what are the materials used for bench tops in the microbiology laboratory

What's the best countertop material for your lab?

Full Answer

Which materials are best for lab benches and work surfaces?

In this article, we set out the different types of materials, such as butcher block and stainless steel, that are best for lab benches and work surfaces, how each may benefit your workspace, and other factors you should take into consideration.

Is stainless steel a good material for a lab?

It is highly durable and its resistance to many elements makes it a highly desirable option for most labs. Stainless steel can be used throughout lab areas, including on laboratory workbench tops, countertops, and more specialized equipment such as fume hood decks.

What is the best material for a lab countertop?

Stainless steel can be used throughout lab areas, including on laboratory workbench tops, countertops, and more specialized equipment such as fume hood decks. Lastly, high-density polyethylene is one of the most cost-effective options.

What are the characteristics of laboratory bench tops?

Bench tops have seamless surfaces which are impervious to water and resistant to acids, alkalis, organic solvents, and moderate heat. 5. Laboratory furniture is of simple and sturdy construction, and spaces between benches, cabinets, and equipment are accessible for cleaning.

How many overt laboratory-associated infections were reported in 1967?

What is biological safety cabinet?

What level of biosafety should work with known agents be conducted?

What are the biosafety levels?

What is the most important element of containment?

What are the risks of microbiology?

What is a clinical laboratory?

See 4 more

About this website

What are laboratory bench tops?

The laboratory bench top is a vital surface within the laboratory as it is the primary point-of-contact for chemical attack and heat damage, and our specialists can assist you in analyzing and selecting the perfect work surface material for your application.

What is a laboratory bench used for?

Lab bench, or workbench, are names that are often used interchangeably. Benches provide the work space and surface to conduct tests and procedures. Many also have base cabinet storage options.

What material are science lab tables?

Solid epoxy resin, which can endure corrosive chemicals and is resistant to heat, moisture, and impact damage, is the standard lab table for most laboratory applications.

What is a lab bench called?

laboratory workbenchA laboratory workbench, often simply called a lab bench, is a work table that provides the space and surface to conduct tests and procedures, store lab equipment, and create workstations for technicians or students in a scientific laboratory. These are used mostly in chemical and biological sciences.

What are the best materials suitable for bench tops for pharmaceutical laboratory?

The most commonly used countertop materials include epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polypropylene, stainless steel, chemical resistant laminate, and high-pressure plastic laminate. Before selecting a material, it is important to understand the unique advantages and disadvantages of each.

What are the types of laboratory benches?

These are some of the most common types of laboratory benches....The features and benefits of each option differ, so read on to find out more!Epoxy Resin. ... Phenolic Resin. ... Stainless Steel. ... Maple Wood. ... High-Density Polyethylene Sheets. ... Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Workbench. ... Wilsonart Solid Surface. ... High-Pressure Laminate.

Why are lab benches black?

Ever wonder why science labs normally have black countertops and desks? It turns out that these surfaces typically provide a chemical and stain-resistant setting for classroom experiments.

What are old lab benches made of?

Scientific bench tops were originally made of slate, and in many schools and labs you will see that they still use slate tops (or the school happens to be have really old labs and they have never updated them). The main advantages were: They are chemically inert and will not react to chemicals.

Why is linoleum steel used in making laboratory bench tops?

They are durable, non-porous and hold up very well under harsh and extreme conditions. They are typically the choice around sinks and heavy moisture. This is the most durable of all the other materials on our list and made for the most extreme lab conditions.

What are the characteristics of a good laboratory work bench?

Various laboratory benches are designed with the option to facilitate storage. These tables feature an upper shelf for storage of important tools, chemicals or specimen. This also facilitates easy access to the materials needed for the experiment, being kept just above the table.

How long is a lab bench?

Lab benches come in three standard depths of 24”, 30”, and 36”, and five standard lengths of 40”, 48”, 60”, 72”, and 80”.

What is a peninsular bench?

Peninsular Bench is a combination of wall bench and Island bench. One side is close to the wall and is accessible from all three sides. In any kind of labs, be it physics, chemistry or biology laboratory, this type of bench could be installed.

What is bench laboratory research?

Wet bench research is done in what has traditionally been called a laboratory setting, which contains lab benches, sinks, hoods (fume or tissue culture), microscopes, and other lab equipment. It involves chemicals and/or biological specimens including animals, tissues, cells, bacteria, or viruses.

