EN 14056-1:2025

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-januar-2026
Laboratorijsko pohištvo - Priporočila za načrtovanje in namestitev - 1. del: Splošno
Laboratory furniture - Recommendations for design and installation - Part 1: General
Laboreinrichtungen - Empfehlungen für Anordnung und Montage - Teil 1: Allgemeines
Mobilier de laboratoire - Recommandations de conception et d'installation - Partie 1 :
Généralités
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 14056-1:2025
ICS:
71.040.10 Kemijski laboratoriji. Chemical laboratories.
Laboratorijska oprema Laboratory equipment
97.140 Pohištvo Furniture
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EN 14056-1
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
November 2025
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 71.040.10 Supersedes EN 14056:2003
English Version
Laboratory furniture - Recommendations for design and
installation - Part 1: General
Mobilier de laboratoire - Recommandations de Laboreinrichtungen - Empfehlungen für Anordnung
conception et d'installation - Partie 1 : Généralités und Montage - Teil 1: Allgemeines
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 25 September 2025.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2025 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 14056-1:2025 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 4
Introduction . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 Examples of typical worktop and support structure assemblies for laboratory
benches . 10
4.1 Fixed pedestal assembly . 10
4.2 Leg frame support structures . 11
4.2.1 Cantilever T-frame . 11
4.2.2 C–frame . 11
4.2.3 H-frame and four-leg frame (with or without lower bracing rail) . 11
5 Examples of typical services distribution carriers for laboratory benches . 12
5.1 Integrated channel services distribution . 12
5.2 Bench-mounted services distribution carriers . 13
5.3 Wall- and floor-mounted services distribution carriers . 13
5.4 Overhead services distribution carriers . 14
6 Examples of typical under-bench storage units . 15
7 Illustrations with typical characteristics of the different combinations of bench types
with different services distribution methods . 15
8 Dimensions. 24
8.1 General. 24
8.2 Heights and depths . 24
8.2.1 Working height of the worktop . 24
8.2.2 Shelves . 25
8.3 Depths . 25
8.3.1 General. 25
9 Design considerations for laboratory benches and installation . 25
9.1 General considerations . 25
9.2 Specific considerations for chemistry laboratories . 27
9.3 Specific considerations for biology laboratories. 27
9.4 Specific considerations for service outlets . 27
9.5 Digitalisation . 27
10 Space requirements and dimensions . 27
11 User guide . 28
12 Marking and labelling . 29
13 Documentation . 29
Annex A (normative) Recommendations for the safe and effective delivery, offloading,
distribution and installation of a laboratory bench . 30
A.1 Delivery to site and offloading . 30
A.2 Distribution . 30
A.3 Conditions required for safe and ergonomic installation . 31
A.4 Installations . 31
A.5 Inspection, acceptance and handover . 32
Annex B (normative) Guideline and overview of services outlets for laboratory benches . 33
B.1 Services distribution areas for laboratory benches . 33
B.2 Services connections . 33
B.3 Services outlets . 34
Annex C (normative) Recommendations for the documentation of a laboratory bench
installation . 37
Bibliography . 39
European foreword
This document (EN 14056-1:2025) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 332 “Laboratory
equipment”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by May 2026, and conflicting national standards shall be
withdrawn at the latest by May 2026.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN 14056:2003.
This document includes the following significant technical changes with respect to EN 14056:2003:
— fundamental revision of the document to give recommendations for design and installation, moving
requirements and recommendations on separate parts of laboratory benches in future further parts
of the standard series.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards body.
A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia,
Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland,
Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North
Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the United
Kingdom.
Introduction
The revision of EN 14056:2003 is the first step towards the establishment of an EN 14056 standard
series. This document is now Part 1 of this series, describing various combinations and general
requirements, while further details regarding the single parts will be provided within the following parts:
— Part 2: Table frames;
— Part 3: Worktops;
— Part 4: Storage units;
— Part 5: Services distribution carriers;
— Part 6: Services supply (not final yet, will possibly be integrated into part 5).
NOTE National regulations can apply in the design and environment of a workplace.
1 Scope
This document is applicable to biology, chemistry and physics laboratories where research, preparative,
analytical, process activities take place and which can involve work with hazardous substances, including
higher education (college and university teaching and post-graduate research).
This document does not cover the requirements of schools, i.e. precollege/pre-university (refer to
EN 13150), or highly specialist laboratories which need very specific, bespoke solutions to enable them
to function.
This document specifies requirements for installation and design of laboratory benches, associated
storage units, and for the provision and connection of services integral or delivered to the laboratory
benches. This document gives guidelines for all parties involved in the planning, design, manufacture,
installation, testing of a new laboratory or in the refurbishment of an existing laboratory.
For safety storage cabinets for flammable liquids EN 14470-1 and for pressurized gas cylinders
EN 14470-2 applies.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 13792, Colour coding of taps and valves for use in laboratories
EN 60529, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP code) (IEC 60529)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp/
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.1
laboratory bench
assembly of individual components, combined to create a facility within a laboratory to enable laboratory
work
Note 1 to entry: A laboratory bench may include but is not limited to a worktop, leg frame support structure,
shelving, storage units, worktop-mounted service outlets (gases, water, electricity, IT) a services spine and services
provision. Services may also be delivered via a separate overhead delivery system.
Note 2 to entry: A laboratory bench may be fixed to the building structure (e.g. wall or floor) or may be free-
standing (not fixed to the building structure).
3.1.1
total depth
d
horizontal distance between front edge and rear edge of the laboratory bench (perpendicular to the
length w ) including possible areas for services supply and distribution
Note 1 to entry: The total depth is applicable for single and double-sided assemblies.
3.1.2
total length
w
horizontal distance from the extreme left to the extreme right end of the laboratory bench
3.1.3
single-sided laboratory bench
laboratory bench for single sided use, usually fixed to a wall
3.1.4
island bench
laboratory bench, which is not fixed to a wall and is a stand-alone assembly
3.1.5
peninsula bench
laboratory bench, which may be attached, usually at right angles to a wall or wall bench
3.1.6
double-sided laboratory bench
either island bench (3.1.4) or peninsula bench (3.1.5)
3.2
storage unit
cupboard, drawer packs, tray units or basket units which are located under the worktop fixed in place or
moveable
3.2.1
plinth recess
d
horizontal distance between plinth vertical front and worktop vertical front edge
3.2.2
plinth height
castor height
h
vertical distance from the floor to the lower edge of the storage unit body
3.2.3
clearance
h
vertical clear distance between the top of a moveable storage unit and the underside of a worktop support
frame or worktop where there is no frame
3.3
worktop
horizontal surface to enable laboratory work
3.3.1
working height of the worktop
h
vertical distance between floor and worktop surface
3.3.2
depth of the worktop
d
horizontal distance between front edge and rear edge of the worktop
3.3.3
worktop length
w
horizontal distance between the left and right edge of the worktop
3.4
services distribution carrier
support structure by which services such as gases, water, electricity and IT are distributed to services
outlets which comprise part of the lab bench assembly (spine, duct, bridge, void, channel)
3.4.1
height of the services distribution carrier
h
vertical distance between lower and upper edge of the services distribution carrier
3.4.2
height of the highest shelf
h
vertical distance between floor and top of a shelf
3.4.3
depth of the shelf
d
horizontal distance between front edge and rear edge of the shelf
3.4.4
lower edge of services distribution carrier

