Laboratory Furniture
Laboratory furniture is a somewhat broad category of furniture designed specifically to support laboratory workers and aid in the work they conduct. Furniture ranges from workbenches and worktables to shelves and cabinets. Laboratory furniture, per the nature of many of the applications they assist, are typically made to withstand hazards like chemicals, extremely high and low temperatures, pressure, simulated weather conditions, and anything else lab technicians can throw at them.
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Applications of Laboratory Furniture
The types of laboratory furniture are as diverse as the applications they serve. Examples of specialized lab furniture include forensic cabinets, apparel dispensers, chemical cabinets, and benches. Forensic cabinets are typically used to store samples and evidence by forensic investigators. They maintain the contents in customized chambers in their original condition through the utilization of electricity, induced special conditions, or even added-on specialized rain or ventilation systems. Next, apparel dispensers are used to hold special clothing items that lab technicians sometimes need to put on prior to entering the space. Usually, apparel like this, which includes gloves, coats, masks, shoe covers, and the like, is used either to keep contaminants out or to protect worker from contaminants within. Chemical cabinets are furniture designed to hold any different corrosive, volatile, or otherwise dangerous chemicals that could degrade or cause harm to people or surfaces if spilled or improperly contained. They can be configured in a number of ways; for example, they can act as one large container, or they can have rows that organize and securely hold different chemicals.
Along with these pieces of specialized laboratory furniture are more general pieces, such as drawers, stools, and carts. In order to prevent overly-dire consequences of a spill or leak, these pieces of furniture are usually corrosion-resistant. Drawers in particular, a type of cabinet, are also sometimes made to withstand vibration and shock. Usually, they hold equipment needed during experiments, such as goggles, test tube racks, and bunsen burners. For convenience, drawers are often installed underneath lab tables or benches. Stools and carts alike are made in a way that makes them less likely to topple or spill their contents. Stools, for example, are made without armrests so as it prevent a the sleeve or jacket of a scientist from getting caught.
Laboratory Furniture Design and Customization
Laboratory benches are an essential type of lab furniture upon which a wide range of experiments may be conducted. They can be made to withstand a variety of situations. This measure prevents them from unplanned reactions and accidental chemical spills. In addition, laboratory furniture can be built to withstand the damage of natural and man-made elements, such as salt spray, humidity, and moisture. To this end, laboratory furniture can be built with lab-appropriate surface materials, such as epoxy resin, chemical resistant plastic laminate, and phenolic resin.
In addition to the previously mentioned general pieces, another type of furniture that sometimes falls under the laboratory furniture umbrella is cleanroom furniture, which can be coated with high-pressure, postforming horizontal grade laminate and/or be built to withstand the damage of natural and man-made elements, such as salt spray, humidity and moisture, pressure, vibration, extreme temperature changes, and chemical spills.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing Laboratory Furniture
It is incredibly important that laboratory furniture be chosen with care, as accidents stemming from poorly chosen pieces could lead to compromised results, building damage, or injury. To ensure accuracy and worker safety, consult closely with a lab furniture maker and communicate your requirements and specifications clearly. Also, make sure the manufacturer is familiar with any and all industry standards that may be associated with your application. Customers, for instance, would be wise to speak with manufacturers about certain certifications for their laboratory furniture, such as those awarded by ISO (International Standards Organization), UL (Underwriters Laboratories), ANSI (American National Standards Institute), and BIFMA (Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer’s Association). Clients and manufacturers who communicate well are bound to have a better relationship. Given all the important information, manufacturers will be able to assess the situation and decide what types of furniture are right for a customer’s application, along with what customizations and/or coatings his or her laboratory furniture might need. The best and most knowledgeable industrial/laboratory furniture manufacturers and suppliers can be found right here at IQS Directory. For superior consultations, customer service, lead times and laboratory furniture, reach out to one or more of them today with your specifications.
More Laboratory Furniture Information
Laboratory Furniture Informational Video