31 Laboratory Furniture & Planning Solutions


Whilst the demand for highly durable, hygienic, and customisable stainless steel cleanroom furniture continues, in laboratories white, powder-coated steel furniture is popular. Powder coating steel not only builds a barrier between moisture and humidity, but the white surface refl ects light, enhancing visibility in the laboratory and creating a clean, professional appearance. The coating provides resistance to many laboratory chemicals, preventing degradation from spills and ensuring long-term usability.


But mild steel is not appropriate for all environments so hygienic materials such as waterproof construction board and high-pressure laminate panels, sometimes combined with 304-grade stainless steel table frames, provide an effective option. There are several exceptional furniture ranges available that offer durability and fl exibility, whilst creating an aesthetically pleasing and bright workspace. Chemical resistant technologies are also incorporated into some materials, making them useful for workspaces where harsher cleaning chemicals are used.


Rather than simply being water-resistant, laboratory furniture made from properly waterproof, PVC materials – whilst also having anti-bacterial protection built in – can be the perfect solution for environments where frequent clean-downs are the norm. The treated surfaces inhibit bacterial growth and reduce odours, making laboratory furniture constructed from this construction board vastly more hygienic and durable than wood- based construction boards.


Furniture design and airfl ow considerations


Laboratory and cleanroom furniture must support airfl ow management, particularly in environments that rely on HVAC systems. Solid back panels on furniture can create airfl ow barriers, allowing particles to settle and microbes to multiply, whereas open- sided workbenches will prevent dead-air spaces.


Even chairs with solid backs, and the staff who use them, can disrupt airfl ow if not positioned correctly in relation to ventilation systems.


Ease of cleaning


Mobile furniture supports deep-cleaning effi ciency by providing cleaning teams with easier access to hard-to-reach areas. For fi xed furniture, there should be plenty of clearance between the fl oor and the bottom of the unit. If a corner is diffi cult to see or reach, it will be hard to clean.


On any piece of furniture or equipment, hidden ledges, weld ridges, and dirt traps must be eliminated to prevent bacterial harborage points. Unnecessary fl at surfaces should be avoided. Not only will a sloping cupboard top not get used as an unplanned storage area, it will not allow cleaning solutions to pool and corrode the surface.


As explained earlier, specifying the correct construction material at the outset will support cleaning protocols and GMP as well as ensuring product longevity.


Efforts to maintain a sterile cleanroom environment Sustainability considerations in


hygienic furniture Laboratories and cleanrooms are increasingly focusing on sustainability by selecting materials and designs that promote long-term use and minimal environmental impact. Stainless steel is a highly sustainable choice due to its recyclability and long lifespan.


Waterproof construction board also presents businesses with an environmentally responsible option. It is made from PVC which, due to advances in recycling processes, is viewed as one of the greenest materials available because it can be recycled multiple times.


Custom-built, durable furniture reduces waste and replacement frequency, leading to lower resource consumption. Chemical-resistant designs help minimise the need for excessive cleaning chemicals, reducing environmental impact while maintaining hygiene.


Conclusion


The role of hygienic laboratory and cleanroom furniture in contamination control cannot be overstated. Through the right design choices, material selection, and a focus on customisation, laboratories and cleanrooms can create safer, more effi cient, and regulation-compliant environments. As industries continue to evolve, the demand for specialised, hygienic furniture is set to grow, reinforcing its critical role in maintaining clean and contamination-free environments.


Read, Share and Comment on this Article, visit: www.labmate-online.com/articles Hygienic seating range expanded for ISO Level 3 cleanrooms


Teknomek has expanded its range of high-quality seating solutions for cleanrooms and laboratories with the addition of selected Bimos chairs and stools. From February 2025, customers will have access to four new seating options designed for environments requiring strict contamination control.


The Bimos Labsit chair is certified for ISO Level 3 cleanrooms, making it ideal for industries such as pharmaceuticals, aerospace, and nanotechnology, where extreme cleanliness is essential. Its compact, ergonomic design ensures user comfort while adhering to strict hygiene standards. The chair features a smooth, easy-to-clean surface, preventing contamination and supporting controlled environments.


Also designed for ISO Level 3 cleanrooms, the Bimos basic cleanroom chair and stool offer a fully sealed upholstery system using back-foaming technology. Smooth, closed surfaces on the seat and backrest shell prevent particle deposits, while a closed construction ensures all moving parts are sealed, eliminating the outward release of particles. These features allow the chair and stool to withstand even the most rigorous cleaning protocols without compromising comfort.


For elevated workstations where mobility is required, the Bimos saddle stool provides a flexible and robust solution. With extra-large castors, it enables smooth movement while maintaining


ergonomic comfort, even during frequent position changes. Its intuitive seat height adjustment makes it suitable for various workstation heights, while its cleanable, non-shedding materials ensure compliance with strict hygiene requirements. A cleanroom- specific saddle stool is also available for ultra-clean environments.


Michelle Locke, Product and Marketing Manager at Teknomek, explained the motivation behind the partnership with Bimos. “Until now, we have supplied hygienic seating solutions suitable for cleanrooms up to ISO Level 5. The Bimos products we have selected provide our customers with even more flexibility, as they can also be used in ultra-sterile, Level 3 cleanrooms due to their fully enclosed mechanisms and non-shedding materials.”


Electrostatic discharge (ESD) versions of all the new seating options will also be available, providing a hygienic solution for environments where electrostatic protection is essential.


More information online: ilmt.co/PL/J4KZ and ilmt.co/PL/0yJ0 63909pr@reply-direct.com 64062pr@reply-direct.com


Hemco Corporation’s UniLine Furniture collection offers a comprehensive range of modular laboratory furnishings designed to meet diverse space and budget requirements. The lineup includes base cabinets, wall cabinets, countertops, sinks, fixtures, base tables, mobile workstations, specialty storage cabinets, and peg boards.


UniLine Casework Groupings provide pre-configured packages featuring the most popular casework styles for streamlined setup. For a seamless experience, Hemco also offers turnkey installation services, ensuring quality and convenience from start to finish.


More information online: ilmt.co/PL/pl8M


Modular lab furniture for fl exible workspaces


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