Maintaining effective laboratory workstations is vital to not only personal convenience but efficiency as well. Through the years, lab furniture manufacturers have fine-tuned designs to increase ergonomic comfort. Understanding the various options available, allows one to create a workspace that meets professional and individual needs.
There are four positive features that can change the laboratory working environment: durability, versatility, utilities, and safety. A combination of these components can help create the ideal system.
Durability
One excellent way to increase laboratory workstation durability is by using quality lab case goods. These workbenches should be resistant to typical chemicals that are commonly found in labs since it is not unusual for potentially harmful substances to spill or leak.
Versatility
Installing a strong fume hood is an effective way to make a laboratory workstation more versatile. Fume hoods are vital for ensuring labs contain breathable, fresh air. Additionally, they also help in venting out potentially toxic fumes that can be damaging to human health.
Safety
Safety in the laboratory cannot be exaggerated enough. Some valuable variables to consider would be the number of laboratory technicians working at the same time, the overall design of the room, and space for circulation. In addition to the design and flow of the space, emergency showers and eye washes should be considered as well as the availability and storage of Personal Protective Equipment.
Some items to increase safety include:
- Face masks
- Gloves
- Eye protection goggles
- Robes
Utilities
Laboratory workstations and workbenches can benefit extensively from numerous utilities. These tools for completing standard operating processes allow for increased levels of effectiveness and efficiency. Moreover, they can aid lab technicians in meeting government and/or industry regulations and standards.
Some of these beneficial utilities include glassware like fluid containers, beakers, and Petri dishes. Drying racks for the glassware should be placed above sinks, which are also an essential utility. In some cases, having abnormally deep sinks can be helpful when cleaning large objects is required for certain tasks.
If you are in the market for new laboratory furniture, contact us today to make the process easier.
If you own a lab, then you know that cleanliness and the ability to sterilize with ease is important. You do several important tasks in the lab, and due to this, it is crucial that you have the necessary furniture that not only makes it possible but gives you enough space to comfortably work. This can only be done with the ideal furniture for the space.
Whether or not your lab requires new lab furniture depends on a few specifics of the space and what you are currently using within the space. Here are some points to consider if you are unsure of whether your lab needs new furniture.
Signs Your Facility Needs New Lab Furniture
When you notice any of these signs in your space, it might be time to make the switch to something newer, better, larger, or just something that fits in with the needs that you have.
- You find that you do not have enough space to do the work that needs to be done, as this can cause you to look for further counter space to do the work on.
- The furniture you are currently using is not up to standards for the quality control in the space, as some spaces require more quality control and sterilization than others, which is huge in any lab facility.
- You notice that your lab does not have enough counter space to work on, or it might be cluttered, and you want to remove the clutter from the space that you are working on.
- You currently do not have any lab furniture and you are working on broken down pieces or even smaller tabletops that you found around the area, and you need to upgrade and give yourself space to work.
- The space is new, and it needs to be outfitted with the perfect pieces of furniture.
- Your facility manager or boss lets everyone know that they are going to replace the furniture.
- The furniture that you are currently using is breaking down and you need to consider new lab furniture that can provide better appeal and longevity in the space and suits your needs.
Whether you want new furniture or think your lab space needs it, it is important to have the best pieces of furniture to work on. This is important for everyone that wants to replace the furniture within their lab, school, office, or more. The furniture you do your work on is sturdy and durable allowing you to complete your work with ease. Shop today and outfit your lab with the furniture you need to make work go smoothly. For more information about lab furniture, contact us today.
It has often been said that a messy work bench is a clear sign that a scientist is at work. While this is a true statement, it is more beneficial to learn how to have a smart work bench, one that is organized and laid out properly. The workday will be more enjoyable and less prone to errors, as you will have an organized area in which to complete your daily tasks. It takes time and energy, but once you figure out how to create a work bench that functions smartly, you will find the day runs smoother than ever before!
