Planning Science Facilities For Education
• Casework, Counter Tops & Fume Hoods
Variables• Educational level
– Elementary– High School– College– University / Research
• Discipline– General Science– Chemistry– Biology– Physics– Technology
This presentation will focus primarily on high school level science facilities
• Design Criteria– Laboratory Safety– Student Supervision– Student/Teacher Sight Lines– Instructor Preparation Time– ADA Requirements– Proper Utilization Of Floor Space– Mechanical Costs
Casework Selection Criteria
• Corrosion Resistance• Structural Stability• Storage Capacity• Aesthetics• Strength• Color• Accessories• Flexibility• Security• Durability
• Accessibility• Cost• Function• Cleanability• Vibration Damping• Water Resistance• Availability• Process Reactivity• Abrasion Resistance• Access to services
Casework Types
• Species:
– Wood, Plastic Laminate, Hybrid
• Construction
– Plywood, Lumber core, Particle board
Perimeter Wood Casework with Black Resin Tops
Wood Lab Casework with White Epoxy Resin Counter Tops
Plastic Laminate Lab Casework
Plastic Laminate Lab Benches
Counter Top Selection Criteria
• Stain Resistance• Abrasion
Resistance• Impact Resistance• Water Resistance• Reflectance• Decontamination• Heat Resistance
• Color• Chemical
Resistance• Conductivity• Porosity• Hardness• Density• Magnetism
Counter Top Materials
• Epoxy Resin
• Phenolic Resin
• Plastic Laminate
• Wood
• Stainless Steel
Black epoxy resin is the still most common counter top material for high school chemistry labs
Gray Epoxy Resin Tops & Pegboards
Stainless Steel Tops
Plastic Laminate Counter Tops
Black Resin Counter Top
Stainless Counter Tops
Resin Sink Types
Resin Drop-In Sink
Laboratory Fume Hoods
• Assure adequate hood space• Locate for optimum performance• Building HVAC must support hoods• Visibility is important• Secondary containment• Do not block egress • Identify required hood services• Face velocity monitor / alarm
Bench Top Fume Hood
Air Foil Fume Hood
Fume Hood in school classroom with water fixture, epoxy resin sink options.
Thin Wall Fume Hood
• “Economy” Model
• Conventional Bypass Hood
• Vertical Sash (Laminated Safety Glass)
• Phenolic Resin Interior Liner
• Fluorescent Light Fixture
• Louvered Front Panel
Flat Front Fume Hood
• Conventional Bypass Hood
• Double Wall Construction
• Polyresin Interior Liner
• Epoxy Resin Counter Top
• Fluorescent Light Fixture
• Louvered Front Panel
Flat Front Fume Hood
Flat Front Fume Hood
Trifacial Fume Hood
• Unit achieves its efficiency as the result of the unique, all-purpose, center exhaust column. Heavier-than-air gases are handled at the work-top level, and lighter-than-air gases are exhausted through the upper plenum. Extra student protection is provided by drop-down safety panels which require no adjustments.
Demonstration Fume Hood
Reference Sources
• National Science Teachers Association
• National Science Educational Leadership Association
• Americans with Disabilities Act
• Prudent Practices in the Laboratory
Longo Contact Information
• www.longolabs.com
• (800) 635-6646
• (860) 904-4408 Connecticut, Rhode Island
• (201) 825-1500 New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania
• (508) 635-4354 Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont
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