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Laboratory fume hoods reduce exposure to potentially harmful fumes, aerosols, dusts and mists. Laboratory industry standards require an inspection every 18 months, so if your lab does not pass inspection or if you notice a reduction in the efficacy of your fume hoods, it may be time to replace them.

Fume Hood is Overworn or Outdated

It is important to maintain a laboratory in accordance with modern safety and evolving technological standards. New laboratory fume hoods can reduce exposure to potentially harmful fumes more effectively than older models. Continuing to use sub-standard or overly used fume hoods could pose health risks for laboratory employees.

Broken or Faulty Sash

Typically, the sash, which is the window or door on the front of a fume hood, is the first component in a fume hood that wears out since consistent usage exerts stress on its cables and sash glides. If the sash or any other component of the fume hood is broken and cannot be replaced or repaired the recommended course of action is the purchase of a new fume hood.

Laboratory Expansion

Laboratory expansion calls for purchasing additional fume hoods to ensure sufficient airborne contaminant expulsion. Expansion of laboratory activities and substances often results in an increase in exposure to chemicals and their fumes. Additional fume hoods contribute to workers’ safety.

Energy Savings

If you are interested in conserving energy, it may be time to replace your old fume hoods with new ones. Your laboratory fume hood is one of the more important appliances in your workspace. To learn more about upgrading your fume hood contact us today.

If you are ordering furniture for your laboratory, you may be tempted to order the cheapest laboratory cabinets and countertops possible. However, that may not be the best idea in the long run for the longevity of your lab. Although it might seem at the start ordering metal lab cabinets is expensive, they more than pay for themselves in the long run. Here is some information about the importance of metal lab cabinets for your laboratory cabinets.

Reasons to Love Metal Lab Cabinets

There are many reasons to love metal lab cabinets. First, when lab cabinets and are made of furniture grade steel, they are safe to work on for almost any experiment. This is important, as plastic or wooden cabinets are not as safe, especially if your lab deals with chemicals during a day. Wood cabinets are not conducive to continuous cleanup, especially if you must constantly clean the surface. This can cause mold or wood rot. It also means that chemicals, bacteria, viruses, and other items you may be using can become trapped in the wood. Powder coated steel offers an easier, safer surface to clean.

It is also very difficult to warp, crack, chip, or break steel. No matter what kind of experiment you are doing, steel should hold up nicely. Most chemicals cannot corrode it, and it can last for years with no issues. Powder coated steel is also heat resistant, which is a good thing, as many labs use Bunsen burners and heat to cause chemical reactions. You need lab equipment that can stand up to intense heat.

Metal cabinetry needs to have a lot of storage space for materials, chemicals, tubes, bottles, and jars that are used by labs every day to conduct research. You want metal cabinets to hold everything you need to work in one place. If you have a workstation with metal cabinets above it or next to it, you want lots of space to hold notes, journals, paperwork, and other pieces of lab equipment that are vital to research.

Although laboratory equipment is not cheap, the more money you invest in it now, the less you will have to spend later. Imagine not having to buy lab equipment for decades because the items you purchased were top of the line in quality. Good lab equipment should be able to hold on through hundreds of experiments over time and be worth every penny you paid for them.

Any lab is designed for the purpose of doing design, research, or investigations in a controlled environment. In many cases, people are relying on the preciseness of the experiments in order to design new products, medications, equipment, or materials for people to use to make their lives better. Because a laboratory requires precise measurements, the furniture in labs must be multipurpose. Both laboratory work benches and laboratory casework are vital for smooth lab operations.

The Multipurpose Features of Lab Equipment

Every lab, no matter what their purpose, is designed to conduct experiments. Often, multiple people are working in the same lab, so space is at a premium. Laboratory workbenches represent the area where designs or experiments are done. Some laboratory work benches look like large tables, while others look like a desk with shelving. Laboratory casework is a series of cabinets used for storage. The casework may be a large standalone cabinet, or it may be located above a workstation.

Features of Work Benches and Casework

Both laboratory work benches and casework are usually made of steel. This is for safety, as well as durability. Often, laboratories are conducting experiments that are difficult, or even dangerous and lab equipment needs to be able to stand up to the challenge. For casework, both the doors and the drawers are double walled, to make sure they can keep materials in, and close tightly. Good casework also has rubber bumpers on the doors of the casework or cabinet for quiet closure.

Also, laboratory workbenches and casework come in many different sizes. You may only need a small workspace with a cabinet mounted over the workspace. However, many labs are designed for several people, which means space is important. Large work benches allow multiple people to work at the same time; and there are casework pieces that are standalone with multiple areas for storage. In addition, work benches can have their own storage so that all the work in the lab has a place.

