Creating a Quality Lab Workstation

If you work in a laboratory daily, having the right equipment is key. If your lab is not fully stocked with the right materials, you will be unable to complete projects and experiments on time. Part of a fully functioning laboratory is having a quality lab workstation. With a proper workstation in place, you can complete day to day operations successfully.

What Should a Workstation Entail?

The type of workstation you create will need to be based on the type of lab you operate. If you are chemical based and will be conducting experiments, then your workstation will need to have a chemical resistant worksurface to handle spills or accidents. Materials such as phenolic resin, stainless steel or epoxy resin all have chemical resistant qualities.

By considering the factors you need specifically, you can create a space that makes it easier for you to complete projects and experiments, as well as stay organized and ready for your next task. A workstation should have the storage capabilities you need as well as a sturdy worksurface for your daily use.

Storage

The storage capabilities of your workstation must also be considered. Cabinetry added to your workstation will ensure the items you need are within reach. This can include storage underneath your workstation countertop with drawers and/or shelving and cabinetry mounted on the wall above the countertop to maximize your storage needs. Easily place what you require in your storage area for use when you need it.

Going Mobile

Today’s workstations can also go mobile, allowing you to move your work area to where you need it. With a mobile workstation, the tabletop and base are one piece, and you can move the unit to any place within the lab. With small wheels at the base, the unit is mobile, allowing you to move your project where you need it.

Mobile workstations provide the most flexibility in the laboratory. It saves so much time and space as you can have everything you need within your workstation and move about to fume hoods or testing areas with ease. With mobile capabilities, your workstation moves with you, allowing your daily work to be completed as quickly as possible.

Catalina Laboratory Products offers several state-of-the-art workbenches.

Types of Workbenches Available

There are several different types of workbenches: a mobile table, an island, and a modular workbench, to name a few. At Catalina Laboratory Products, we have you covered.

Mobile Tables are available in two sizes and with non-marking castors included. Both are glacier white and have a loading capacity of 1,000 pounds. Just add a top and with some minor assembly and you are on the move. Mobile tables allow you the flexibility of moving the workstation throughout your environment.

Any of the cabinets offered by Catalina Laboratory Products can become island or modular workbench configurations to suit the specific needs of a laboratory.

An Island serves as the centerpiece of a laboratory. It is accessible on both sides, can have Reagent shelving in the middle and storage and/or knee space below. Modular workbenches allow you to choose your cabinet arrangement and add to it later if necessary.

A simple but effective way to make your lab more efficient is to add storage space. Extra space to store materials, tools, and other implements removes clutter from the benches. This results in not only a smoother and more productive workflow, but also reduces the likelihood of accidents while on the job. Lab wall cabinets such as a wall cabinet with framed glass doors can be an investment that pays for itself in days. In fact, buying wall cabinets online has never been easier with CatLabPro. Our expertly crafted lab wall cabinets will not only improve your workspace but will last a lifetime and look beautiful doing so!

Simple but Effective

Many labs around the country suffer from a lack of storage space. This leads to clutter on the workbench with raw materials such as chemicals, parts, etc. right on top of their lab work. Not only does this create inefficiency, but it can also lead to workplace accidents that can create injuries. The easiest way to mitigate this to add lab wall cabinets giving lab technicians a place to reliably store chemicals and components out of the workspace but within reach. A wall cabinet with framed glass doors can also be an excellent addition to the lab because you can easily see everything located within.

Laboratory Comfort

Another bonus to adding or updating lab wall cabinets is that they will improve comfort. By removing clutter from the benches and workspaces it will put yours and your employee’s minds at ease. It is well known that clutter can affect one’s mind in negative ways and by cleaning up the workspace, it can improve happiness thus improving efficiency. In addition, lab wall cabinets can improve the look of your lab immediately. A clean and well-organized lab will give the impression of reliability and trustworthiness. This will put visitor’s and the employee’s minds at ease and make them feel more comfortable from the get-go.

High-Quality Lab Furniture

When looking to purchase wall cabinets online check out CatLabPro for all your lab wall cabinet needs. We offer the highest quality lab furniture available on the market for the best price. Our goal is to bring you excellent and reliable casework for your lab so that you can do what you do best, lab work. Contact us to find out how we can help upgrade your workspace today!

Lab Testing: The Importance of Organization

When operating within a laboratory setting, every aspect of the space must be considered. From the cabinets and containers to the testing supplies and instruments, each component must be evaluated so that every test is completed accurately. When a laboratory space is not organized properly, testing can fail, which can result in a bad reputation within your lab.