Starting Tips
Chen Guttman, writing for the GradHacker, emphasizes the importance of working cleanly. To begin, it is important to set up your work bench in the right manner. This will include keeping the tools on the side of the bench where your dominant hand rests. This creates easy access. So, if you are left-handed, choose the left side for your tools.
Add a trash bin to this area of your workspace so you can easily throw away items when done. From paperwork to other items, having a small bin nearby cuts down on trash clutter as you can throw items away as soon as you do not need them anymore.
In the work area, place any common solutions you need on the opposite side of the bench of your dominant hand. This places the materials nearby but not in the way. Devices that you do not use frequently can be placed on shelves or nearby.
When using a notebook or computer for notes, keep it as far from the active work area as possible. You do not want to spill anything that would damage your work. Have scissors on hand as well as labeling tape and other materials so you can easily label your items. Such organization is beneficial to the day-to-day operations of your lab.
These are just a few tips to get you started with a smart work bench. Contact us today to learn more about quality products to better organize your lab space.
If you work in a lab, you know how vital it is to have the right equipment. After all, how can you finish anything on time if you do not have the proper materials? One of the most important things you need to have in your laboratory is one or more laboratory workstations. What can you possibly do without somewhere to place your equipment? Here at Catalina Laboratory Products, we specialize in high quality and affordable lab furniture and workstations. We believe that quality products should not be reserved for the most well-funded labs, so our catalog is full of premium furniture at an affordable price. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you are choosing your lab workstation.
What Material Should I Choose?
The kind of workstation you decide on will obviously be based on the kind of lab that you are running. A chemical lab, for example, will require something with a solid surface that can hold up to spillage from your experiments. Something like a phenolic resin workstation would do the trick. It is important that your work surface be able to survive contact with your work, after all. At CatLabPro, we are proud to provide laboratory grade black resin work surfaces from Fundermax.
What About Storage?
Storage is also an important aspect of a workstation that must be considered. That includes both cabinets and storage space as well as the actual size of the counter. When it comes to storing materials and equipment, our workstations come with cabinets and drawers. How much storage space you need will depend on the kind of equipment that you are using for your lab. We can work with you to figure out just how much storage space you will need.
Mobility
Now that you have figured out the basics, mobility is another thing to think about. Mobile workstations allow you to wheel your station around the lab as needed. This can save a ton of time and space, as you are moving your projects to fume hoods or testing areas whenever you want. With a mobile workstation, your work goes wherever you do – the perfect solution for today’s busy scientist.
Cabinet Organization: Why Your Lab Needs Variety
Whether you are setting up a brand-new lab space or remodeling an existing lab, cabinetry plays a vital role. Laboratories need quality cabinetry in place to house materials and tools used daily as well as chemicals and components that might be needed in the future. Having a variety of cabinetry in the space allows you to set up your lab for success. Learn more about cabinet options below and how you can integrate varying types to ensure your lab is ready to function effectively.
Cabinets with Built-in Filing Systems
One area that is often overlooked in a lab is paperwork. When you are working on an experiment, you need to take notes and have paperwork that is used daily. By installing cabinetry with built-in filing systems, you can easily keep your notes in one place in the lab. Many scientists opt to have their notes and papers either strewn about or in their office. This creates a time loss as you must find what you need to get started instead of having your paperwork neatly filed away in the same area as your experiment.
Wall Storage
Often, a laboratory will have base cabinet storage where items such as chemicals, beakers, test tubes, etc. are stored. However, the upper wall space is ignored. By adding in wall cabinets, your laboratory will have even more space that can be used to store items as well as materials. Wall cabinets can be small or quite large, depending on the amount of space you have. This provides you with storage space that does not take up square footage because you are going up rather than using floor space.
Glass Panel Cabinets
Knowing what you have in a lab is important. With glass panel cabinets, you can easily see what items you are storing. In the lab, you are always busy. You may easily forget to reorder items when you have closed door storage. With glass front panels, the items you use the most are front and center. Easily see what you are running low on so that you can keep the lab stocked and ready for the workday.
