The Anatomy of a Great Laboratory Work Surface

It is absolutely essential for any chemical laboratory surface to remain in top condition at all times – functioning as a flexible, ardent work table that actively resists the kind of damage caused by spills, leaks and the general wear and tear that naturally comes with being part of a science-based environment.

Ultimately, the anatomy of a great chemical laboratory work surface can be broken down into three key elements: Endurance, Ease and Elbowroom. Taking this trio of characteristics into account will allow you to select an ideal operating surface for any chemical laboratory – ensuring that all scientific activity is conducted confidently in what can often be a problematic setting.

If you ever need help remembering, just cast your mind back to the three little “E’”s.

Endurance

Chemical laboratories are where some of the most searing and destructive chemical solutions are mixed and matched. In the absence of a resilient surface harboring the ability to catch these solutions without falling victim to their paint-stripping qualities, the whole laboratory remains at risk of severe damage every single day. Endurance is an integral quality to look for when it comes to a diagnosing a proficient laboratory work surface.

Any worktop made up of an impermeable, protective material such as epoxy resin, phenolic-resin or stainless steel tops, actively fights the effects of vapors, liquids and fumes that spread across the surface, and also acts as a steady, rigid structure that allows science machinery to function and operate to the best of its ability.

This means that accurate, fluid operations can be enacted within the lab – thus helping to create a sturdy and safe environment to fight problematic issues that arise with weaker work surfaces.

Elbowroom

Having ample amounts of space to maneuver and function without constraint can contribute significantly to operating successful chemical laboratory. Leaks and spills often occur when test tubes and beakers are bumped or nudged against rough, awkwardly shaped work surfaces that place inhabitants of the lab under stress – representing unnecessary obstacles to overcome for every single task. Laboratory end-users require work surfaces with sufficient elbowroom to enable the lab to function fluidly and effectively – minimizing potential hazards and boosting safety.

Easy-to-Clean Surface

Every laboratory work surface needs to remain spotless in order to avoid the pitfalls of contamination that ruin tasks and pose safety concerns. Cleaning lab worktops ought to be a procedure that can be accomplished easily and effectively – allowing any risk of contamination to be wiped away within seconds. Easy-to-clean surfaces ensure that a lab can be kept in tip-top condition, reducing pollution and contagion so that the environment remains a safe and controlled area at all times.

The aspect of “ease” in terms of the anatomy of a great lab work surface also relates to how the worktop is structured. An “easy” surface, such as modular tops, will come apart when required – allowing users to scrub in between panes and get behind corners to rub away any lingering dirt that may manifest and create a contaminated atmosphere.

A malleable, manageable worktop provides lab users with fluidity when they need it most – allowing them to keep their work area free from unnecessary damage or risk.

Determining the very best laboratory work surface is simple when it comes down to what you really need. Remember the three “E”’s of Endurance, Elbowroom and Ease, and you’ll find a work top that does everything you need it to in order to run an efficient and effective laboratory.

Every laboratory has a certain set of requirements for the surfaces that will be used. While every laboratory has its own specific criteria for solid surfaces, chemical labs carry the additional requirement of needing more cleaning than many other types of labs. The success of your lab hinges upon avoiding contamination and maintaining a controlled environment.

While the cabinetry itself should always be designed to be modular and alterable as each project demands, your cabinet surfaces need to be of a specific makeup to minimize their potential for damage and maximize their useful lifespan. Below we outline three effective criteria to help you choose the type of surface you’ll need for your laboratory.

Impermeability and the Ease of Cleaning

Permeable surfaces in a chemical laboratory are almost never a good idea. With so many variables and the potential for heavy bacterial growth, there is no reason to use a surface that bacteria or chemicals used in the lab can permeate. Protected surfaces are best, particularly those that can be cleaned easily using only basic cleaning products.

From both a budget perspective and considering ease of use, having an impermeable surface is far superior to any alternative. While a horizontal surface should obviously be solid and impermeable, even vertical surfaces that may only be exposed to the occasional splatter or evaporation of a chemical should also be as impermeable as possible.

Another aspect of the surface you need to keep in mind is that it should be modular enough to be easily disassembled for regular maintenance. Beyond your regular inspections to ensure that no damage has occurred, this ensures that even the smallest surfaces can get clean.

Being able to easily remove panels and drawers makes the cleaning process far easier than more rigid setups would allow, and this allows for better proactive maintenance. While this is more effort, the result is a more long lasting set of surfaces.

General Resilience and Resistance

Every surface that can be treated and protected from harsh/consistent light and chemicals should be so protected in a chem lab. If this protection is not there, damage will begin to occur quickly. Ideally surfaces should be made from materials that are naturally resistant, but if this isn’t the case, pretreatment and protection are essential. Epoxy resin, phenolic resin and stainless steel are often high quality candidates for lab surface materials.

As well, resilience is also important. Beyond the likelihood of having to frequently replace less durable materials, greater physical resilience tends to cause less accidents due to mechanical failure.

Physical damage due to load bearing or accidental impacts can break the surfaces of panels, which can allow chemicals and their vapors to intrude.

Since this causes damage, having a high level of physical resilience is necessary for a successful surface in a chem lab. As well, a lack of physical resilience can also lead to unnecessary spillage onto other surfaces.

Ergonomics

Many laboratory designers forget the importance of ergonomics in their labs. While this is not a strict requirement because of the surfaces themselves, the resulting ease of use tends to remove a powerful factor in most damage — human error. When humans are more comfortable in the lab environment, they are less likely to make errors that can result in damage and are less likely to cause accidental spillage. As well, when surfaces are arranged to be ergonomic, the body positions of individuals operating in the lab are also more conducive to success than to accidents.

Quality lab surfaces should be strong, easy to clean and arranged well. This will prevent most lab damage.