Organized Space

When building a lab space, every aspect must be organized. This is done as a safety precaution as well as to have everything you need on hand and in its rightful place. To help with organization, cabinets and carts should be installed in the space. You want to have a set area for everything you use, from testing materials and chemicals to aprons, goggles, and other safety gear. When you have an organized space, every person in the lab knows where items are and can easily find what they are looking for.

An organized environment also makes it easy for lab techs to be able to know when supplies need to be reordered. There is nothing more frustrating than when a tech begins an experiment or test only to find out that something is missing and needs to be ordered. This can cause the process to start all over, wasting precious time and resources.

Start Fresh

If you find that your lab is lacking in the organization as well as storage solutions, it is time to create a fresh start. Look at your lab and figure out how you can benefit from the addition of more cabinets or other storage items. Adding more storage solutions or reconfiguring your existing storage will help you to organize your lab in a way that will be more useful as well as helping your team to be productive.
For more information on laboratory equipment including storage solutions, contact us today. We can provide options that will work in your lab for better organization and more streamlined processes.

Material Options for Lab Casework

When you oversee a laboratory that is in the market for new casework, you will soon find there are several options of materials that can be used for the cabinet construction. There are affordable options as well as high-end upgrades, each offering certain features that are beneficial to different lab types. Certain factors need to be considered when deciding on the material type for casework, from the temperature resistance to being nonabsorbent, etc. Learn more about lab casework types below to determine which material will work best for you.

Steel

A popular material type for lab casework is steel. This material type offers high performance and is slightly more expensive when compared to other materials. Steel is durable, customizable, versatile, easy to clean and looks great. However, installation might be too expensive for some labs. Despite the cost, steel is often looked at as an investment for casework as the material will last for many years providing a strong and lasting option for any type of lab.

Steel that has been coated with epoxy is easy to sterilize, not affected by most chemicals and can be decontaminated when working with materials that are radioactive or infectious.

Wooden Casework

Another option for casework is wood. The look of wood creates a craftsmanship feel to the workspace. Cabinetry for your casework can be constructed from high-quality wood materials, providing durability as well as structural integrity. Wood is a great material choice for laboratories that do not require maximum chemical resistance or premium durability.

While wood is a durable option, there will be chemicals that you may use during experiments or projects that spillage would damage the wood’s surface. The type of chemicals or substances you will be using should be considered when determining if wood remains a good material choice for your casework needs. Investing in wood casework only to see the material damaged is a waste of time and money.

Once you have decided on the material choice, you can then move on to customizing your space. Casework can be arranged to provide more storage space for better organization in the laboratory. Whatever your lab needs, casework can be configured to a layout that will work best. When it comes to lab casework, explore the many options available to you. Compare the pros and cons so that you can make the right decision, installing new casework that will be beneficial to the day-to-day operations of your lab.

Lab cabinets and countertops ensure that your workspace is durable as well as functional for your laboratory. Depending on your needs, we have the perfect workspace solutions for you. We know it is important to find lab equipment suitable for your needs and those of your staff. Our metal lab cabinets and other products are made to ensure your employees can work safely. We have cabinets to meet every type of laboratory need.

Benefits of Metal Cabinets

There are several benefits to metal cabinetry. When you have a laboratory, you cannot afford to scrimp on particleboard. Some of the best cabinets on the market are made of metal because it allows you to thoroughly clean and sanitize your lab, which is crucial if your lab needs to be a sterile environment. You also want durable cabinets that can resist everyday wear and tear without chipping or fading. Metal also resists penetration by chemicals, moisture, and heat, which is important because laboratories should not be contaminated by mold, bacteria or liquids.

One of the best aspects of Catalina Laboratory Products is the variety we offer. We have cabinets that allow work to be done while standing. If you have employees that prefer to sit, there are cabinets for that as well. What if you have an employee who is disabled and uses a wheelchair? No problem, there are cabinets that are Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compatible. We also have large wall cabinets and some with sink space to keep your area clean between jobs.

Variety of Cabinet Styles and Sizes

Larger cabinets may be necessary for lab work, especially when your lab handles large quantities of materials during a day. We offer tall cabinets with glass panels so that your employees can see all the materials stored while they are working.
The cabinets styles are available in different sizes and configurations. You may need a small cabinet and countertop for a tight space. We also have wide workbenches for people who need to stretch out their work. Drawers also make it easy to store extra items you need for lab work, such as pipettes or extra notepads to record observations.

