planning science facilities for education (casework, counter tops and fume hoods)

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

• info@longoinc.com

• 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