
- Follow AS/NZS 2243 guidelines to create safe, compliant learning spaces.
Step 3: Equip the Lab with Core Science Tools
- Biology: Microscopes, dissection kits, and slides.
- Chemistry: BORO 3.3 glassware, burettes, flasks, and balances.
- Physics: Electricity, mechanics, and optics kits.
- STEM programs: Multi-disciplinary bundles supporting inquiry-based learning.
Step 4: Plan for Affordability and Long-Term Value
- Select durable, high-quality equipment to reduce replacement costs.
- Use bulk supply packages for cost savings.
- Choose curriculum-ready bundles from LabChoice to simplify procurement.
Comparison: Independent Purchasing vs LabChoice Packages
| Factor | Independent School Procurement | LabChoice Bundled Packages |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment Range | Purchased separately, time-consuming | All-in-one kits matched to curriculum |
| Compliance | Varies by supplier | Guaranteed AS/NZS & Safe Work standards |
| Affordability | Higher long-term costs due to replacements | Bulk pricing and durable materials |
| Support | Limited supplier advice | LabChoice expert guidance and after-sales support |
| Setup Time | Longer, piecemeal approach | Quick, turnkey lab setup |
This comparison shows how LabChoice packages simplify setup, reduce costs, and ensure compliance for Australian schools.
FAQs
Q1: What is the minimum equipment required to start a school lab?
At minimum: microscopes, BORO 3.3 glassware, balances, PPE, and emergency safety equipment.
Q2: Can LabChoice customise packages for different school levels?
Yes. We supply primary, secondary, and tertiary lab bundles, tailored to curriculum requirements and budgets.
Q3: How can schools reduce setup costs?
By purchasing LabChoice bundled kits, schools save on procurement time and replacement costs.
Q4: Does LabChoice provide after-sales support?
Yes. Our team offers local servicing, guidance, and safety training to support schools long-term.
Refined References
- Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) – Science Curriculum. ACARA
- Safe Work Australia – School Laboratory Safety. Safe Work Australia
- AS/NZS 2243: Safety in Laboratories Standards. SAI Global
- AS1940: Storage and Handling of Flammable Liquids. Standards Australia