No matter what kind of work you will be doing in the lab, you need to make sure that you order the perfect equipment. You want to invest money in lab equipment that will last through thousands of experiments and years of heavy usage. A good investment now may end up saving the lab thousands of dollars in replacement furniture costs.

When building a laboratory setting, having quality lab furniture and fume hoods is key. It is essential that the laboratory have quality furnishings, so employees can be comfortable and work effectively. With less than stellar furnishings, projects will not be completed on time and the overall day to day activities of the lab can suffer. Learning more about the proper process for securing furnishings such as laboratory fume hoods and cabinetry ensures your laboratory is ready to function effectively.

Initial Design

To get started, you will need to figure out the design of your laboratory. It is helpful to work with a lab design professional to have a functional space with the right furnishings. With planning and design help, you can create a new lab with solutions for every aspect of the area. As you plan the space with an expert, furniture can be added that will help to make each employee’s job more efficient which helps to ensure the end result of every project or experiment is completed on time.

Revising the Plan

When planning with a professional, you can add in the appropriate number of lab fume hoods as well as all the cabinetry and desk workspace needed. Once a plan is finished, you can review it and make changes as you see fit. The end goal is to have a laboratory that will function seamlessly. Consider layouts you have worked in before and consult with employees on what they would like to see offered in the lab.

Budget

During the planning phase, your budget needs to be considered. As you search for lab equipment, look for fume hoods for sale or at least for items that fit into your budget. You should have a set amount on what you wish to spend on equipment as well as the overall construction of the space. To stay in line with your budget, look for discounts on equipment.

Many laboratory manufacturing companies, or distributors will offer deals including lab fume hood or sink bundles at a discounted rate. By shopping around, you can find the best deal for your equipment needs. Staying on budget is essential when building your laboratory, but you want to be sure you do not skimp on quality or the number of items you need.

Setting Up

Once the plans have been finalized for your laboratory, orders will be made for equipment including furniture and cabinetry. The set-up phase is important but also fun! Always be sure you are on hand and watch as the equipment and furniture are set up in the space. The layout of your laboratory is important.

Any installation mix-up can have a negative result regarding the day-to-day operations of your lab. You know how your laboratory should be set up and what equipment is needed. Assist with the process to ensure the lab is going to be a safe environment with everything you need for success.Contact us today to learn more about laboratory furniture options and begin choosing pieces for your space today.

If you work in a laboratory environment, it is not only crucial to have a functioning laboratory fume hood and a worker that understands how to work it, but it is also vital to have the correct one for your intended use to ensure the safety of everyone in the laboratory. However, there are several options available, making it tough to determine which one is ideal for your lab. CatLabPro is here to help make the process of selecting the right fume hood much simpler.

Purpose of Fume Hoods

To put it simply, laboratory fume hoods allow chemists and scientists to work with potentially harmful substances without the worry of inhalation or accidental exposure. Inhalation of gas due to a chemical reaction can result in serious problems. Without a fume hood and proper ventilation, those working in a lab environment can redirect gases, vapors, and fumes produced by the substances they work with back into the lab.

Correct Fume Hood Usage

To ensure that you are utilizing your lab fume hood to the top of its ability, consider the following:

When doing an experiment or boiling materials where splashing might occur, be sure to use a shield to protect themselves.

Perform all their laboratory duties concerning hazardous or volatile materials under the lab fume hood.

Ensure that the lab fume hood is free of any damage and is working properly before use.

Hazardous material must remain 15 centimeters or more from the main opening of the laboratory fume hood.

Electrical devices must remain outside of the fume hood.

Fume Hoods for Certain Substances

Perchloric Acid Fume Hoods – Corrosive and explosive materials like perchloric acid need special consideration. For thorough cleaning, this fume hood includes a wash down system, integral work surfaces and drainage troughs to prevent the accumulation of potentially reactive perchloric salts. It also has a full view sash and stainless-steel construction.

Radio Isotope Fume Hoods – This laboratory fume hood may be right for you if you work with radiochemicals. The Radio Isotope Fume Hood is designed to facilitate decontamination using a fully sealed integral work surface and coved interiors. This fume hoods surface and lining are also stainless steel.

Economy Fume Hoods

Basic Fume Hoods – The Basic Fume Hood is for light duty applications where safe ventilation is required. These hoods are also smaller in height and depth to be able to fit in tight areas.