Countertops

Our countertops are made of phenolic resin, which is cost friendly, durable, green and chemical resistant. Why not contact us today, and let us help you find the perfect workspace for your lab?

In the scientific community, laboratory cabinets play a crucial role. That is because in science, study involves putting theories to the test. Demonstration is needed to prove a point via practical experiments. Lab cabinets are used to house the materials needed to complete experiments and are therefore vital to the needs of the lab. Having the right laboratory furnishings is key to success. Learning more about the importance of cabinetry, as well as the types of materials and features to look for, is helpful in determining the kind of furniture to add to your workspace. Laboratories require a wide range of equipment and materials, and the right cabinetry is crucial to organizing and accessing this.

Mobile or Stationary?

One big question to ask yourself is if you need mobile or stationary cabinets. In most laboratory design, scientists can benefit from both types of lab cabinets. Mobile cabinets have wheels so they can be moved within the lab or even to other laboratories. With movement, you have more flexibility. You can move the cabinet to any space, which is helpful when completing experiments. It is recommended that a laboratory have one to two mobile units, at minimum, to be able to move about the lab freely with components as needed.

Stationary cabinets will always be part of a laboratory. Within the stationary cabinets, materials used on a regular basis can be stored. This can include beakers and test tubes, various chemicals, and other everyday items. When a cabinet is stationary, you can provide proper storage and an organized workspace within the laboratory environment. By storing items in the same place, you will know when inventory is low and can order accordingly, which is important for lab personnel.

The common types of lab cabinets, both mobile and stationary, are crucial to the success of scientific experimentation and research.

Types of Cabinet Materials

Laboratory cabinetry comes in a variety of materials, with something offered for every lab type. The type of experiments you complete will dictate the type of cabinet material you choose for the lab.

One option is metal lab cabinets, such as stainless steel. These cabinets are durable and efficient for laboratories that require chemical resistance. Cabinetry of this type can be stationary or mobile and the metal can easily be cleaned and holds up to certain types of spills. Stainless steel is a common choice for its ability to withstand exposure to a variety of chemicals.

Another option is wood cabinetry. In a laboratory setting, the cabinetry is usually created from birch or oak, even high-grade plywood. Wood cabinetry can stand the test of time, providing a sturdy and durable base for your storage needs.

Plastic laminate is another useful material for a laboratory setting. This material comes in several colors and sometimes patterns to create an interesting visual look in the laboratory space. The laminate is durable and can withstand certain chemicals and testing materials however has a relatively short lifespan compared to other options.

When it comes to corrosive or wet lab environments, phenolic resin cabinets work best. This material is highly durable and is used often by labs looking for a custom configuration that can stand up to risks and exposure.

Choosing the right cabinetry for your lab is essential to a smooth workday and a safe working environment. Several factors must be considered, including the material type, how it will withstand certain chemicals and experiments, and your storage solution needs. Proper maintenance is also key to ensuring laboratory personnel can access the supplies they need.By learning more about your options, you can create a scientific workspace that meets your day-to-day work needs without any issue. The right cabinetry can play a pivotal role in the organization and efficiency of your laboratory. Contact us today for assistance in choosing the right cabinetry for your lab!

Frequently Asked Questions

Benjamin Franklin once said, ‘a place for everything, everything in its place’. This quote has been used and reused time and time again and it plays a vital role in lab efficiency. Without proper organization and everything in the lab having its own place, the space can quickly become disorganized. Experiments can fall behind, and employees become frustrated as they cannot find the materials needed in a timely manner. Having the right organization in place helps to ensure success.

Assigning Responsibilities

One way a lab fails to succeed is with having the right products and maintaining the space effectively. Every lab should have dedicated assignments for each person to be responsible for. One might be responsible for reordering beakers and tubes while another oversees ordering chemicals. This way, there is one individual that is responsible and can be held accountable when things begin to become unorganized.

Organized Cabinetry

The type of lab you have will dictate what needs to be ordered and how the items need to be organized. Cabinetry is commonly placed in lab settings, both on the wall and floor, to house materials. There needs to be designated areas for the various materials, with each employee trained as to where items go. Labeling each area can be beneficial and training employees to clean up and put items away, where they belong, can assist in the organization process.