h4
vertical distance between the floor and the lower edge of the services carrier - this height describes the
clear height under the services distribution carrier, where applicable
3.4.5
depth of the services distribution carrier
d
horizontal distance between front edge and rear edge of the services distribution carrier
3.4.6
length of the services distribution carrier
w3
horizontal distance from the left to the right edge of the services distribution carrier
3.4.7
clearance height below the services distribution carrier
vertical distance between the upper edge of the work surface and the lower edge of the services
distribution carrier included of the services outlets
Note 1 to entry: This height describes the useful height under the services distribution carrier.
3.4.8
distance below the lowest services outlet above the floor
h
vertical distance between the floor and the lower edge of the services outlet
Note 1 to entry: This height describes the clear height under the services outlet.
3.4.9
distance below the lowest services outlet above the worktop

h11
vertical distance between the worktop and the lower edge of the services outlet
Note 1 to entry: This height describes the clear height under the services outlet.
3.5
services outlet
outlet to which cabling or piping connects to enable users to access services
Note 1 to entry: Examples for services outlets are electrical or IT sockets and gases or water taps.
3.6
useable space on the worktop
clear space on the worktop free of obstructions, such as services outlets, services distribution carriers,
shelves, etc.
3.6.1
height of useable space on the worktop
h
useable vertical distance between the surface of the worktop and the underside of the lowest component
(e.g. shelf, services distribution carrier) located above the work surface
3.6.2
depth of the useable space on the worktop
d
useable horizontal distance between front edge and rear edge of the worktop, minus space required for
service outlets, services distribution carriers, front or rear edge (e.g. upstand or marine edge)
3.6.3
length of the useable space on the worktop
w
useable horizontal distance between the left and right edge of the worktop, minus space required for
service outlets, services distribution carriers, edge (e.g. upstand or marine edge)
3.7
useable space below the worktop
clear space below the worktop free of obstructions, such as installation frames, etc.
3.7.1
height of useable space below the worktop
h
useable vertical distance between the bottom of the worktop and the floor
3.7.2
depth of the useable space below the worktop
d
useable horizontal distance between front edge of the worktop and rear abutment (e.g. wall, support
structure, cover panel)
3.7.3
length of the useable space below the worktop
w
useable horizontal distance between the left and right abutments (e.g. walls, storage units or support
structures)
3.8
moveable
ability to relocate a laboratory bench or component of the same, which can involve some
disassembly/unfastening of components and means of transportation (e.g. trolleys, skids, lifting
equipment)
3.9
mobile
ability to relocate a laboratory bench or component of the same freely and easily with little or no
disassembly/unfastening or requirement for means of transportation (e.g. lightweight components,
storage units and laboratory bench assemblies which include casters)
4 Examples of typical worktop and support structure assemblies for laboratory
benches
4.1 Fixed pedestal assembly
A fixed pedestal assembly utilizes floor-mounted under-bench storage units which are fixed in under the
worktop and which provide the support structure for the worktop, see Figure 1. This system is not
designed to be quickly and easily reconfigured.

