Laboratories
A laboratory may be defined as a facility that provides controlled conditions in which experiments or measurements may be conducted. That’s a broad definition, and there are many types of labs which generally fall into three categories: Research labs, Development labs and Test Labs. Despite the great differences among laboratories, some features are common. 
The use of workbenches or countertops at which scientists may choose to either sit or stand is a common way to ensure comfortable working conditions. Cabinets for the storage of laboratory equipment are also found in laboratories. Steel cabinetry is generally preferred over wood based products due to it’s ability to stand up better to water and chemicals and general wear and tear. Lista International and Stanley-Vidmar provide an extremely large selection of workbenches and cabinetry.
Laboratory worksurfaces may be of varying materials, depending on the type of work being performed. Popular surfaces include Epoxy Resin, Solid Phenolic, High Pressure Plastic Laminate, Stainless Steel and Hardwood Butcher Block. The choice of surface is mostly dependent on the type of work top be performed and the available budget. Space above the work surfaces is often utilized for shelving, to support lighting and other utilities, or for storage of in process materials, perhaps in specialty containers.
Shelves that are easily adjustable vertically and that can be tilted to make access to items on higher shelves easier are desirable features.
Work station lighting that has hi and low a setting and that can also be adjusted both vertically with a tilt feature will make more precise lighting adjustments possible. Using lighting with the correct color temperature is also important.
Other task accessories useful in laboratory environments include monitor arms, document holders, power beams and overhead cabinets.
Safety cabinets are commonly found in laboratories that must store flammable liquids, corrosives or poisons and come in many different sizes and configurations. Only Safety Cabinets that have been FM
Approved should be considered. In addition to various sizes, Safety Cabinets also may have manual or self closing doors.
We also supply stainless steel carts and furnishings for lab environments. We recommend JAMCO all welded products for their strength and durability over bolt together versions. For sinks and other stainless steel furnishing needs we recommend products from the Eagle Products Group.
On-wall storage systems utilizing 100% PVC organizing panels from StoreWALL are also useful in the lab environment around sinks and other areas where wall space is available. These can be accessorized in many different ways to hold lab ware, test equipment, tools and more and can be easily re-arranged to accommodate changing needs. PVC panels are impervious to moisture, resistant to most agents and easy to keep clean and sanitized.
Quality Laboratory seating is important not only for comfort, but for cleanliness. Seating products that have no seams in the backs or seat cushions will not harbor microbes or other unwanted organisms and are easy to clean. Chromed metal parts such as chair bases are also more hygienic than plastic or painted surfaces and will not chip, flake or peel, minimizing potential contaminants in the lab space. When operating in a Clean Room or Anti-Static environment, seating must be certified accordingly. Biofit provides a comprehensive line of high quality seating that is highly customizable to your specific requirements and offers an industry leading 13 year “Sure Seat” warranty.
