Every laboratory evolves over time, including its furniture. As a result, it’s critical to update your lab equipment to keep up with the various requirements of science laboratories, and lab tables and sinks are at the top of the list.
Science lab sinks are in high demand in laboratories of all types, but understanding when it’s time to upgrade your lab tables with a new sink can be a challenging process. Below, we’ll provide you with several things you should be thinking about if you are considering upgrading your lab tables with high-quality science lab sinks.
Continue reading to learn more about when you should outfit your science lab tables with a sink and how a reputable company can provide you with high-quality science lab equipment to keep your laboratories up to date over time.
When it’s Time to Outfit Your Lab Table with a Sink
Quality laboratory equipment can be expected to last for a long time. However, no matter how much you invest in laboratory maintenance, there will come a time when you will need to renovate or replace it. But how do you know when to contact an expert about when your lab table is due for a sink installation?
Here are some general guidelines and specific indicators for when it might be a good idea to outfit lab table with sink:
Safety Concerns
In any lab, employee safety is of the utmost importance. If there is a problem with the safety of your laboratory equipment, you should contact a specialist to address the concern right away.
Deterioration of Equipment
Even the highest-quality products will eventually show signs of wear and tear. Some of these are simply unsightly—while others indicate a problem with safety, such as rust, which has the potential to be a dangerous safety issue. If your equipment is rusting, you should replace it as soon as possible.
Broken Lab Furniture
This may appear to be obvious advice, but failing to heed it can have disastrous consequences. If you have cracked, chipped, or damaged lab tables or sinks, it is best to replace them.
Benefits of Outfitting Your Lab Tables with a Sink
Here are some of the benefits that you can expect from upgrading your existing lab tables with a new sink:
Ensures Cleanliness of the Water
The cleanliness of the water must always be considered in a lab environment. The water used in the lab should not contain contaminants that could interfere with experiments or the cleanliness of the staff.
Because the lab’s furniture must be clean, it is critical to have clean freshwater. With a sink, you can install a water filtration system to ensure that any contaminants are easily removed before cleaning instruments or supplies, or washing hands.
Hands-Free Options
When working in a laboratory, there will be tests and experiments that will require both of your hands to be free when controlling water flow. Because of this requirement, a hands-free approach for your sink is recommended.
Hand-to-mouth transmission can result in exposure to hazardous materials and pathogenic organisms. As a result, the sink should be located near the egress, and sink berms should be greater than 0.25 inches in height and designed to separate the workstation area from the sink drain.
Long-Lasting
Epoxy resin sinks are an example of a material that is both long-lasting and safe to use in a laboratory. Most harsh chemicals will not harm the unit, allowing you to wash tools and your hands without fear of causing damage to the sink.
Common Types of Sinks
When considering sinks for a laboratory, you may believe that a standard sink will suffice. A laboratory will be more successful if a sink is designed specifically for the lab work that will be completed and the tables in which they will be installed.
Here are some of the most common types of sinks that you should consider using in your laboratory:
Drop-in Sinks
Drop-in sinks, also known as top-mounted sinks, use a simplified installation method that seals the sink’s cutout. It eliminates the overhang in the workstation surface that exists between the inner walls of undermount sink basins and the sink cutout in the floor.
These are available in a variety of sizes and depths, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. These sinks frequently include a space-saving organization corner drain that relocates the plumbing to the floor of the supporting cabinet for optimal storage. This increases usable storage space.
Undermount Sinks
Laboratories have used undermount sinks for more than 40 years. These types of sinks are made of epoxy resin and have chemical resistance to chemicals and extreme durability, and are available in a variety of sizes and organization options.
Installing an undermount sink necessitates the use of an under-sink support system. Because of this recommended installation—organization, storage methods, and supplies are required for maximum safety. So, it is best to consult with a lab specialist beforehand.
Upgrade Your Lab Tables with the Help of LabTech Supply Company
The research lab is a hive of activity. Scientists and students alike spend long hours in laboratories conducting research, creating new products, and training for future careers in science.
To keep employees safe, it’s crucial that you invest in reliable lab furniture to create a highly functional workstation environment for your lab workers.
At LabTech Supply Company, we’ve been committed to providing our customers with a comprehensive selection of scientific tables and sinks for all types of lab environments for over 30 years. All of our lab furniture is manufactured in the United States, ensuring that our customers receive the highest-quality lab furniture available that fits their budget and meets all industry standards while remaining extremely durable.
If you are in the process of redesigning your lab site and you need lab tables, don’t wait any longer to speak with an expert. Learn about your sink installation options and how our team of lab furniture specialists can help you find the best solutions for all of your laboratory requirements.
Request a quote by filling out our online form or contact us at 800-476-5228 at LabTech Supply Company today!