What is laboratory bench made of?

Different types of labs require different work surface materials for laboratory workbenches. The 7 most commonly used countertop materials for scientific or industrial use are epoxy resin, phenolic resin, stainless steel, maple block (aka butcher block or wood block), solid surface, HDPE, and ESD laminate.

What are the characteristics of a good laboratory work bench?

Various laboratory benches are designed with the option to facilitate storage. These tables feature an upper shelf for storage of important tools, chemicals or specimen. This also facilitates easy access to the materials needed for the experiment, being kept just above the table.

What are bench chemicals?

Wet chemistry is a form of analytical chemistry that uses classical methods such as observation to analyze materials. It is called wet chemistry since most analyzing is done in the liquid phase. Wet chemistry is also called bench chemistry since many tests are performed at lab benches.

Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories—6th Edition

iv Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories We hope you find the sixth edition of Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories complete, timely, and most of all, easy to use. Thank you for your patience and understanding during the long and comprehensive revision process.

Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) 6th ...

Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) has served as the cornerstone of biosafety practice in the United States since its initial release in 1984. We wish to emphasize that the sixth edition of BMBL remains an advisory document recommending best practices for the safe conduct of work in biomedical and clinical laboratories from a biosafety perspective.

Microbiology Lab Safety - University of Minnesota Duluth

Randall E. Hicks - 2 - 10. Turn off Bunsen burners when not is use. Long hair must be restrained if Bunsen burners are in use. 11. When you flame sterilize with alcohol, be sure that you do not have any papers under you.

What materials are used for lab benches?

In this article, we set out the different types of materials, such as butcher block and stainless steel, that are best for lab benches and work surfaces, how each may benefit your workspace, and other factors you should take into consideration.

Why is stainless steel used in labs?

This is because of the highly durable nature of stainless steel that ensures moisture resistance, heat resistance, scratch resistance, and chemical resistance.

Why epoxy resin for lab furniture?

Epoxy resin is a great material for many types of lab furniture because of its durable nature that can withstand high temperatures, it is also known for its moisture resistance and chemical resistance qualities. Many people also choose epoxy resin countertops because they are easy to clean and non-porous which makes them resistant to corrosion.

Why epoxy resin countertops?

Many people also choose epoxy resin countertops because they are easy to clean and non-porous which makes them resistant to corrosion. Epoxy resin countertops are a perfect option for any research and lab facilities that use corrosive chemicals or a high level of moisture.

Why use phenolic resin in labs?

Using phenolic resin in your labs can have a great impact on performance and productivity in the lab because the surface will remain free of abrasions and damage from chemical or heat exposure.

What is butcher block used for?

Out of the countertop materials discussed here, butcher block is one of the weakest and should be used for general area work or in a high school environment where less dangerous lab applications will be undertaken.

How hot can resin be?

In fact, the heat resistance in the resin finish means it can withstand temperatures up to 570-662°F.

What is a lab?

Labs performing experiments and tests that use harsh chemicals, open flames and instruments that create extreme heat and require worksurfaces that are durable, resistant to the most aggressive chemicals, and easy to clean and maintain.

Why do businesses use labs?

Businesses are using labs for many applications these days...education, inspection, research and development, technology, and testing to name a few. One of the biggest challenges for businesses today is that they are constantly changing. So, you not only have to choose lab countertops for today’s usage, but also future possible uses.

What is chemical laminate?

Chemical laminate is made by applying a melamine resin over decorative surface paper, which is then bonded to a core of kraft papers impregnated with phenolic resin . The result is a decorative worksurface that is functional, durable and highly resistant to chemicals.

How is phenolic resin made?

Phenolic resin countertops are manufactured by layering natural kraft paper that has been saturated with phenolic resin and processed under high heat . The result is one solid, lightweight countertop that is durable and long-lasting.

What is epoxy resin?

Epoxy Resin. Epoxy resin countertops are made from a mixture of materials and then cured as a solid product. They are durable, non-porous and hold up very well under harsh and extreme conditions. They are typically the choice around sinks and heavy moisture.

Is a lab countertop a long term investment?

Lab countertops should be a long-term investment. It is important to consider the type of work you are doing in your lab now and anticipate what you might do in the future. Budget is always important, but your choice must be able to stand the test of time and the rigors of your work. Topics: Laboratory , Work Surfaces.

