Accessories That Your Lab Needs
At iQ Labs, we’re proud to offer standard laboratory casework and fume hoods that work well in almost any science lab. However, some laboratories need specialty equipment and furniture to fulfill their purpose.
Specialty customizations for laboratory furniture are often necessary to meet safety and accessibility standards. Let’s take a look at some of our most popular specialty lab accessories and customization options.
Chemically-Resistant Countertops
What Makes a Countertop Chemically Resistant?
The materials and manufacturing process used to make the countertops are what make them resistant to chemicals. Chemically-resistant countertops are a great addition to any lab dealing with corrosive chemicals. If there’s any risk of chemical spills, you’ll want a chemically-resistant countertop to protect your laboratory furniture and equipment.
Available Materials for Chemically-Resistant Countertops
At iQ Labs, we offer three different chemically-resistant countertops:
- Epoxy resin: This material is nonporous, durable, and can be used for both countertops as well as fume hood decks. Fume hood decks are similar to countertops, but they are dished, helping keep any chemical spills within the internal space of the fume hood.
- Phenolic resin: This material is similar to epoxy resin. However, it is not as durable.
- Stainless steel: This material is popular in labs or cleanrooms working with foods, radioisotopes, or other radioactive materials. It can be used within a fume hood as well as a dished work surface.
Custom Countertop Sizes
Typical countertops are 30 inches deep with a four-inch backsplash, as well as an inch of overhang if there are base cabinets underneath. However, we provide custom sizes and features as well. Chemically-resistant countertops can be placed on island base cabinets, for example, and include sink cutouts and access holes for different gas fixtures.
In particular, stainless steel is typically a custom application for specific types of laboratories. We offer stainless countertops, stainless fume hood decks, and even stainless interior fume hood liners.
Can You Put Chemically-Resistant Countertop on Lab Benches or Tables?
Yes! We can put epoxy resin, phenolic resin, or even stainless steel countertops on mobile workbenches as well as tables. Although it is not chemically resistant, we can also put butcher block on lab benches, which is a popular option in grade school classrooms.
Laboratory Sinks & Faucets
Laboratory sinks are typically made of epoxy resin as a single molded piece, or stainless steel if you have stainless steel countertops. They can be undermount or overmount style, depending on your preference.
Although lab sinks are typical in most research spaces, the quantity needed and their locations should be carefully considered. Plumbing accessories such as eyewash stations, eyewash showers, and chemical showers are key pieces of laboratory safety. Careful consideration should be taken around what type of washdown system your lab may need as well as placement of these units.
Because laboratory faucets are frequently used and are part of key safety procedures, they need to be accessible to everyone. At iQ Labs, we work with a faucet manufacturer that produces ADA-compliant fixtures, eyewash stations, and showers.
Laboratory Fans & Exhaust Blowers
Fans and exhaust blowers play a critical role in keeping a laboratory safe from harmful or toxic fumes. At iQ Labs, we offer fume hood fans and blowers.
Fume hoods can come with individual blowers, or they can be hooked up to central HVAC systems already built into the lab itself. Our team offers everything from small, single blowers to large rooftop units that draw air for an entire laboratory.
Maintenance & Safety Procedures for Specialty Lab Accessories
Specialty lab accessories aren’t indestructible. They need maintenance so they remain safe to use.
For example, let’s take a look at epoxy resin countertops. Although they are durable and noncorrosive, they still need periodic maintenance to keep them not only looking great, but also working as intended.
Inspect your science lab accessories on a monthly or quarterly basis, and establish a routine of daily or weekly cleanings, depending on use. Stay mindful of what you’re using to clean other accessories. For example, stainless steel lab sinks are notoriously difficult to clean because they are the last stop for other laboratory messes and spills.
Keep in mind the materials your laboratory accessories are made of and any limitations they may have. Epoxy resin countertops, for example, can be damaged by liquid nitrogen and dry ice.
5 General Routine Maintenance Recommendations
Always follow the maintenance and care instructions that come with your specific laboratory equipment. For general guidance, keep in mind these five recommendations:
- Always clean up spills immediately.
- Never place hot objects directly on laboratory countertops.
- Never use abrasive cleaning materials or scouring pads unless specifically directed by an accessory’s care instructions.
- Always set items gently on surfaces—never drop or drag.
- Establish regular inspections and cleaning schedules for all laboratory equipment and furniture.
Why Choose iQ Labs for Specialty Laboratory Accessories & Customizations?
Instead of purchasing a standard fume hood or piece of laboratory furniture, work with our team at iQ Labs to get the custom laboratory equipment and specialty accessories your lab needs. iQ Labs is proud to be a one-stop shop for customers who need everything from main pieces of equipment and furniture to specialty accessories and work surfaces. We offer state-of-the-art accessories, like peg boards for beaker drying and stainless steel lab carts. Contact us today to get a quote for your laboratory equipment needs.