High-Performance Lab Fume Hoods – While still providing quality and safety, these fume hoods cut energy costs significantly. To provide exceptional energy-saving capabilities, the design of the High-Performance Fume Hood reduces the size of the HVAC equipment and reduces the volume of air that needs to be exhausted and conditioned.

Large Fume Hoods

Demonstration Fume Hoods – This fume hood is ideal for the teaching environment. The Demonstration Fume Hood features end windows and a transparent back for clear viewing of the interior providing enhanced visibility for conducting chemistry demonstrations or observing students using the hood.

Floor-Mounted Fume Hoods – This laboratory fume hood is designed for using bulky apparatus, oversized equipment, or maximum working height. This fume hood is available in widths of up to sixteen feet. To learn more about what type of fume hood your lab needs, contact one of our specialists today.

There are few products in the lab that are more important than a fume hood. In fact, fume hoods are some of the most important equipment a laboratory can have, because it keeps employees safe. Fume hoods not only keep the employee working safe, but everyone in the lab as well. If you are looking for a laboratory fume hood, here are some tips on what to look for in a fume hood or in fume hood accessories.

What Exactly Does A Fume Hood Do?

Fume hoods work to make laboratories safe from the chemical fumes and volatile vapors that may occur during daily operations within a laboratory. Fume hoods do two things. First, they work with airflow to ensure that fumes are taken out of the area and away from employees. Then fume hoods work to treat the air with filters or exhaust systems as well as disperse it if needed. Fume hoods are essential for laboratory work, especially for work with toxic chemicals that could be fatal if inhaled.

What Should I Look for in a Fume Hood?

First, the fume hood needs to comply with specific standards. There are organizations which check and certify scientific equipment for use in the labs. For example, the Scientific Equipment and Furniture Association (SEFA), certifies lab equipment for use in laboratories where potentially dangerous or toxic agents are used in experiments and research. The association has a checklist for equipment to meet certain standards. For example, a fume hood needs to have an efficient airflow system as well as an alarm that sounds if the airflow on the fume hood malfunctions.

You also need to make sure that in addition to warning alarms, your fume hood has a tempered safety glass sash and a vapor proof light. Fume hoods need to be made with strong and durable materials that are easy to clean. Be sure that the fume hood you get is also adapted to the workspace for your employees. A good fume hood manufacturer will be able to accommodate your needs as well as the safety needs of your employees.

Most people who think of desks think about a large wooden desk with pictures of kids or a spouse, with perhaps a coffee cup or a plant. However, laboratory desks or laboratory workstations are different than a regular desk would be, because of the nature of the work. If you are working in a laboratory, or you manage one, there are things you need to think about when you are designing space for a professional to work. Here are some of the items you need to consider when you are designing a workspace.

What Kind of Work Will Be Done?

Some labs have a laboratory desk that is separate from the work area, while others have laboratory workstations where all the work is done. You need to think about the kind of work that is done in the lab. The most common type of laboratories are chemical ones. Chemical labs need specialized work areas for people to experiment. If you are working with chemicals, you will need a surface that is easily cleaned and impervious to chemicals. A wood desk would not be suitable here, because chemicals can cause deterioration of the wood, or it can rot. A better surface would be phenolic resin as it can clean easily and are impervious to most chemicals. You also need to consider the type of lab work someone will be doing. Will they need a storage area right by their desk? If so, you may want to consider a workstation with shelves directly above it, where equipment is easily in reach. If you have a design lab, or an engineering lab, you may not need shelving directly above the workspace.

Chemical labs often have fume hood as well, so that fumes from chemicals escape directly into a ventilated system, and do not affect the laboratory workers. If you have fume hoods, your workstation area will be smaller than other workstations because of the size of the fume hood.

When you are designing a lab, you need to consider the size of the lab, and the space each person must work in. If you have a small, compact space for a lab, every square foot of space is important, so you will need to find a workstation or desk with lots of storage space. Whether you choose a laboratory desk or a workstation, you need to find equipment that will meet the needs of the lab, and the safety requirements as well.

Most managers who are looking for suppliers for office furniture can spend a little bit of money and get a decent product, even if it is made from particle board and plastic. However, managers that are looking for laboratory furniture know they need quality furniture for their laboratories. Because you need to be so particular, what should you look for in a lab furniture supplier? We have some suggestions.

Experience

You need to make sure that the lab furniture suppliers have experience in the manufacture of lab equipment. Lab equipment needs to be made by someone who understands the craftsmanship necessary for a good lab cabinet, for example. Also, a supplier also needs to understand that different lab needs require different lab equipment. If you oversee purchasing for a medical testing lab, your needs are different than those of an IT lab. A good supplier has the experience to know what you need and make sure that the lab equipment you buy is perfect for your setting.