Is nickel a good stain resistant material?

Chromium makes it resistant to rust and corrosion, while nickel makes it stain and heat resistant. Stainless steel has a non-porous surface, which means that no liquids or substances can penetrate into the material at all. Bacteria, mold and other common household germs don’t stand a chance with stainless.

What are some examples of laboratory benching systems?

Examples of common laboratory benching systems include moveable, pedestal and suspended systems.

What is the furniture used in a lab?

Laboratory furniture ’s are designed using different types of materials in order to withstand the rigors of the lab environment, thanks to the numerous experiments. The overall style of the furniture in the laboratory is usually determined by the laboratory specialty. The most common lab furniture categories include laboratory benches, forensic cabinets, apparel dispensers, carts, chemical cabinets, drawers and general cabinets.

What is forensic furniture?

Forensic furniture is used as a storage unit for evidence samples that are needed for forensic investigations. The furniture features various chambers as well as specialized compartments and systems such as ventilation unit. Some compartments operate using electricity for evidence preservation. General cabinets are used for storing general lab ...

What is a cart in a lab?

Carts are a versatile and common fixture in the laboratory. Carts can be used to move heavy and fragile items around the laboratory area. Drawers are usually affixed inside laboratory tables and general cabinets for convenience. They are mostly used to store essential items such as test tube racks, eye droppers, tongs, test tube clamps and flasks.

What equipment is used in forensic cabinets?

The equipment includes; magnifying lenses, beaker tongs, rubber stoppers and tests. However, the design of general cabinets are often not as elaborate as that of forensic furniture. Chemical cabinets, on the other hand, are used to store corrosive or volatile chemicals.

What is flexible shelving?

The flexible shelving design, for instance, is specially made to allow for height adjustment and shelf removal. Depending on your budget and scale of operation, shelving and benching systems come in different materials, colors and finishes.

How long does lab furniture last?

Although most of the furniture used in the lab can last more than 10 years, it is always important to choose the right furniture material when making an order.

What is a lab bench?

A lab bench (or benchwork) is one of the single most important parts of any laboratory. This is the space where work is prepped, experiments take place, readings are taken, and laboratory equipment is stored and used. Without lab benches, laboratories would be dysfunctional and inefficient. At Lee Engineering, we want your lab to be safe, durable, ...

How to assemble a lab bench?

Cut raw materials and assemble your lab bench. Remember: cracks and crevices are your enemies. When assembling pieces and you notice a joint, make sure you seal it with the proper caulk or adhesive. Ensure assembly is true, level, and fits your space. Apply finish.

Why lock a bench to studs?

Securing your bench to studs ensures stability. If it’s mobile, install the caster wheels. For mobile benches, remember to lock your caster wheels when you are conducting experiments or tests. You now have a completed lab bench.

How wide is the aisle in a lab?

The standard for aisle width in professional laboratories is five feet. This allows enough room for people to pass behind a person working. It also allows for minimal effort when moving equipment, samples, and other apparatus to the benchwork behind.

How many square feet are needed for a lab?

The NTSA also recommends 45 square feet of space be available for each student. This ensures students can work comfortably and safely. This number can also be applied to commercial labs.

What to take into consideration when conducting a scientific experiment?

One thing to take into consideration is to make sure there is adequate legroom for a person sitting on a stool or chair at the bench. You’ll want your scientists (whether amateur or expert) comfortable when conducting tests, experiments, and analysis.

What is the first thing to assess when building a laboratory?

The first thing to assess is overall space. Ask yourself, “Do I have enough room to build a functional laboratory at this location?”

What is the best material for lab furniture?

Phenolic resin-based lab furniture is the most common material that meets these requirements. It can withstand extreme temperatures and won’t warp or stain and is also water-resistant, scratch-resistant, and has a long-lasting aesthetic appearance. It’s also an excellent option for lab experiments that require a contamination-free environment.

What is epoxy bench top?

Epoxy resin bench tops are made up of various materials mixed together and then cured into a solid continuous product. In terms of features and benefits, it’s a solid choice for a variety of labs.

What is Wilsonart bench top?

Solid surface bench tops, made by Wilsonart, are an acrylic-based product that resembles Corian, quartz, and Formica in appearance but differs in physical properties.

What is an ESD workbench?

