Laboratories these days are constantly evolving to meet the demands of modern science and education. Since laboratories are enclosed spaces that require 100% precision and cleanliness, it is crucial to select the right furniture. Laboratories need furniture that is functional, affordable and safe. If you don't want to compromise on your product quality, then consider purchasing modular lab furniture. Whether you own a food science lab or a chemistry lab in an educational institute, you must choose the right lab furniture.
Here's Why Laboratory Furniture Is Essential
From ensuring safety and accuracy to maximising output, laboratory furniture plays a crucial role. Below are a few reasons why you should invest in quality laboratory furniture by Zeibaq.
Safety
Laboratory furniture comes with specialised surfaces that offer protection from harsh chemicals, hazardous materials and fume hoods. Modular lab furniture also helps businesses meet international safety & quality standards.
Durability & Resistance
Laboratory furniture is designed to withstand corrosive, harsh, 100% sterile environments, which regular furniture cannot.
Improve Output
Lab furniture is designed to perform specific tasks. It also helps streamline the complete manufacturing process.
Economic
Most types of laboratory furniture are built in such a way that they are adjustable and of premium quality. It reduces physical strain on workers.
Easy-To-Clean
Laboratory furniture designed and manufactured by Zeibaq is very easy-to-clean as it is built using materials that can withstand harsh cleaning substances.
Laboratory furniture can be classified on the basis of function, material, and application.
Types Of Laboratory Furniture Based On Functions
1. Workbenches & Tables
Due to its frequent application, it can be said that workbenches and tables are the backbone of any lab. As they provide a stable and durable surface to do tasks like assembling apparatus, handling samples or conducting experiments. Different types of workbenches are General-purpose workbenches, modular lab benches, adjustable-height workbenches, mobile workbenches and anti-vibration tables.
2. Storage Solutions
If you want your laboratory to remain organised, then you will require proper storage. It helps keep all the material & equipment easily accessible. Some of the most common storage units include lab cabinets, shelving units, chemical storage cabinets, flammable storage cabinets and specimen storage cabinets.
3. Seating
It is necessary to have a comfortable seating arrangement inside the laboratory so that the staff working for long hours can be comfortable. The most common types of seating in the lab include stools, chairs, and ergonomic seating.
4. Fume Hoods & Safety Cabinets
It is very important to keep safety as the top priority in the laboratory. Essential safety furniture includes chemical fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, laminar flow cabinets, and ductless fume hoods.
5. Sinks & Washing Stations
Sinks and wash stations are necessary for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene. The most common types of sinks & wash stations are laboratory sinks, eye wash stations, emergency showers and hand wash stations.
6. Specialised Furniture
There are furniture items such as instrument benches, cleanroom furniture, ESD furniture and specimen dissection tables that are needed in laboratories to perform special tasks.
Types Of Laboratory Furniture Based On Materials
Stainless Steel
When it comes to lab furniture, stainless steel is one of the most popular and common choices. This is because stainless steel is durable, resistant to corrosion, and easy-to-clean. Stainless steel is used to manufacture workbenches, countertops, sinks and storage units for laboratories.
Epoxy Resin
Epoxy resin is also a material that is commonly used in lab furniture because it is highly resistant to chemicals and heat. It is used for making countertops, work surfaces, and fume hood interiors.
Phenolic Resin
Known for its robust and moisture-resistant properties, phenolic resin is used in workbenches, countertops, shelving and cabinetry. It is a very cost-effective option.
Polypropylene
Known for its chemical resistance, polypropylene is commonly called a versatile plastic. It is used in storage cabinets, shelves, and fume hoods.
Types Of Laboratory Furniture Based On Specific Application
Chemical Laboratories
When it comes to lab furniture, it is necessary to invest in furniture that can withstand the harsh environments. This is why, mostly, people choose chemical-resistant workbenches, fume hoods, and safety cabinets.
Biological Laboratories
Processes like handling biological samples, maintaining sterility, biological laboratories use biosafety cabinets, refrigerators & freezers and autoclaves.
Physical & Engineering Laboratories
Labs that have to perform tasks like physical measurements, material testing and engineering processes need heavy-duty workbenches, vibration isolation tables, and giant storage racks.
Clinical & Medical Laboratories
Such laboratories require a clean environment for diagnostics & research. Furniture used in such a setup includes cleanroom benches, specimen storage units, and microscopy tables.
How To Choose the Right Laboratory Furniture
Planning to purchase laboratory furniture, consider below-given factors to make the right choice.
1. Understand your lab requirements.
To begin with, you need to know what your laboratory requirements are. Depending upon the tasks that will be conducted inside the laboratory, you should make a list of the furniture you will need. Following this approach will stop you from buying unnecessary furniture.
2. Safety
Always purchase lab furniture that guarantees safety and is in compliance with all international standards of safety and quality.
3. Comfort
Always give importance to the comfort of the lab technician. Pick furniture that not only offers complete support but also has other features such as high-adjustment.
4. Assess your lab space.
Before purchasing laboratory furniture, always assess your available space and then make the purchase accordingly.
5. Keep your budget in mind.
It is always better to set a realistic budget for laboratory furniture. This prevents you from buying extra items and also helps save money.
6. Choose quality
Last but definitely not least, always pick laboratory furniture that has superior quality so that safety and quality are not compromised.
Key Safety Standards & Guidelines
1. SEFA Standards
Lab furniture that comes with SEFA 3 (work surfaces) and SEFA 8 (casework/ cabinets), and SEFA 10 (furniture design) is always the best choice.
2. Fume Hoods
ASHRAE 110 and EN 14175 standards are required for containment, face velocity, protect users and efficiency to prevent fatal accidents.
3. Structural Integrity
Laboratory furniture must comply with stability requirements.
4. Ergonomics (SEFA 12-2024)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why should I invest in quality furniture?
Invest in quality furniture and ensure the workers safety. It is always better to invest in quality products rather than purchasing them frequently. Therefore, quality lab furniture will help you save money in the long run. It will also demand less maintenance.
2. Which is the best laboratory furniture supplier in Saudi Arabia?
Zeibaq for several years has been one of the most reliable and best laboratory furniture suppliers across Saudi Arabia.
3. Which factors should be considered before buying laboratory furniture?
There are several things you should consider while purchasing laboratory furniture, such as budget, nature of your work, furniture type, durability, etc.