Mobile Units

When conducting experiments in the lab, it can be beneficial to be mobile. With the contents needed for a project in one place, it allows the laboratory to remain organized and uncluttered. You will not have chemicals spread about, as all items can be placed on the mobile carts. This helps to cut back on the mess in the lab as well as provide mobility for the project. Overall, having the right organization plan in place, assigning individual responsibilities and ensure the lab is maintained and organized at the end of the day, will help to create a successful workspace. When considering organization materials for your lab, contact our office to learn more about your options.

Fume hoods help to reduce exposure to hazardous or toxic fumes, vapors, or dusts.  They protect the laboratory environment as well as the workers when used for laboratory safety. Navigating the types of fume hoods can be confusing and tricky when trying to find the one that is perfect for your application. Ducted fume hoods, ductless fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, and vented balance safety enclosures all have their advantages and disadvantages when considering the laboratory. Read on to find out more about different types and how they can help you.

How to Choose a Fume Hood

The best place to start when choosing a fume hood is to establish whether you are protecting staff, products, or both. If the goal is to protect the products, then you will likely need a biosafety cabinet. If the goal is to protect staff from the chemicals used, then fume extractor or ducted/ductless chemical hood will be needed. If using a powder, a fume extractor or vented balance safety enclosure is recommended.

Biosafety Cabinets

These protect the user while allowing the handling of delicate substances. These can be HEPA filtered enclosures or ducted to the outside. They can be used to manipulate hazardous, but sensitive biological materials.

Ducted Fume Hoods

Especially useful when dealing with chemically dangerous fumes by providing ventilation to the outside. These are particularly useful when user protection is paramount. The “by-pass” air flow design permits steady airflows within the fume hoodfor a variety of sash positions. Low airflow designs maximize energy efficiency while still protecting the user.

Ductless Fume Hoods

These are employed in facilities where outside ventilation is not an option. They pass air that has been contaminated through filters before returning it into the room. They can remove biological hazards and a large proportion of particulates. Additionally, they can reduce airborne chemicals to safe levels to be following monitoring protocols.

Vented Balance Enclosures

These enclosures are used in pharmaceutical, chemical, biological, and toxicological laboratories to provide maximum containment for weighing operations or powder transfer. They can be filtered or ducted, and they protect the operator by containing the particulates from the powders or substances they are working.

Conclusions

Considering the needs of your laboratory can help to narrow down what types of fume hoods would work best for your application. When looking for fume hoods or laboratory fume hood accessories be sure to contact us. We offer laboratory equipment with industry-leading quality at a reasonable price. Reach out today to find out how we can help with all your lab needs!

A fume hood is a unit that is used to promote safety in the laboratory. Professionals in various industries use a fume hood to complete a task that involves hazardous materials to stay safe. It is important to have quality fume hoods installed in your lab when materials need to be handled that can be dangerous. Providing quality training must also be included so that users know the best practices to remain safe during operation.

Understanding Standard Guidelines

When using a fume hood, there are guidelines that must be followed. The exhaust must be operating properly. The unit will have a special ventilation system that will exhaust any hazardous vapors and fumes from the laboratory. The baffles of the unit need to be checked often to ensure that they are not obstructed.

Certain fume hoods have an airflow monitor and this needs to be checked to ensure that the system is functioning properly. If any changes are found, the work needs to be stopped so that the airflow can be checked to ensure safety.

When using a benchtop fume hood, the user needs to keep the face outside of the system. The sash is a barrier that provides protection. Only the hands should cross the sash and be placed inside the fume hood.

It is recommended that the user should stay at least six inches from the fume hood face. Protective gear should also be used to ensure safety. This can include goggles, gloves, and a face shield. The type of testing or experiment you are conducting will determine the type of gear needed.

Installing Fume Hoods

If you are setting up a laboratory, the installation process of a fume hood is essential to the success and safety of the lab. The hood needs to be of good quality, able to provide personal protection for the user during chemistry applications that involve fumes and vapors. Hoods can be installed that have a built-in blower or a remotely located blower, depending on your lab needs.

Fume hoods can be installed that offer additional safety measures such as fire and corrosion resistance. Units with fiberglass reinforced polyester can provide resistance to fire and corrosion which helps to protect the facility as well as the user.

It is imperative to have a qualified mechanical contractor set up and test the fume hood. It is also important to consistently run safety tests to ensure the proper working conditions of the hood. When a fume hood is installed properly it will provide protection, but the level of protection will be limited, properly trained staff will add a layer as well. If you need fume hoods for your laboratory, we can help. Contact us today to learn more about the fume hood types we carry and how they can effectively assist in the safety of your space.