If you need to buy a workstation that will be handling different kinds of liquids, you will want a case goods to handle acids and other solutions which could be dangerous. You may need a sink as part of that workstation. You may also want to look at cabinets that have different sizes of drawers as well as shelves for storage. You also need to make sure that your chemicals do not mix while they are being stored. An ordinary office supply store is not going to understand that.

Flexibility

Different laboratories have different needs. You need to find a lab furniture supplier with lots of choices for you and your lab. For example, you may have employees who like to work while they are standing, which means they need a taller table than those who prefer to sit. Some employees also have disabilities and need a lab table to suit their needs. Your employees do a lot of strenuous work, and they need a workspace to fit their needs, so you want a supplier who can accommodate the needs of your employees.

Quality of Materials

A good laboratory manufacturer knows that their equipment must be made with top-of-the-line materials, such as furniture grade steel. That is because lab equipment needs to withstand heat, cold, chemicals, and other extremes such as mold and corrosion. Only the best steel, wood, plastics, and resin should be used. When you are choosing laboratory materials, there is no room for error. Be sure your furniture equipment supplier understands what you need in your lab before you purchase.

If you are designing a new laboratory space, there are numerous decisions you must make regarding design, furniture, and function, such as new laboratory cabinets and countertops. Information about fire resistant lab cabinets will likely come up during your design research. If you are unsure if your lab needs this type of cabinetry and to learn more about flammable laboratory cabinets keep reading.

What is a flammable storage cabinet?

A flammable storage cabinet is a cabinet constructed with materials that can withstand fire and heat, usually built of steel with double walled construction. The materials inside of these cabinets are protected from the effects of the fire and to keep them from contributing to a fire. For some purposes, flammable lab cabinets are a requirement of specific building and lab safety codes.

When is a flammable storage cabinet necessary?

Fire resistant laboratory cabinets are required for storing explosives, hazardous materials, combustibles, corrosives, aerosols, pesticides, flammables, as well as other substances or chemicals that may exacerbate, cause, or become dangerous during a fire. There are specific guidelines that must be followed on flammable liquids and can be found on the OSHA website.

Fireproof lab cabinets can also be helpful for protecting important documents, proprietary formulas, and other important items, keeping them protected from fire should the unexpected occur in your laboratory.

What is the cost associated with fireproof laboratory cabinets?

The cost highly depends on the size and construction, as well as the features of the cabinet, like locking capabilities and warning labels. Moreover, your space and design are also a factor in the cost if you purchase custom-built cabinetry. Another important factor to consider is how many lab cabinets your lab will require. It is important to learn OSHA regulations to determine the minimum number of fire resistant cabinets your lab needs.

If you have any questions about flammable laboratory cabinets or need help determining if you are required to have them in your lab, contact us today.

When selecting furniture for a laboratory, there is much to consider. The use of the lab must be reviewed as well as any future changes, spending budget, etc. With laboratory furniture, one factor that continues to be of assistance is mobility. When you use furniture that can move about, it streamlines the laboratory environment, helping employees to use equipment as needed without too much hassle.

Mobile Tables

A must-add to any lab environment is mobile tables. A table that is mobile can move with the employee. An experiment or project can move about with ease, with the employee easily able to take their work or items needed for a specific project, from one side of the room to the other. Making your tools or the actual experiment mobile allows for better flow of the workday, placing everything you need at your fingertips.

Cost Effective and Adaptable

With mobile tables, a laboratory has a cost-effective and adaptable furniture solution. Think about how a mobile table can be used. When you work in a large laboratory, you must move from one area to another to complete an experiment. Perhaps you are using a fume hood and need certain tools or chemicals to continue your work. This can be time-consuming to move such items back and forth to the area of your project.

Heavy chemicals and the need for several tools can require back and forth trips to cabinets. When you have a mobile table at your disposal, you can easily place the materials on the table and move it to your workstation. This mobility of the table allows you to easily have what you need nearby, without having to stop what you are doing to gather supplies.

The tables can also be adaptable. You can use the table for your actual experiment, moving it about to access what you need, when the environment permits. The table can be used to house materials and once the workday is done, pushed to the side until you return. The table can sit in one place to provide a stable area for work and then move about as needed. Because the table is mobile, it provides additional functionality when compared to a non-mobile fixture.

Considering mobile furniture for your laboratory will provide a level of convenience that will come in handy, no matter the type of work you are involved in. Add a few pieces to your lab to see just how your employees can benefit from mobile furniture.

Contact us today to find out more about mobile furniture including table options.