A FULL BREAKDOWN OF LABORATORY
INTRODUCTION:
Inside a lab, you can find numerous hazardous chemicals and other risky equipment that require safe handling. This is why laboratory cabinets have always been an essential piece of furniture because they provide safe and secure storage. You can also expect the lab workers to be out of harm’s way with lab cabinets.
This is why we have brought a full breakdown of laboratory cabinets in this eBook directly from the experts. This will provide you with a comprehensive guide to ultimately help you choose the right one for your lab.
CHAPTER 1: TYPES OF LABORATORY CABINETS
Before we delve into the details, let’s discuss the different types of laboratory cabinets available in the market. Knowledge of the primary types of laboratory cabinets can prepare you to make a wise decision.
The top three types of industrial laboratory cabinets are primarily:
1. OVERHEAD
As the name suggests, this type of cabinet is commonly seen as a standalone unit hanging from a lab wall. An overhead type of cabinet can also be attached to any sort of workbench available in a laboratory. These are convenient to use and offer much-needed extra space to store important items without causing any damage.
2. LARGE AND TALL
The most common type of cabinets used in an industrial laboratory setting is the large and tall type. These are meant for heavy-duty use whether it’s storing heavy lab equipment or a large number of substances for experiments. These cabinets are generally made of a reliable material like stainless steel in most cases to perform excellently.
3. UNDER COUNTERS
Other than the aforementioned two types of laboratory cabinets, there is one other typical type available which is under counter. Lab workers need to store heavy equipment and containers full of hazardous materials somewhere other than a high surface. Under counters are convenient as they are the down-low counterparts of the overhead cabinets.
CHAPTER 2: MATERIALS USED IN LABORATORY CABINETS
Now that we know about the different types of laboratory cabinets, it’s time to get to know the kind of materials they’re made with.
The material used in the construction of a laboratory cabinet is an important factor to consider. Here are the most common materials used in laboratory cabinets:
STAINLESS STEEL
Stainless steel is the most obvious choice as a material for making an industrial-grade laboratory cabinet. This robust material has more than one quality that makes it an easy and reliable choice for almost every industrial requirement. A laboratory cabinet made of stainless steel offers numerous advantages including durability, hygiene, and resilience.
HARD WOOD
You would think that wood is not a good match for an industrial setting but hardwood is used in laboratory cabinets. A laboratory cabinet is meant to be robust, non-reactive to chemicals, safe to use,
and have a long lifespan. HighHard-quality wood hashave these qualities to be deemed as an alternative to steel in some cases.
PLASTIC LAMINATE
Other than hardwood, plastic laminate and phenol resin are alternatives used in laboratory cabinets. But these have their own shortcomings such as not being as durable as metal and not easily available. Furthermore, in some cases, these materials could be an expensive option to choose from as compared to wood and stainless steel.
A person purchasing laboratory cabinets needs to know some of the must-have features to look for to make the right choice. Therefore, we shall discuss all such features of laboratory cabinets in this chapter.
The best thing about a laboratory cabinet is how versatile it can be depending on your specific requirements.
While keeping that in mind, here are some of the most commonly seen yet highly recommended laboratory cabinet features. Let’s begin.
● DURABILITY
All industrial furniture needs to be highly durable and the same goes for laboratory cabinets. These can handle a lot of stress for a long time before showing signs of wear and tear. This is why laboratory cabinets can last for years.
● FLAME-RESISTANT
When you have flame-resistant laboratory cabinets, you can rest easy as theyit can withstand flame effectively. In case of a fire emergency, you can secure essential items by keeping themit inside a flameresistant laboratory cabinet.
● ANTI-CORROSIVE
When you store chemical substances inside a lab cabinet, things could go wrong and spillage can occur. But if it has an anti-corrosive surface then the danger of spillage can be minimized substantially.
● AFFORDABILITY
Without laboratory cabinets, your lab furniture expenses could cross all budgets. But you can control the expenses with lab cabinets in the picture as they are a smart investment that lasts for years to come.
CHAPTER 5: MAINTENANCE AND CARE
Proper maintenance and care of laboratory cabinets are essential to ensure their longevity and safe use. Following are a few best practices for cleaning and maintaining laboratory cabinets:
● Regular cleaning with a soft cloth
● Remove all items and wipe them down with the disinfectant solution.
● Clean shelves with soap and water, and dry them thoroughly.
● Scrub cabinet surfaces with a mild detergent solution.
● Use a soft brush to clean grooves and crevices.
● Replace items and organize them according to lab safety guidelines.
CHAPTER 6: CHOOSING THE RIGHT LABORATORY CABINET
Now it is time to summarize the key factors to consider when choosing the right laboratory cabinet for your lab. Through this checklist you can evaluate your options and make an informed decision easily;
● The materials that cabinets can be made of are numerous and each of them has its pros and cons. So choose the one that's suitable for your lab environment.
● You have to consider your storage needs which means the types of items you'll store and their sizes. Based on this information, choose a cabinet with suitable shelves and compartments.
● The size and shape of a lab cabinet is a serious matter to consider. Based on the available space in your lab, you can either order a custom cabinet that fits without a problem.
● The safety concerns around buying laboratory cabinets are real. You should have secure locks to prevent unauthorized access to hazardous materials. Flame and chemical resistant surfaces areis also a good options.
● Your lab cabinets should be easy to clean and maintain for optimal hygiene and longevity.
CONCLUSION:
Laboratory cabinets play a crucial role in maintaining a safe and organized work environment in labs. Though buying one is a daunting task for anyone who hasn’t worked with a laboratory cabinet before, with the information in this eBook, you can make an informed decision.