Overall, these are only a small example of cabinet options you can use in your laboratory. Consider what types of items you will be storing and how you wish your lab to appear visually as well as function. This will help you to determine which cabinet types will work best for your space.
Contact us today to find out more about cabinet options, reviewing the best selections for your laboratory needs.
Laboratories are not all identical. There are some with basic requirements, chemical requirements, or clean room requirements. Still, there are some labs that require microbial protection or sterilization processes for the work they do. Specialized laboratory furniture is required for these labs. In these laboratory environments, steel lab wall cabinets and furniture are the “must have” option. The reason this material is considered a go-to choice for these labs is the unique properties it provides making it the perfect fit.
Top Benefits of steel Include:
Fungal and Bacterial Resistance
Steel lab wall and base cabinets have a non-porous surface, which means that no fungus, mold, bacteria, or liquids can penetrate it. There is nowhere for fungi, bacteria, and dirt to hide. When practicing regular routine sanitation processes, there is a significant reduction in the risk of cross-contamination or germs spreading.
Chemical Resistance
There is a significant chemical resistance with powder coated steel. Most solvents, organic chemicals, biological stains, and salts are never an issue. Also, there are no issues with some bases and acids as well. It is not recommended to use a few harsh bases (sodium hydroxide) and acids (acetic acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid) with powder coated steel.
Moisture Resistance
Steel lab wall and base cabinets are made of low carbon steel which consists of iron ore and coal. Moisture is never an issue with low carbon steel because a rust-preventative oil is introduced in the manufacturing process. What this means is that this material is perfect for wet labs, as well as strong liquid-based sterilization processes.
Heat Resistance
Cabinets created with steel are heat resistant as well. In fact, steel cabinets can withstand temperatures of up to 750 degrees Fahrenheit. Although prolonged high temperatures will cause discoloration, fatigue and loss of surface strength. What this means is that labs using open flames, like Bunsen burners, are an ideal place for steel cabinetry.
Durability
Steel lab wall and base cabinets have a powder coated finish which provides a layer of durability to the steel cabinets. This finish provides for a level of chemical resistance, impact resistance, heat resistance, and moisture resistance. In most labs, there is typically much movement of equipment and tools. While this material can be dented with significant impact, puncturing it is extremely difficult. You can count on its aesthetic beauty to remain for a long period of time.
Laboratory furniture and equipment are major investments, so it is important to learn what product is best for your specific lab application. By making the right choice, your lab wall and base cabinets will be durable, functional, and last for many years to come. Contact us to learn how we can help you find the perfect lab furniture for your space.
High-quality lab furniture is necessary for an efficient workspace. It is imperative to ensure that this furniture is constructed with durability and long-lasting inclinations in mind since high-quality lab furniture is a large upfront investment. When searching for quality laboratory furniture, you always want to choose a furniture manufacturer who is known for creating quality equipment and who also places quality materials and craftsmanship as a priority.
Not only will investing in skillful lab furniture manufacturers with an excellent reputation ensure the longevity of the laboratory furniture but your bank account will thank you too. A reputable manufacturer employs well-established processes for manufacturing premium products and uses only materials that are of the highest in quality. For that reason, well-known manufacturers add value to your workplace with their quality equipment and innovative designs.
Laboratories in various industries require different types of furniture, that demands that the lab furniture manufacturer is experienced and versatile in manufacturing all forms and styles of industrial laboratory accessories and equipment. Some industrial furniture that is in high demand in labs include:
- Chemical Cabinets
- General Storage Cabinets
- Tables
- Cabinets Featuring Drawers
- Chemical Fume Hoods
- Laboratory Workstations
- Carts
Selecting the right furniture manufacture or distributor as well as furniture includes considering different factors that influence the performance and functionality of the lab furniture. Consider the following points to lead you through the buying process of your next high-quality laboratory furniture:
Comfort in the Workplace
Furniture for labs is more advanced than the traditional pieces. Laboratory furniture features several attributes that enable comfort and functionality. Some workbenches and cabinets are manufactured to support demanding and heavier loads. Cabinets used in the lab should have the capability of storing items to prevent contamination and keep them safe. The furniture should be made in a way that enhances overall productivity and promotes comfort in the workplace.
