Maintaining functional laboratory workstations is critical to both efficiency and personal convenience. Over the years, manufacturers of such furniture have tweaked designs to maximize ergonomic comfort. By understanding the different options available, one can create a workspace that meet individual and professional needs.
There are four beneficial features that can transform the working environment: versatility, durability, safety, and utilities. The combination of these four elements can help build the ideal system.
Versatility
An effective way to make a laboratory workstation more versatile is to install a robust fume hood. Such devices are critical for ensuring that the room contains fresh, breathable air. Additionally, they assist in venting out any potentially toxic fumes that are known for having damaging effects to human health.
There are numerous gases that can become expelled during every day work functions. Corrosive elements and toxins are not uncommon and a fume hood can help expel these harmful substances.
An essential factor to consider is the use of a polypropylene hood because this material does not react in unusually negative ways with the most common laboratory chemicals.
Durability
One great way to increase workstation durability is with good laboratory workbenches that meet a series of basic requirements. Specifically, this means benches which are reinforced with surfaces that are resistant to typical chemicals.
It is not uncommon for these potentially harmful gases or substances to leak or spill. Ensuring that the workbench has proper reinforcements is very helpful. Additionally, corrosion can occur which damages the durability and aesthetics of the laboratory. Some laboratory workbenches can also be adjusted to different heights to suit unique individuals or operations.
Safety
The safety of the working environment, including any laboratory work tables or stations, cannot be overstated. Some effective variables to consider are the number of technicians working at one time, space for circulation, and the overall blueprint of the room.
Numerous items can significantly increase safety, including:
- eye protection goggles
- gloves
- robes
- face masks
Utilities
Laboratory workbenches and stations can benefit greatly from the existence of numerous utilities. Tools for performing standard operating procedures allow for extended levels of effectiveness. Furthermore, they can assist technicians in meeting industry and/or governmental standards and regulations.
Some of these utilities include glassware such as beakers, fluid containers, and petri dishes. Additionally, sinks are also important, especially if they come in a variety of sizes. Sometimes, having unusually deep sinks is helpful when much greater objects or cleaning is required for certain projects.
In Conclusion… Laboratory workstations are very complex environments that must also meet critical and consistent safety standards. For these reasons, numerous levels of versatility and durability have been developed over the years.
- Versatility can be improved with a polypropylene hood that is resistant to chemical reactions and helps ventilate the lab setting.
- Durability is maximized with the inclusion of workbench surfaces that are reinforced against the corroding and rusting effects of certain substances.
- By ensuring safety with accessibility to key items like gloves, eye protection, and face masks, the laboratory work tables can become much more efficient.
- Providing necessary utilities such as varied sinks and glassware can assist workers in successfully completing the number of everyday tasks faced in achieving scientific endeavors.