Making sure that the materials that go into your science lab are both safe and durable is critical to the safety of your employees and your facility. If you’re upgrading your lab or building a new one, your countertop material selection needs to be tailored to your industry. The tips below can help you make the best choice.
1. Heat Tolerance
The risk of fire is a great concern in any work setting. Are you dealing with chemical reactions that create high heat? In addition to a top-quality fire suppression system, countertops that can tolerate heat exposure over time are a good investment. If your employees are handling fire on a regular basis, it may be wisest to invest in stainless steel countertops.
2. Chemical Exposure
If your industry requires employees to handle corrosive chemicals, making sure that your countertops are both non-porous and non-reactive is key. A countertop that contains epoxy or offers an epoxy seal may be necessary.
3. Weight
If your lab includes some mobile units, including rolling worktables or movable storage containers, weight will make a big difference. You can invest in countertops that are layered paper with laminates and sealants. While these materials can have a lower heat tolerance, your industry requirements may allow for lighter, more flexible work surfaces.
As you plan your lab update or construction, make sure you carefully consider weight in your planning budget. Epoxy countertops can be extremely durable, but shipping them to your build site can be surprisingly costly as they are among the heaviest materials you can use.
4. Cleaning Requirements
There are many surfaces that can tolerate a good scrubbing, but harsh cleaning products and tools may scratch an epoxy surface. Your industry needs are key. If part of your experimentation includes working with food products, a scratched countertop can serve as a haven for bacteria.
Once you’ve chosen a countertop material that will be safe and durable for all your needs, make sure you create a cleaning regimen that will protect the countertops from harsh materials. Keep a list of any products that may stain or scratch your new lab countertops, and do your best to keep an abundant supply of safe cleaning tools on site.
5. Porosity
A lab countertop that is even slightly porous can break down quickly. Even a soaking with water can shorten the life of a porous countertop. Do your best to avoid spills or water or chemicals, and set up detailed cleaning protocols that will save damage over time.
6. Moisture Concerns
Because a countertop soaked in chemicals can be at greater risk of fire as well as water damage, make sure you carefully consider what materials are going to be used regularly in your lab. The risk of a soaked countertop contributing to a dangerous reaction is slight, but a countertop soaked with a flammable material can lead to catastrophe.
Your lab staff deserves the best and safest work surfaces. Price is always an issue, but frequent countertop replacement projects will also cut into production time and increase costs so it’s best to choose the top countertop for your lab needs.