Manufacturing Materials
The quality and functionality of the furniture are affected by the materials used to create the pieces as well as the design of the construction. Furniture grade metal and wood are popular choices of manufacturing materials for various pieces of lab furniture. Metal is a common manufacturing material used for the equipment used in chemical or pharmaceutical laboratories. Likewise, for highly acidic environments, manufacturers use Polypropylene to make the furniture.
High-Durability of Lab Furniture
Laboratory and industrial furniture are typically durable, meaning they have a very long lifespan. This, however, is dependent upon the creation of the furniture as well as the quality of material that was used. Laboratory furniture demands that it be constructed in such a way that they can withstand the toughest of working conditions and last longer in the experimental environment of the industrial space. Also, these types of furniture must have the ability to withstand the fluctuations in temperature and significant exposure to harsh chemicals. To learn more about the purchasing process of lab furniture, contact us today!
Running a lab is difficult. Running a lab without the proper equipment is even more difficult. When setting up a lab, it is important to think about the equipment you invest in. Investing in the right lab furniture allows you to handle any task with ease and comfort. Having quality lab furniture can be the difference between a breakthrough and a disaster. Investing in specialized lab gear can also increase productivity and safety. Catalina Laboratory Products have listed some crucial elements to look for when looking for a reliable lab furniture supplier.
What Makes a Reliable Lab Furniture Supplier?
As a person looking for lab furniture, you are probably looking for quality furniture and equipment first and foremost. But how do you know the difference between furniture that is built to last and furniture that will break down after a few uses? There is a lot of lab furniture manufacturers to choose from after all. However, there is no need to worry.
The first thing you need to make sure of when looking for lab furniture is whether the manufacturer puts quality above all else. Quality lab furniture can make or break a project. Quality lab furniture always focuses on building materials first. Look for furniture that is welded—not glued, stapled, or nailed. Welded furniture means you are getting a piece of furniture that is made of durable metal rather than materials like particle board and laminated surfaces. Metal can take a lot more abuse than these materials so your furniture will last throughout the years. Metal furniture, in turn, is a better area to spend more on because it will save you costs in the future.
Next, you will want to look for lab furniture suppliers that have ADA compliant lab furniture. Not everyone in your lab will be able to work efficiently and effectively without furniture that can support their needs. Many manufacturers forget that some people may need more accessible furniture to get the job done. Manufactures carrying ADA compliant furniture are more likely to have an eye for detail. This attention to detail means you will get better quality furniture and be able to meet the needs of everyone in your lab.
Where to Find a Well-built and ADA Compliant Furniture
Catalina Laboratory Products offers full metal cabinet construction as well as ADA compliant lab furniture for any project you have. Whether you are looking to build a lab from scratch or add to your existing furniture, we can help you. We not only provide quality furniture and equipment, but also believe in getting your furniture to you quickly at a reasonable cost. Come visit us or contact us if you are interested in getting quality lab furniture.
The significance of laboratory fume hood safety cannot be minimized. And, when it comes to protecting those who work with volatile or toxic compounds and chemicals, enough cannot be said about following fume hood safety guidelines.
In this article, we observe why accidents happen, steps to take when one does occur, and ways to prevent an accident from happening:
Reasons Accidents Happen
If you search laboratory accidents concerning fume hoods, the results will show that they generally happen for one of the following five reasons:
- Insufficient supervision
- Inadequate training
- Improper safety procedures
- Lack of proper safety equipment
- Safety procedures were not followed
Seldomly, there is a problem with the laboratory fume hood, but this is uncommon.
Serious injury or even death can happen in labs where chemicals are involved.
Steps to Take in an Accident
Step 1 – Respond to Laboratory Accident
First and foremost, it is crucial to take all measures to protect individuals working in the laboratory…contain any spills, put out any fires, attend to the injured, if necessary, evacuate the area, and contact emergency services.
