Guidelines for Choosing Suitable Laboratory Worktop Surfaces
When designing a new laboratory or refurbishing an existing one, the selection of lab worktop materials should align with the equipment, space reconfiguration, or overall remodeling plans. Given the flexible nature and typically short lifecycle of R&D labs (usually revamped every 3 to 5 years), choosing the right worktops initially with future adaptability in mind can help reduce long-term costs.
Key Considerations for Laboratory Worktops
Each lab has unique requirements, so consider these factors for an optimal worktop choice:
– Corrosion Resistance: Essential in labs handling harsh chemicals.
– Heat Resistance: Important where high-temperature experiments or equipment are used.
– Liquid Absorption: Surface should resist liquids to prevent spills from causing damage.
– Load Capacity: Must support heavy lab equipment without bending or cracking.
– Impact and Abrasion Resistance: Necessary in high-use labs to withstand wear.
– Conductivity: Varies by lab; some require non-conductive surfaces.
– Liquid Collection and Drainage: Especially useful in sink areas or near fume hoods.
– Maintenance Ease: Surfaces should be easy to clean and maintain.
– Ergonomics: Height and accessibility are important for comfortable use.
– Practicality: Durable, easy to use, and serves lab functions well.
– DA Compliance: Meeting accessibility standards for diverse users.
– Color: Should align with the lab’s aesthetics and functionality.
– Overall Appearance: Contributes to a professional and organized lab environment.
– Special Requirements: Non-standard shapes, minimal seams, or custom features may be necessary.
Worktop Selection Principles by Laboratory Type
1. Chemical Laboratories(e.g., organic, inorganic, biochemical, analytical labs):
– Focus on chemical corrosion resistance, easy cleaning, neutral color, high load capacity, abrasion resistance, and heat resistance.
2. Physical Laboratories:
– Prioritize physical durability with resistance to wear, impact, and heat.
3. Biological Laboratories:
– Emphasize stain resistance, ease of cleaning, abrasion resistance, and resistance to microbial or fungal growth.
4. Special Purpose Laboratories with High Chemical Corrosion Resistance Needs** (e.g., pathology, hematology, biochemical labs):
– Ensure non-porous surfaces** and easy cleaning for contamination control.
5. Specialized Laboratories Not Primarily Requiring Chemical Resistance:
– Electronics Laboratories: Require strength against physical stress and specific functional traits for electronic testing.
– Electrical Laboratories: Focus on **insulation properties, high non-conductivity, and physical durability.
– Mechanical Laboratories (e.g., metallurgy, geology labs): Emphasize resistance to physical damage.
– Radiation Laboratories: Require materials that help prevent radiation contamination**.
– Thermal Laboratories: Worktops must withstand high temperatures.
General Safety Note
To ensure safety, choose worktops based on the harshest conditions expected in the lab, particularly around areas like fume hoods and sinks, where most reactive chemicals and hazardous materials are handled.
