Purchasing Guide: Lab Furniture
Furnishing your laboratory with the right countertops, cabinets, seating, and storage can help to improve productivity and efficiency
Furnishing your laboratory with the right countertops, cabinets, seating, and storage can help to improve productivity and efficiency. There is also a growing selection of mobile casework that makes it possible to create a flexible space that supports different applications and collaborations. Be sure to keep materials in mind, as there are many to choose from and each is designed to withstand wear and tear, provide chemical resistance, and facilitate cleaning. For a list of laboratory lab furniture manufacturers, see our online directory: LabManager.com/labfurniture-manufacturers
8 Questions to Ask When Buying Lab Furnishings:
- Do you use corrosive chemicals and reagents in your lab?
- Is fixed or mobile casework better suited to your current and future needs?
- If opting for mobile casework, will electrical outlets, laboratory gas, and water be accessible?
- Are benches and chairs adjustable to ensure optimal ergonomics for individual personnel?
- Do the furnishings have to meet specific standards?
- How customizable are the furnishings?
- Will the furnishings accommodate all necessary electronics?
- Can everyone in the lab easily navigate, use, and reach what they need?
Safe Lab Furniture
Safety is an important factor to consider when purchasing new lab furniture. It must comply with a variety of regulations and satisfy fire marshals, biosafety officers, OSHA representatives, laboratory supervisors, and others to ensure that it’s safe for use. Learn about selecting furniture with materials and construction appropriate for your application at LabManager.com/safe-lab-furniture
The Importance of Ergonomics
The way lab furniture is used on a day-to-day basis can have adverse health effects over time. Ensure that all lab furniture is ergonomic and accessible for all staff with features like adjustable height and articulating monitor arms for computer workstations. Ergonomics is about more than comfort. Reducing pain from poor ergonomic setups can increase productivity and reduce absenteeism due to associated injuries.