Figure 1 — Schematic depiction of fixed pedestal assembly
4.2 Leg frame support structures
4.2.1 Cantilever T-frame
A T-frame support structure is usually fixed to a wall or to the floor, see Figure 2. The leg frame provides
support for the worktop which is independent of under-bench storage units. This allows the under-bench
storage units to be moved and repositioned. The storage units can be suspended (for cleaning under and
for maintenance purposes, access to services, etc.) from the underside of the support structure or push
under either on castors or glides.

Figure 2 — Schematic depiction of cantilever T-frame assembly
4.2.2 C–frame
A C-frame support structure functions like a T-frame but includes a floor-level horizontal foot, see
Figure 3. The frame can be fixed to a wall or floor for stability but can also be free-standing or mounted
on castors. This allows the under-bench storage units to be moved and repositioned. Where not fixed to
a wall or floor, the whole bench assembly can also be moved. The storage units can be suspended (for
cleaning under and for maintenance purposes, access to services, etc.) from the underside of the support
structure or push under on castors or glides.

Figure 3 — Schematic depiction of C-frame assembly
4.2.3 H-frame and four-leg frame (with or without lower bracing rail)
An H-frame and four-leg frame support structure functions like a C-frame but includes an additional front
vertical support, see Figures 4 and 5. This is provided where there is a requirement for heavier load
bearing capability. The frame can be fixed to a wall for stability but is rarely floor fixed and can also be
free-standing or mounted on castors. This allows the under-bench storage units to be moved and
repositioned. Where not fixed to a wall, the whole assembly can be moved. The storage units can be
suspended (for cleaning under and for maintenance purposes, access to services, etc.) from the underside
of the support structure or push under on castors or glides.
Figure 4 — Schematic depiction of H-frame

Figure 5 — Schematic depiction of four-leg frame
5 Examples of typical services distribution carriers for laboratory benches
5.1 Integrated channel services distribution
An integrated channel method enables services to be delivered from main supply lines and distributed to
various services outlets fixed on the laboratory bench through channels under the worktop, behind and
between under-bench storage units, see Figure 6. This method is not designed for laboratory bench
systems to be quickly and easily reconfigured.

Figure 6 — Schematic depiction of an integrated channel services distribution
5.2 Bench-mounted services distribution carriers
A bench-mounted services carrier can be fixed directly onto the worktop or elevated as a bridge to
provide a space under, see Figure 7. The services are distributed horizontally through the carrier to the
services outlets which are part of the carrier assembly. The carrier, when disconnected from the main
supply lines can be moved and relocated as a whole and when fixed to a free-standing laboratory bench
can be moved and relocated as part of the overall bench assembly.

Figure 7 — Schematic depiction of a bench-mounted services carrier
5.3 Wall- and floor-mounted services distribution carriers
Wall and floor carriers can be fixed to wall, floor or the bench support structure, see Figure 8. Depending
on the fixing arrangement, the carrier can be independent of the worktop and support structure
assembly. The carriers contain the services supply lines and deliver them to the services outlets
positioned as part of the carrier module. This services distribution system facilitates the movement and
relocation of free-standing laboratory benches because they are not constrained by connections to main
supply lines. The carriers can also be moved and relocated but this would require disconnection from and
reconnection to services main supply lines in the new location.