Step 2 – Study the Reason of the Laboratory Accident
It is important to study the accident as soon as possible. This helps to prevent the loss of important information and possible witnesses forgetting vital details. It is imperative to study whether equipment worked properly, if safety measures were followed, and what aspects may have played a role in the accident.
Step 3 – Prepare Root Cause Analysis
A root cause analysis is a procedure utilized to determine the primary source of a problem. When it comes to laboratory accidents, the procedure would include:
Determining Possible Causes of Accident
Questions to ask would include:
What circumstances let the accident to occur? For instance…Not following practices
What series of events led to the laboratory accident? For instance…Step by step activity
What elements co-existed that could have added to the accident? For instance…Improper training
Determining the Root Cause
Begin with the informal elements above and through trial and error, identify which elements where the actual root cause of the lab accident.
Determining Communication Challenges
Discover how the accident might have been prevented from happening with better communication…safety procedures communication, improved training, as well as feedback from the fume hood manufacturer.
Prioritizing Communication Challenges
Communication challenges which made the most impact on the fume hood accident must be addressed first.
Following the completion of the root cause analysis, it is crucial that the information is reported to the individuals who are responsible for the safety of those who work in the lab.
Step 4 – Remedy the Problem
After determining the reason for the accident, measures must be utilized to improve safety in the lab and to prevent similar accidents from occurring again. To ensure that the same issues that resulted in the accident will be fixed, a plan of action must be created.
Step 5 – Test Any and All-New Measures All new safety measures that have been put in place must be monitored and tested to determine that they are successful safety measures that should be implemented in order to avoid the lab accident again.
Your research company is considering building a new lab across town, so you turn to Google to find a manufacturer or distributor who can provide your lab casework. As you begin your search, you realize that there are numerous places to purchase from. Therefore, how do you know which is the best?
Consider the following before making your choice:
Quality of Product
For most research companies, furnishing their laboratory is a long-term investment. Generally, lab casework, workbenches, countertops, fume hoods, and other equipment must last for more than 15 years.
The only way to receive this long lifespan is to purchase quality furniture products, especially when it is in a high-use area.
How can you ensure that your manufacturer or distributor is offering quality made products?
First, it is significant to ask the lab manufacturer about the standards they are implementing. For example, in terms of metal lab casework – paint process, gauge of steel, type of hinges, and construction methods. In terms of wood casework – type of hinges, types of wood, and finish.
Second, determine if you can view the product onsite at one of their nearby existing customers. This is an excellent way to inspect the quality and to see how well it is holding up. This also provides you with a chance to speak with a customer regarding how they like their product.
Customer Service
Some companies prefer to send their unique specifications directly to the manufacturer or distributor for a quote. If your project is straightforward and simple, this works great. It is beneficial to utilize your furniture manufacture or distributor as a resource if you are building your lab from the ground up to ensure every detail is considered in the design process – which lab countertop material to use, cabinetry that fits, what utilities are required, etc.
Customization
All labs are different. In some cases, a lab requires a solution that mass-produced pieces of lab furniture will not remedy. Quality manufacturers have the technology as well as the ability to create custom products at affordable prices. This includes custom paint colors, custom sizes, unique design features, or special materials.
Before placing your order, it is important to discuss with your manufacturer or distributor if they have capabilities to your meet custom requirements.
Shipping
Most companies are unaware of the importance of asking how the product is shipped. If the manufacturer is using a trucking company they regularly use or if they use their own truck, more care is usually taken.
Common carriers are frequently used when products are shipped across the country or to a different state. When your entire order is too small to fill an entire truck, products from other companies fill the empty space. In these situations, it is very important that the furniture manufacturer packages product to keep it properly protected on the truck.
Be sure to always ask how the manufacturer or distributor how its products are packaged. It is vital to do your research prior to selecting the lab casework manufacturer for your next project. To learn more about things to consider contact us today.