Categories Health

How to Choose the Right Laboratory Cabinet Suitable for Your Needs

A well-laid out laboratory is essential to productivity. But well-designed lab layouts are also critical for the safety of the equipment used, the specimen being tested and, crucially, the technicians working in the lab. And central to laboratory safety and productivity are the cabinets used to store documentation, samples, tools and supplies. The challenge faced by lab managers and administrators is: How do you choose what’s right laboratory cabinets?

Why do you need high-quality laboratory cabinets?

A decade or two ago, lab cabinets weren’t as accessible as they are today. Due to specialized design and construction technology, buying a cabinet to fit a labs’ unique needs was expensive. Developments in mass-production techniques changed that!  Cabinets are now more accessible and popular. Today, specialized cabinets are the heart and soul of any well-designed laboratory.

Laboratory cabinets are a form of specialized cabinet that are made to hold chemicals, equipment, and samples in laboratories safely. They are constructed from sturdy materials that withstand corrosion and chemical damage, and typically, locking mechanisms are included in their design to restrict unauthorized access. To keep your lab well organized, neat, safe and a healthy place for workers, it is important you invest in high-quality laboratory cabinets.

Features to Look for when evaluating a lab cabinet

Well-designed, productive labs will invariably have a bank of cabinets. A suitable storage system that can endure the harsh lab environment is necessary for a functional lab. You should consider the following before choosing cabinets that are right for your lab:

1.    Laboratory cabinet material

The material to be used is determined by a number of variables, including your budget, your sterilization capabilities, and the lab procedures it will be used for. Hardwood and laminates are particularly common in educational settings, dry labs, technology, and basic product testing. Although these types of cabinets are a common choice, they lack the durability and safety that their metal counterparts provide.

Metal lab cabinets are a go to option for those in need of chemical and water or moisture resistant cabinets. This type of casework’s durability is largely due to the producers’ use of a chemically resistant powder-coated finish.

2.    Laboratory cabinet mechanics

It is common to overlook the mechanicals. While setting up your lab, drawer slides, casters, and hinges should all be taken into account and carefully examined. These accessories are highly depreciable components of the cabinet, and are often the first to wear off.

Look for drawer slides with full extension and make sure it has been checked and capable of carrying the required weight loads. The hinges should be corrosion resistant and perform heavy-duty function because the lab cabinets can be opened and closed frequently during the workday. In addition, look for casters that have dual locking, which means that both the rolling and swivelling movements can be locked.

3.    Certifications for Lab Cabinets

Consider getting laboratory cabinets that are manufactured to high standards. When purchasing casework for a laboratory environment, always check for certifications from organizations like BIFMA, SEFA, and UL. When a casework is constructed in accordance with SEFA, and other trustworthy standards, you can be sure it has been mechanically, functionally, and exposure-tested. This also confirms its quality and capacity to withstand use in high-volume, high-load laboratory setting.

In conclusion, investing in a laboratory cabinet has numerous advantages as it enhances productivity and safety in the lab. It is important you get the right cabinet for your lab. You can contact us for recommendations on the best laboratory cabinet for your needs.