Electrostatic discharge is a term that refers to a sudden flow of electricity between two electrically charged objects and can occur as a result of contact, an electrical short, or dielectric breakdown. Because of the basic motive that it safely guides static electricity to the ground, ESD workbenches are an ideal way to provide protection from electrostatic discharge.

What is stainless steel equipment made of?

If you’re in the market for commercial lab equipment, you might be wondering what the advantages of stainless steel equipment are over equipment made of epoxy resin, phenolic resin, or other materials.

What are the disadvantages of phenolic resin?

The primary disadvantage of phenolic resin is that it provides a less durable overall surface. Phenolic resin should be used for light-duty tasks, and chemical-grade phenolic resin should be used for heavy-duty jobs that require more durable surfaces.

What is phenolic resin?

Phenolic resin lab furniture is resistant to chemicals, high temperatures, and other harsh conditions, making it ideal for use in volatile environments. They are also flame resistant and non-conductive, making them ideal for laboratories that must adhere to fire safety, combustion, and toxicity regulations.

Why do we design microbiology labs?

Designing microbiology or biology laboratories requires special attention due to the nature of the microorganisms being handled. In this case, the lab design must include ways to manage areas of high microbial populations, prevent the release of microorganisms to the environment, and prevent cross-contamination to ensure the integrity of the lab or research results. At Lab Furniture and Fume Hoods, we understand microbiology and biology lab planning, and we will design, create, and build the ideal lab for you.

What is the primary objective of a lab?

We also understand the primary objective in lab design is to provide a safe environment for lab personnel to conduct their work and all measures are taken to reduce of the number of exposures in case of an emergency. Therefore, we carefully analyze and identify all health and biosafety hazards and then incorporate these protective measures into the design. For example, we take into account the suitability and sustainability of the lab furnishing, the need for separate storage areas to ensure materials are stored properly, equip necessary safety measures based on the biosafety level, and the division of lab space between clean and live culture areas just to name a few.

What is the purpose of the lab?

• Protect the safety and health of all lab personnel#N#• Protect both the laboratory and surrounding environment from contaminants#N#• Segregate the lab to create functional zones that meet biosafety and environmental requirements#N#• Eliminate potential sources of cross-contamination#N#• Support lean processes such as material and personnel flow, visual management, and more#N#• Adapt to future research and laboratory needs

How many overt laboratory-associated infections were reported in 1967?

In 1967, Hanson et al.(53) reported 428 overt laboratory-associated infections with arboviruses. In some instances the ability of a given arbovirus to produce human disease was first confirmed as the result of unintentional infection of laboratory personnel. Exposure to infectious aerosols was considered the most common source of infection.

What is biological safety cabinet?

The biological safety cabinet is the principal device used to provide containment of infectious aerosols generated by many microbiological procedures. Three types of biological safety cabinets (Class I, II, III) used in microbiological laboratories are described and illustrated in Appendix A.1. Open-fronted Class I and Class II biological safety cabinets are partial containment cabinets which offer significant levels of protection to laboratory personnel and to the environment when used with good microbiological techniques. The gastight Class III biological safety cabinet provides the highest attainable level of protection to personnel and the environment.

What level of biosafety should work with known agents be conducted?

Work with known agents should be conducted at the biosafety level recommended in Section V unless specific information is available to suggest that virulence, pathogenicity, antibiotic resistance patterns, and other factors are significantly altered to require more stringent or allow less stringent practices to be used.

What are the biosafety levels?

The descriptions of biosafety levels 1-4 parallel those of P1-4 in the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules(43) and are consistent with the general criteria used in assigning agents to Classes 1-4 in Classification of Etiologic Agents on the Basis of Hazard(15). Four biosafety levels are also described for infectious disease activities utilizing small laboratory animals. Recommendations for biosafety levels for specific agents are made on the basis of the potential hazard of the agent and of the laboratory function or activity.

What is the most important element of containment?

Laboratory practice and technique. The most important element of containment is strict adherence to standard microbiological practices and techniques. Persons working with infectious agents or infected materials must be aware of potential hazards and must be trained and proficient in the practices and techniques required for safely handling such material. The director or person in charge of the laboratory is responsible for providing or arranging for appropriate training of personnel.

What are the risks of microbiology?

