Lab Workbench

Lab benches create the surfaces to perform various experiments on. This is where almost all the work in a lab is done. Unless the experiment is such that it cannot be done on a standard horizontal surface (like determining Young’s modulus), or have their own big machines, or must be done in safe workspaces like fume hood.

Lab benches are much more than just a glorified table. They have various attachments on top of them configured to the laboratory’s needs. For wet labs, a lab workbench will have reagent racks on top of the desk, and sinks to wash lab apparatus and dispose of liquids. For a dry lab, there will be electrical racers on top of the table. For electronics labs, the whole workbench doubles as a powerhouse of testing and diagnostic systems.

Lab tables will have various utility connections ‒ like gas, water, and electricity lines in-built. This enables you to draw on those utility systems as required for your experiment.

Laboratory desks often have lots of storage space underneath the table. You can use them to store the equipment and glassware, paperwork, and various doodads needed for work (from paper clips to duct tapes ‒ you never know!). Indeed, if it wasn’t for the under-storages in the lab workbenches, the lab would almost double in size just to store the various lab equipment, apparatus, and glassware it requires to function.

Routine Cleaning and Sanitization
Consistent cleaning practices are crucial for maintaining the integrity and safety of lab workbenches:
Daily Cleaning: Wipe down workbenches with appropriate cleaning agents at the end of each day to remove residues, dust, and spills.
Disinfecting Surfaces: Regularly disinfect workbenches, especially in labs dealing with biological materials, to prevent contamination and maintain a sterile environment.
Choosing the Right Cleaners: Use cleaning products compatible with the workbench material. For example, avoid abrasive cleaners on epoxy resin surfaces to prevent scratches. 

Proper Layout Planning
Organize your work benches strategically to minimize movement between different areas and optimize workflow.Every lab is unique in both its physical layout and in purpose.

Regular Maintenance
Any bench or table should have clean lines, limited spaces for dirt or contaminants, and should be easily cleanable. Schedule routine maintenance to keep work benches in optimal condition and extend their lifespan.

Work Surface
A durable and chemical-resistant work surface is critical. Typically, it’s made of materials like epoxy resin, phenolic resin, or stainless steel. The surface should be easy to clean and capable of withstanding the use of chemicals, heat, and physical stress.

Size and Configuration
Laboratory bench systems come in various sizes and configurations to accommodate different types of research and experiments. Standard configurations typically come with a depth of 30” and widths ranging from 36” up to 96” in 12” increments. Custom sizes can be accommodated for specific applications but are typically not needed due to the broad range of standard sizes offered.

Adjustable Height Work Benches
Laboratory bench systems and tables adjustability usually falls into two broad categories: pin height adjustable (manual), and power height adjustable. Both of these types can be raised or lowered to accommodate researchers of varying heights, promoting ergonomic comfort and reducing the risk of repetitive strain injuries. To avoid electrical interference with equipment and test procedures within the lab, as well as avoiding the risk of shorting out electrical actuators in a wet lab environment, pin height adjustable tables are considered the standard in most laboratory settings. They are also the more budget-friendly option and don’t have the complexity of a powered system.

Stability and Weight Capacity
The bench should be stable and capable of supporting the weight of laboratory equipment, instruments, and reagents without wobbling or bending. SEFA approved benches must meet strict weight ratings to ensure quality and durability. Benches typically come standard with adjustable leveling feet to ensure stability even on uneven surfaces. Caster feet are also a common option giving your lab bench additional mobility.

Storage and Organization
Laboratory benches often include storage options like drawers, cabinets, or shelves to keep equipment, glassware, and chemicals organized and within reach. This helps in maintaining a clutter-free workspace making them a great tool when designing a lab space. Hanging base cabinets or mobile base cabinets are often used on or around these systems to supplement the workspace with additional storage. Corrosives and Acid Cabinets can also be integrated into the design to sit next to or under bench systems.

Flexibility and Modularity
Most laboratory bench systems are designed to be modular, allowing you to configure and reconfigure them as needed to accommodate changing research requirements. This adaptability is particularly useful in dynamic research environments. Shelving systems, mobile base cabinets and hanging base cabinet options give you the ability to adapt the furniture as needed.

Electrical and Data Connectivity
Depending on the laboratory’s needs, benches may have built-in electrical outlets, data ports, and cable management systems for powering and connecting various devices and instruments. Power is presented as duplex or GFI receptacles and can be wired as a single or multiple circuit.

Plumbing
Benches can be plumbed to accept various services. Typical services will be vacuum, compressed air, and gas. Services are plumbed out the top of the bench, often terminating to a ceiling service panel with a quick disconnect fitting. These services allow researchers to carry out a broad range of experiments and procedures at each bench location.

Compliance with Standards
Ensure that the laboratory bench system complies with relevant safety and regulatory standards, such as those established by organizations like OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and ANSI (American National Standards Institute).

Durability
The bench should be built to withstand the rigors of a laboratory environment, including potential exposure to corrosive substances, frequent cleaning, and heavy usage.

Types Of Workbenches
Different types of workbenches offer varying advantages and disadvantages. Fixed workbenches are permanently attached to the floor or wall, providing stability and durability, and are suitable for labs with fixed layouts that need to support heavy or sensitive equipment. However, they are not as flexible and may limit the use of space. Mobile workbenches, on the other hand, are mounted on wheels or casters and can be easily moved around the lab, making them ideal for labs that need to change the configuration frequently or accommodate different projects. However, they may not be as sturdy or stable as fixed workbenches and may require more maintenance. Lastly, modular workbenches are composed of interchangeable components that can be assembled and disassembled according to the needs of the lab.

Materials and finishes
When choosing materials and finishes for your workbenches, you should consider factors such as resistance, cleanliness, and aesthetics. Stainless steel, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, and high-pressure laminate are some of the most resistant materials and are also non-porous and antimicrobial, making them optimal for hygiene. Wood, laminate, and metal offer a variety of textures and shades and are great for creating a pleasant and professional environment in your lab.

Ergonomics and safety
When selecting workbenches for your laboratory, it's important to consider ergonomics and safety. The height should be appropriate for the tasks and equipment used, with the standard height being 36 inches. However, adjustable workbenches may be needed depending on posture and accessibility. The depth should be sufficient to accommodate the materials used, but not too deep as to hinder reach or visibility. The standard depth is 30 inches, but shelves, drawers, or cabinets can be added for optimal space use. Lighting should be adequate to ensure accuracy and safety of work, avoiding glare, shadows, and flickering. Natural light, overhead light, or task light can be used depending on the location and type of work. Workbenches with built-in lighting or power outlets can also be used to enhance illumination. By considering these aspects, you can find the best laboratory workbenches for your space and create a functional, efficient, and comfortable lab.

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