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Laboratories and cleanrooms are specialised, controlled environments designed to maintain extremely low levels of particulates, such as dust, airborne particles and chemical vapours. Laboratories all over the world play a critical role in ensuring the integrity of research and manufacturing processes in fields like pharmaceuticals, healthcare, biotechnology, electronics and more.
One of the most crucial aspects of setting up or maintaining a laboratory, is selecting the right furniture. The correct choice of laboratory furniture can not only enhance efficiency, but also contributes to maintaining the cleanliness and sterility of the overall environment.
In this blog, we’ll aim to explore the key factors to consider when choosing laboratory furniture to ensure it meets the highest standards of performance and safety, and the required compliance; our Product Specialists have also included their recommendations for the best product range to use within laboratories.
Understanding ISO & GMP Classifications
Before diving into specific furniture options, it’s essential to understand the desired ISO or GMP classification for your laboratory. ISO and GMP classifications are categorised based on the number of particles allowed per cubic metre of air. For more information on ISO and GMP classifications, click here.
Each ISO or GMP classification may require specific materials and designs that minimise particle generation and retention. For instance, an ISO Class 5 environment will have stricter requirements than ISO Class 8 environment. Working towards a specific ISO or GMP classification will guide your choice of materials and furniture design to ensure compliance with the required standards.
Choosing the Right Materials
Laboratory furniture must be made from materials that do not shed particles, are easy to clean and can withstand frequent sanitation without degradation. Here are some common materials used in laboratory furniture:
Stainless steel: Stainless steel is a great choice for laboratory furniture, as it is highly resistant to corrosion and chemical damage. It’s extremely durable, easy to clean and doesn’t produce particulate contamination. Stainless steel is particularly ideal for environments that require frequent sanitisation with harsh chemicals.
Electro-polished steel: For environments which require the highest level of cleanliness, such as semiconductor manufacturing, electro-polished steel provides a smooth surface that reduces particulate adhesion.
Trespa: Trespa is easy to clean and scratch-resistant, making it ideal for use in a controlled laboratory environment.
Key Features of Laboratory Furniture
As well as looking at the materials laboratory furniture is made from, it’s also important to understand some of the key features of laboratory furniture:
Durability and strength: Laboratory furniture is often required to be movable in the environment, and therefore may need to be wheeled around regularly where it may sustain knocks and bangs. Choosing a durable material is critical!
Safety: Fire resistance is useful when working with flammable substances. Ventilated cabinets may also be required when working with hazardous chemicals that may pose a threat after build-up.
Ergonomics: Height-adjustable tables are often used to accommodate sitting or standing preferences, and sitting-standing chairs are available to allow personnel to work most comfortably and efficiently in the space.
Flexibility: Every laboratory is unique, and your laboratory furniture should meet your specific needs. We offer a range of customised furniture options to meet the requirements of your laboratory environment. Customising the size and configuration of your furniture can maximise space and improve workflow efficiency, so it is worth thinking about the space as a whole, when considering what laboratory furniture you may need.
Anti-vibration: Laboratories often use sensitive instruments, so anti-vibration qualities may be necessary.
Anti-static: Some sectors, including semiconductor, require furniture that doesn’t harbour static build up and therefore choosing anti-static laboratory furniture is imperative.
Our Furniture Specialist Recommendations
We offer a large range of products here at Cleanroomshop, and as mentioned above, the needs of each laboratory will be unique. Our Product Specialists are dedicated and knowledgeable, and they are able to offer all the advice needed when choosing your laboratory furniture. Here are some of the products they recommend (correct as of September 2024):
For laboratory fit outs, we highly recommend Trespa for its exceptional qualities. including water resistance, anti-bacterial properties, chemical durability, and long-lasting strength. Trespa is easy to clean, reducing bacterial growth, making it an ideal choice for laboratory worktops.
Trespa offers durable, hygienic furniture made from water-resistant, high-pressure laminate. This material is highly resistant to impact, scratches, and wear, making it ideal for heavy-duty use. The smooth, closed-surface panels prevent dirt buildup, making cleaning easier.
The Trespa TopLab Plus range includes antistatic and antimicrobial properties, reducing bacteria by 99.99% within 24 hours. It also withstands corrosive chemicals without losing its appearance or properties. Additionally, this fire-retardant material resists temperatures up to 180°C, does not melt or drip, and minimizes fire spread while producing less smoke.
A longer lasting product compared to stainless steel, Trespa offers a more versatile solution. We can create custom pieces, from simple tables to bespoke cupboards, lockers, or any unique idea you have in mind. The furniture and benching can be fitted and installed to the space, offering a truly long-lasting solution.
Lab fit-outs are highly customisable, depending on your specific needs. Common features include:
Trespa Tables: Furniture options include optional upstands and undershelves to improve cleanliness and provide extra storage.
Cupboards/Lockers: Tailored to your exact specifications.
Stepover Benches: Ideal for change areas, with additional shoe storage options.
Wall Shelves: Available in various sizes, customized to fit your space perfectly.
For top-quality seating, we highly recommend Bimos chairs, the industry leaders offering a 10-year warranty.
Bimos chairs: The Bimos Labsit Range is perfect, suitable for ISO 3-8 and certified for ISO 14644-1 Class 3+. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors.
Bimos sitting-standing chairs: The Bimos Sitting-Standing Chair is the perfect choice when flexibility is required. Certified for ISO 14644-1 Class 7+, this chair offers the best support for sitting, standing and combined workplaces.
Explore our wide selection of Bimos products on our website and let our furniture specialists guide you to the right choice!
Summary
Selecting the right laboratory furniture is a critical step in maintaining a clean and compliant laboratory environment. By understanding your laboratory classification, choosing appropriate materials, considering design and ergonomics, ensuring compliance with standards, focusing on durability and maintenance and exploring customisation options, you can ensure that your laboratory furniture meets the highest standards of performance and safety.
Investing in high-quality laboratory furniture is not just about compliance; it’s about creating a safe, efficient, and productive environment for your laboratory personnel, ultimately contributing to the success of your operations. Allow our Cleanroomshop furniture specialists to assist you with this process; contact us today.
