By Madsen Lake
Laboratory tables and cabinets are indispensable components of a well-equipped laboratory. They offer a range of benefits that enhance safety, efficiency, and productivity. Key features and benefits of lab tables and cabinets range from chemical resistance and storage solutions to promoting ergonomic practices and safeguarding sensitive equipment. A deeper understanding of their impact can help significantly enhance laboratory operations.
Navigating the Alphabet Soup
There’s National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), International Building Code (IBC), and American National Standards Institute (ANSI). And there’s NFPA 30, NFPA 45, 29 CFR 1910.106, 29 CFR 1910.1450 and ANSI/AIHA Z9.5. How does one understand them to make decisions about choosing furniture, like tables and metal lab cabinets?
To an outsider, ANSI/AIHA Z9.5 (governing Laboratory Ventilation) may seem irrelevant when choosing lab furniture. However, Lab design and layout planning specialists must consider its relevance on design and installation of laboratory furniture, such as lab cabinets and tables, to ensure proper airflow and containment.
Operational Impact of Cabinets and Tables
As a laboratory designer or operator, the choice of specific lab furniture components impacts the operational efficiency of the lab.
SAFETY:
One operational dimension is enhanced safety. Safety is of paramount importance in laboratory settings, as researchers handle potentially hazardous materials and perform experiments with varying degrees of risk. Laboratory tables and cabinets contribute significantly to ensuring a safe working environment.
Ideally, you should choose tables constructed with materials that exhibit excellent resistance to chemicals. This quality helps prevent chemical spills or splashes from damaging the surface or seeping into the table structure, minimizing the potential for accidents or contamination. One example might be heavy-duty adjustable height lab tables with phenolic resin countertops.
EQUIPMENT PROTECTION:
The stability of the furniture installed in a lab contributes to protection of operational equipment and supplies. Choosing tables designed to provide a steady and vibration-free surface for delicate instruments, is critical. By minimizing vibrations caused by external factors, such as foot traffic or nearby machinery, the right tables help ensure accurate measurements and reliable experimental results. For instance, one critical stability aspect to consider includes durability and mobility elements. Heavy-duty casters, of at least 1200 lbs. capacity, are ideal to assure the durability and stability of your lab tables and other mobile furniture.
CONTAMINATION CONTROL:
Cabinets are vital in protecting sensitive equipment from contamination. Dust, particulates, and airborne contaminants can damage or compromise the functionality of delicate instruments. Cabinets with air filtration systems help maintain a clean and controlled environment, safeguarding the integrity of equipment and preserving their accuracy and longevity.
Make sure to choose metal lab cabinets that are resistant to corrosion and easy to clean. One typical example would be a stainless-steel phenolic resin countertop, adjustable height table, made from tubular 16 ga steel. Depending on your application needs, a table supporting 6500 lbs. capacity or more might be a great choice.
Making Lab Furniture Work
At LEI Sales, LLC, we have a wide range of lab tables and cabinets for your needs. It’s important to note that specific regulations and standards, including NFPA, OSHA, IBC, and ANSI, may vary depending on your location, industry, and the type of lab you’re working in. Consult the applicable regulations, local building codes, and relevant safety authorities for precise guidelines that apply to your specific circumstances.
