One of the best things you can do while setting up a laboratory is to make it safe. The right chemical storage cabinet or PP Laboratory Cabinets are an important part of keeping people, your lab, and the environment safe. With so many diverse options on the market, selecting the ideal cabinet may be confusing.
This blog will walk you through step by step the most important things to check for before purchasing the suitable lab furniture. By the time you reach the end, you will be ready to choose the ideal cabinets for your laboratory.
Key Factors to Consider Before Buying Chemical Storage Cabinets
Before purchasing a chemical storage cabinet, it’s important to keep in mind a couple of things. These will enable you to select cabinets that will protect your lab and help it to operate smoothly.
Type of Chemicals to be Stored
Consider what chemicals you have stored in the cabinet. Various cabinets are made for flammables, corrosives, or chemicals in general, so you must choose the cabinet that is appropriate for your chemicals.
Material and Construction
Make sure the cabinet is constructed of solid, chemical-resistant material. This will ensure it is durable even when there are spills or rough cleaning.
Size and Storage Capacity
Think about how large your lab is and how many cabinets you would like to store. Using the right size keeps the lab neatly organized and avoids overcrowding.
Ventilation and Fume Control
A few storage cabinets come equipped with exhaust system fittings or can be attached to a fume hood. This allows harmful vapours not to degrade your lab’s environment.
5-Step Guide to Buying the Right Chemical Storage Cabinet
Purchasing chemical storage cabinets is less complicated when you know exactly what you want. These five easy steps will help you make an informed decision.
Step 1. Know Your Chemicals
First, make a list of all the chemicals you will be storing. Various chemicals have various requirements. Some are combustible, some are corrosive. If you know what you have, you can select a cabinet that will accommodate everything securely and to safety standards.
Step 2. Familiarise yourself with the Safety Standards and Certifications for Chemical Storage
Get familiar with the chemical storage rules. Research local and international regulations. These regulations inform you what must be put in your cabinet, such as durable material, locks, or ventilation. By following the rules, your lab is safer, and you avoid trouble when there are inspections.
Step 3. Get the Right Size and Type
Second, consider your lab space. Take measurements where you would put the cabinet. Opt for a configuration that stores well but doesn’t clutter up your workspace. Spill-proof trays and adjustable shelves are also intelligent options that keep all your equipment neatly located.
Step 4. Consider Ventilation and Exhaust Needs
A few chemicals require proper ventilation. Make sure the cabinet is accessible to an exhaust system or fume hood. This setup eliminates harmful vapours and cleans your laboratory air. It also reduces health hazards to laboratory staff.
Step 5. Check Maintenance and Routine Costs
Lastly, examine how simple it is to clean and maintain the chemical storage cabinet. Consider how often parts like trays or seals will have to be replaced. An improved cabinet will be more costly upfront, but will save money in the long term with less repair work and greater life expectancy.
Safety Standards and Certifications
Selecting the correct chemical storage cabinets is making them meet significant regulations. In compliance with these regulations, you, as well as your lab and the environment, remain safe.
Safety Standards
- Factory Act, 1948: Laboratories are required to comply with this act in order for the workplace to be safe and healthy for everyone.
- BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards): Ensures lab furniture, including cabinets, is made to Indian quality and safety standards.
- Petroleum Act, 1934 & Petroleum Rules, 2002: Laboratories that store flammable solvents are required to adhere to these rules in order to avoid fires and accidents.
- Local Fire Department Standards: Fire department inspectors visit laboratories at regular intervals to check whether cabinets are installed correctly and possess proper fire safety features.
Certifications
- FM Approved: It indicates that the cabinet was tested for fire resistance.
- UL Listed: It indicates that it underwent strict electrical and fire protection testing.
- CE Mark: Indicates that it’s in accordance with EU health and safety standards.
- SEFA Certification: Ensures the cabinet is in accordance with maximum lab furniture safety.
- ISO 9001: Verifies the manufacturer has followed quality control practices.
Selecting lab furniture with such standards and certifications makes it guaranteed that it is safe. It also spares you the expense of paying fines or replacing non-compliant furniture if needed in the future.
PP Cabinets: A Perfect Solution for Chemical Storage
PP Laboratory Cabinets are a popular choice in labs worldwide. They are made of polypropylene, a tough polymer that has been known to withstand chemical spills and aggressive cleaning. They are used to store chemicals, lab equipment, and even samples in universities, hospitals, and pharma labs. Polypropylene is ideal for laboratories since it resists most normal solvents and acids without deterioration. That translates into PP Cabinets lasting longer and your laboratory remaining safe.
Some of the benefits of PP Cabinets are:
- They can be exposed to numerous chemicals.
- They are constructed to prevent leaks and spills from spreading.
- You can customise them with trays and shelves for your purposes.
- The smooth surfaces are simple to wipe and clean.
If new lab furniture additions are on your agenda, PP Cabinets are a great choice. They are safe, simple to clean, and maintain your workspace neat.
Conclusion
Choosing the right chemical storage cabinet is all about safety, smart planning, and getting good value for your money. By considering your chemicals, space, standards, and costs, you’ll find the perfect fit for your lab. A little careful selection today saves big problems tomorrow.
When you are ready to buy, think of Santech Labs, a reliable furniture manufacturer and supplier. Since 1998, we have assisted labs with top-quality lab furniture, ranging from PP Cabinets to chemical storage units. With our in-house designers and state-of-the-art plant in Mohali, Santech Labs ensures it is simple to obtain furniture that’s safe, durable, and appropriate for your lab. Call today to discover how we can assist in building your lab the proper way.
