Imagine a laboratory where cables tangle, beakers collide with bunsen burners, and overflowing chemical containers that look as if they might fall like bricks. Regretfully, this disorganised scene occurs in laboratories all over the world, impacting efficiency and leading to accidents.
Every square inch matters in the laboratory. With so many heavy instruments, necessary chemicals, and piles of paperwork, labs may quickly become chaotic and disorganised. Overhead storage lab cabinets play the role of unnoticed champions in this situation. Choosing the correct cabinets is difficult these days because there are so many options available. In this blog, we will look at several aspects to consider when choosing the right lab cabinets with overhead storage.
What Are Overhead Storage Lab Cabinets?
Chemicals, samples, and laboratory equipment are stored safely in specialised cabinets known as overhead laboratory storage cabinets. They are made of a material that does not deteriorate and is chemically resistant. These cabinets are secured with locks to prevent unauthorised access. They are necessary components of every well-supplied laboratory and offer a variety of benefits.
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Maximising Benchtop Space
Overhead cabinets keep supplies, tools, and chemicals off the countertops, freeing up space needed for lab activity. It allows and promotes safe, comfortable, and efficient movement in the lab. By maximising benchtop space, they allow you to focus on what matters most.
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Improved Organisation And Accessibility
They help you to manage your laboratory by giving you a specific storage place for equipment, which improves efficiency and saves time spent searching for items. They offer you a solution to transform your lab from disorganised chaos to a haven of efficiency.
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Enhanced Safety
Cabinets for overhead storage increase safety by offering safe storage for harmful chemicals like flammable liquids or volatile chemicals in your laboratory, lowering the possibility of accidents. They play an important role in achieving a safer work environment.
Things To Consider While Buying Overhead Storage Lab Cabinet
Maintaining safety precautions is crucial to averting mishaps. But navigating each option available in the market can be overwhelming. Therefore, there are a few crucial elements you should think about.
1. Storage Needs
Cabinets for above-ground storage in a lab can have a lot of utilities, but it’s all about keeping safety and functionality in mind. Some of the things which you can store in these cabinets are discussed below.
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Large & Bulky Equipment
Select cabinets with movable shelves to allow for the greatest amount of flexibility for storing goods such as flasks, funnels, and beakers. This provides better security and prevents them from toppling over.
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Chemicals
Prioritise cabinets with self-closing doors for proper ventilation of flammable materials or chemicals and features like spill containment shelves. These reduce the risk of contamination or fire.
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Small And Frequently Used Items
Cabinets with adjustable shelves and easy reach are more beneficial for frequently accessed items such as test tubes, pipettes, beakers, etc. This keeps your movement steady and minimises time searching for misplaced items.
2. Material And Durability
Lab environments are tough on cabinets! Choose durability with either epoxy-coated steel for its corrosion resistance, fire protection, and wider chemical compatibility, or polypropylene for a lightweight, affordable option ideal for acids and bases. Both are easy to clean, making them ideal for long-lasting use.
3. Door Options
When selecting a door for a laboratory, consider factors like security, fume containment, visibility, and time efficiency. Solid doors provide excellent security and fume containment but lack visibility, while glass doors offer visibility but less security. Combination doors combine the advantages of both types to provide a balance.
4. Safety Features
Prioritise safety in your lab by choosing cabinets with features like self-closing doors to prevent spills and exposure, spill containment shelves to catch accidents, and ventilation systems for flammable materials. These features not only minimise the risk of accidents but also ensure a well-ventilated and secure environment for researchers.
5. Weight Capacity
In any laboratory, overhead storage cabinets are workhorses that help in much-needed storage for chemicals, supplies, and equipment.
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Matching Capacity To Needs:
Make sure that the cabinets you choose can support the weight of the items you intend to store, you create a secure and organised environment for your research endeavours. Overloading cabinets can compromise their structural integrity, leading to safety hazards.
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Weight Rating:
Lab cabinet’s weight ratings are not one-size-fits-all. Most lab cabinet manufacturers specify a weight rating for each shelf and the entire cabinet. By understanding your needs and preferences, you can make an informed decision.
6. Ergonomics
Smart lab storage cabinets keep researchers comfortable and productive. Easy-to-reach essentials and organised cabinets minimise fatigue and injury, allowing for focused experiments and a more enjoyable lab experience.
7. Budget
Cabinets for storing supplies in laboratories come in a variety of price ranges depending upon several factors.
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Material
Lab cabinets come in a variety of materials, each with its advantages. Epoxy-coated cabinets, while initially more expensive than polypropylene options, offer a significant return on investment.
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Size
Cabinets with large shelves naturally cost more than smaller ones. They maximise the storage capacity and reduce the need for additional cabinets. Consider your overall storage needs before making a size-based decision.
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Features
Overhead storage lab cabinets are more expensive because they contain advanced safety measures like explosion-proof venting and fume hood integration. These features enhance safety, efficiency, and functionality in the laboratory.
8. Lab Size And Layout
Overhead cabinets can revolutionise your lab, but for maximum impact, consider how they integrate with your existing space. Precise measurements ensure cabinets fit the walls without cramping work areas. Think about the lab’s overall layout too, positioning cabinets to work seamlessly with benches, fume hoods, and equipment for an efficient and safe workflow.
Conclusion
After reading this blog, you should be well on your way to choosing the ideal overhead storage lab cabinets for your lab by adhering to these guidelines and putting these expert suggestions into effect. Remember that efficient storage directly leads to a productive, well-organised, and ultimately safer lab setting.Santech Labs is a well-known brand in the field that offers top-notch lab accessories. It is among the most reputable businesses when it comes to offering the best solutions for lab furniture. Every lab frame at Santech is manufactured using premium raw materials to create a reliable and effective infrastructure that enables precise, balanced, quantitative, and qualitative scientific & research activities.