Figure 8 — Schematic depiction of a wall and floor fixed services carrier
5.4 Overhead services distribution carriers
Overhead services distribution carriers are usually suspended from the ceiling above and are completely
independent of a laboratory bench, see Figure 9. The carrier contains the services supply lines and
delivers them down vertically to services outlets, or can connect into a secondary channel which runs
horizontally and distributes to the services outlets positioned as part of the carrier module. This services
distribution system facilitates the movement and repositioning of free-standing laboratory benches
because they are not constrained by connections to main supply lines. The carriers can also be moved
and relocated but this would require the disconnection from and reconnection to main supply lines in the
new location.
Figure 9 — Schematic depiction of an overhead services carrier
6 Examples of typical under-bench storage units
Storage units can be typically plinth-mounted, fixed to the underside of a worktop or suspended, on
castors or on glides in combination with a leg frame system. Storage units can consist of, e.g. drawers,
doors and trays, see Figure 10.

Storage cabinet Storage cabinet Storage cabinet Push under
with plinth fitted to suspended from fitted with storage cabinet
worktop underside of castors with plinths
worktop and leg
frame assembly
Figure 10 — Schematic depiction of storage unit mountings
7 Illustrations with typical characteristics of the different combinations of
bench types with different services distribution methods
In Figures 11 to 18, examples of possible combinations are shown schematically.
There are different types of laboratory benches used in combination with different services distribution
methods. Various combinations will provide different levels of flexibility defined in terms of the ability to
move part or all of the laboratory bench assembly for access to services, maintenance, cleaning and/or
re-configuring the benching layout as user requirements change.
The level of flexibility facilitated is affected by the type of leg frame support structure used, if any and the
extent to which they are wall or floor fixed. The way in which services are delivered and distributed also
has a significant bearing. Where services run through or are fixed to the bench, the ability to reconfigure
the bench easily and quickly, if at all, can be limited, typically to under-bench storage units. Where
services delivery and distribution are by means of separate carriers (not fixed to the bench) which are
wall fixed, floor fixed or overhead, movement of the whole bench assembly is more readily
accommodated.
It should be noted that laboratory bench assemblies can be large and heavy and this as much as anything,
can be seen as an obstacle due to time needed and health and safety considerations, for regular
reconfiguration even in situations where there is no wall or floor fixing.
It should also be noted that whilst services can be delivered to laboratory bench assemblies via carriers
which are independent of the bench, drainage is very often provided by means of fixed gravity discharge
points. This can also have a constraining effect on the extent to which some laboratory benches can be
quickly and easily reconfigured.
Dimensions in relation to the laboratory bench Dimensions in relation to the storage space
assembly and the support structure
h working height of the worktop d plinth recess
1 7
w total length h plinth height/castor height
1 8
d total depth h clearance
1 9
d depth of the worktop
w worktop length
Dimensions in relation to the services Dimensions describing the useable spaces
distribution carrier
h height of the services distribution carrier h height of useable space on the worktop
3 6
w length of the services distribution carrier w length of the useable space on the worktop
3 6
d depth of the services distribution carrier d depth of the useable space on the worktop
3 6
h height of the highest shelf h distance below the lowest services outlet above
5 7
the floor
d depth of the shelf h height of useable space below the worktop
5 10
w length of the useable space below the worktop
d depth of the useable space below the worktop
Figure 11 — Floor-mounted services distribution carrier with horizontal services arrangement
Dimensions in relation to the laboratory Dimensions in relation to the storage space
bench assembly and the support structure
h working height of the worktop d plinth recess
1 7
w total length h plinth height/castor height
1 8
d total depth h clearance
1 9
d depth of the worktop
w worktop length
Dimensions in relation to the services Dimensions describing the useable spaces
distribution carrier
h3 height of the services distribution carrier h6 height of the useable space on the worktop
w length of the services distribution carrier w length of the useable space on the worktop
3 6
d depth of the services distribution carrier d depth of the useable space on the worktop
3 6
h distance below the lowest services outlet above
the floor
h height of useable space below the worktop
w length of the useable space below the worktop
d depth of the useable space below the worktop
Figure 12 — Floor-mounted services distribution carrier with horizontal services arrangement
Dimensions in relation to the laboratory Dimensions in relation to the storage space
bench assembly and the support structure
h working height of the worktop d plinth recess
1 7
w total length h plinth height/castor height
1 8
d total depth h clearance
1 9
d depth of the worktop
worktop length
w2
Dimensions in relation to the services Dimensions describing the useable spaces
distribution carrier
h height of the services distribution carrier h height of the useable space on the worktop
3 6
w length of the services distribution carrier w length of the useable space on the worktop
3 6
d depth of the services distribution carrier d depth of the useable space on the worktop
3 6
h height of the highest shelf h distance below the lowest services outlet above
5 7
the floor
d depth of the shelf h height of useable space below the worktop
5 10
w length of the useable space below the worktop
depth of the useable space below the worktop
d10
Figure 13 — Floor-mounted services distribution carrier with vertical services arrangement
Dimensions in relation to the laboratory Dimensions in relation to the storage spa
...