For any research lab or facility, having the proper equipment is an essential part of conducting business. For chemical research labs, this equipment includes specialized tools that are used to handle, process and safely dispose of chemicals. Here are four of the most important pieces of equipment your chemical research facility needs.
Fume Hood
One of the most important things to have in any space where chemicals are being used is a laboratory fume hood. A fume hood will ventilate fumes from chemicals and prevent lab staff from being exposed to them. Of course, broader ventilation will also be needed for most chemical labs. A fume hood, however, adds an extra layer of protection for your workers.
Chemical Disposal Containers
During the course of its operation, your lab will need to dispose of excess chemicals on a fairly regular basis. As such, it’s critical that you have appropriate disposal containers on hand. Different types of containers should be used to store different types of chemicals. Common disposal containers include metal drums, five-gallon plastic jugs and smaller metal waste cans.
Mixers
For mixing chemicals, mechanical mixers are essential. Having equipment like Arrow Mixing Products or similar mixing devices on hand will save your staff the difficulty and time of mixing chemicals by hand, greatly increasing the efficiency of your lab in the process. The number and type of mixers you will need will vary somewhat with the type of chemicals you are mixing and the volume you expect to need to process.
Hazmat Suits and Equipment
Even in the best research labs, spills and other accidents will occasionally happen. Though you should take all possible steps to avoid these situations, you should also be fully prepared for them when they arise. To this end, you should have appropriate hazmat equipment for all of your employees on site. In the event that something does happen, this equipment will allow you to mitigate the damage while keeping your employees safe and protected.
Of course, these are not the only things you will need in order to run your chemical research lab. More basic equipment, such as glass test tubes, beakers, Erlenmeyer flasks and graduated cylinders will be needed in abundance. Equipping your lab properly at the outset will ensure that it runs smoothly and at maximum efficiency. If you plan to open or expand a chemical lab, however, the four items listed above will be of the utmost importance to you.