Microbiology laboratories are special, often unique, work environments that may pose special infectious disease risks to persons in or near them. Personnel have contracted infections in the laboratory throughout the history of microbiology. Published reports around the turn of the century described laboratory-associated cases of typhoid, cholera, glanders, brucellosis, and tetanus(123 ). In 1941, Meyer and Eddie(75 ) published a survey of 74 laboratory-associated brucellosis infections that had occurred in the United States and concluded that the ''handling of cultures or specimens or the inhalation of dust containing Brucella organisms is eminently dangerous to laboratory workers." A number of cases were attributed to carelessness or poor technique in the handling of infectious materials.

What is a clinical laboratory?

Clinical laboratories, and especially those in health care facilities, receive clinical specimens with requests for a variety of diagnostic and clinical support services. Typically, clinical laboratories receive specimens without pertinent information such as patient history or clinical findings which may be suggestive of an infectious etiology. Furthermore, such specimens are often submitted with a broad request for microbiological examination for multiple agents (e.g., sputum samples submitted for "routine," acid-fast, and fungal cultures).

How many overt laboratory-associated infections were reported in 1967?

In 1967, Hanson et al.(53) reported 428 overt laboratory-associated infections with arboviruses. In some instances the ability of a given arbovirus to produce human disease was first confirmed as the result of unintentional infection of laboratory personnel. Exposure to infectious aerosols was considered the most common source of infection.

What is biological safety cabinet?

The biological safety cabinet is the principal device used to provide containment of infectious aerosols generated by many microbiological procedures. Three types of biological safety cabinets (Class I, II, III) used in microbiological laboratories are described and illustrated in Appendix A.1. Open-fronted Class I and Class II biological safety cabinets are partial containment cabinets which offer significant levels of protection to laboratory personnel and to the environment when used with good microbiological techniques. The gastight Class III biological safety cabinet provides the highest attainable level of protection to personnel and the environment.

What level of biosafety should work with known agents be conducted?

Work with known agents should be conducted at the biosafety level recommended in Section V unless specific information is available to suggest that virulence, pathogenicity, antibiotic resistance patterns, and other factors are significantly altered to require more stringent or allow less stringent practices to be used.

What are the biosafety levels?

The descriptions of biosafety levels 1-4 parallel those of P1-4 in the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules(43) and are consistent with the general criteria used in assigning agents to Classes 1-4 in Classification of Etiologic Agents on the Basis of Hazard(15). Four biosafety levels are also described for infectious disease activities utilizing small laboratory animals. Recommendations for biosafety levels for specific agents are made on the basis of the potential hazard of the agent and of the laboratory function or activity.

What is the most important element of containment?

Laboratory practice and technique. The most important element of containment is strict adherence to standard microbiological practices and techniques. Persons working with infectious agents or infected materials must be aware of potential hazards and must be trained and proficient in the practices and techniques required for safely handling such material. The director or person in charge of the laboratory is responsible for providing or arranging for appropriate training of personnel.

What are the risks of microbiology?

Microbiology laboratories are special, often unique, work environments that may pose special infectious disease risks to persons in or near them. Personnel have contracted infections in the laboratory throughout the history of microbiology. Published reports around the turn of the century described laboratory-associated cases of typhoid, cholera, glanders, brucellosis, and tetanus(123 ). In 1941, Meyer and Eddie(75 ) published a survey of 74 laboratory-associated brucellosis infections that had occurred in the United States and concluded that the ''handling of cultures or specimens or the inhalation of dust containing Brucella organisms is eminently dangerous to laboratory workers." A number of cases were attributed to carelessness or poor technique in the handling of infectious materials.

What is a clinical laboratory?

Clinical laboratories, and especially those in health care facilities, receive clinical specimens with requests for a variety of diagnostic and clinical support services. Typically, clinical laboratories receive specimens without pertinent information such as patient history or clinical findings which may be suggestive of an infectious etiology. Furthermore, such specimens are often submitted with a broad request for microbiological examination for multiple agents (e.g., sputum samples submitted for "routine," acid-fast, and fungal cultures).

Types of Materials

High-Density Polyethylene

• Lastly, high-density polyethylene is one of the most cost-effective options. However, unlike stainless steel, it does not have moisture resistance, chemical resistance, or heat resistance feature. This is because it is a relatively soft material so chemical elements and heat have a negative impact on its surface. On the other hand, it is resistant ...

See more on labtechsupplyco.com

Factors to Consider

Choose The Right Lab Furniture Manufacturer