Disclaimer
The information included on this web site is intended for
general guidance only. Novalab Systems Ltd accepts no
responsibility for any loss or damage that may occur as a result
of the use or mis-use of the information provided. If you are in
doubt about any aspect of your laboratory installation, please
contact Novalab or other suitably qualified professionals. There
are standards associated with laboratory construction that
should be seriously considered before proceeding with a
laboratory project. Please bear in mind that a laboratory is not
a modified kitchen.
FAQ
Table of Contents
Why choose Novalab for my next laboratory
project?
I’ve heard that solid core bench tops
stain with silver nitrate and potassium permanganate. Is this
true?
We have just installed a number of Carlos Arboles gas (or water)
taps, but the yellow (green) handles don’t go with the rest of
the lab colour scheme. Can I change them for another colour?
There are a number of solid core laboratory bench top options on
the market. Why choose Novalab?
What are the advantages of using a complete Novalab laboratory
system?
Why choose a solid core bench top product?
Can solid core bench tops be coved up to produce an up stand?
What are the regulations regarding safety showers and eye washes
in laboratories?
We have new stainless steel sinks in our laboratory that are
showing signs of rust. The old laboratory had stainless steel
sinks for over 20 years and they were no problem. Why is this?
How are sinks fitted to phenolic resin bench tops?
Do the bench tops require templates, or is an accurate site
measure necessary?
How are the bench tops jointed?
Do you supply chrome plated laboratory taps?
General Guidelines
Why choose Novalab for my next laboratory project?
The simple answer is experience. No other single company in New Zealand can claim the same level of expertise as Novalab Systems. Consider the following.
Design – Our main focus has always been the design, manufacture
and construction of laboratory furniture and associated
equipment. Architects, designers and installers from all over
New Zealand call upon this expertise. From concept through to
completion, Novalab have the capability and experience to supply
a laboratory solution that is cost effective, practical and
innovative and that can compare to the best international
benchmarks for laboratory design and materials of construction.
Please refer to our page on DESIGN
Compliance with standards – As New Zealand’s leading laboratory
furniture company we make certain that all our installations
comply with the current applicable standards and best design
practice.
Installation – Experienced professionals with the know-how to
complete the smallest installation through to the largest
laboratories in New Zealand.
Scientific – Our practical construction expertise is backed with
a broad scientific background.
Testing – Every one of our products goes through rigorous
testing before we use it in your laboratory. We have extensive
records of test results for a wide range of laboratory materials
and products. If, for example, you are offered an alternative
solid core bench top product, the chances are we have already
tested it and rejected it. Only when we are satisfied that a
product will give you long life and true value for money will we
use it in our installations.
Engineering – We have the necessary engineering skills to
provide workable solutions to a wide range of challenges in
design and installation.
Choice – Where possible, Novalab offers the broadest choice of
materials, designs and solutions. If you, as the customer, want
a particular product that is not in our standard range, we will
happily source it for you for inclusion in your finished
laboratory.
Consultation – Either for your existing or new laboratory,
Novalab will be pleased to provide expertise in all aspects of
laboratory design and construction.
Project Management – Not all project managers are completely up
to date with current laboratory standards, the availability of
materials and relative cost of options in the market place.
Novalab can provide experienced and independent project
management for your next laboratory.
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What are the advantages of using a complete Novalab System?
Novalab modular systems provide a level of versatility, flexibility and durability that cannot be matched by any other product on the market.
Easy to extend
and re-arrange
Customers can
start with a standard frame and top layout and easily add more
benching, storage or under bench cabinets
Complete
layout changes are easily achieved as businesses grow and needs
change. Modules are easily broken down and rebuilt and in some
cases, clients have moved their laboratories from one building
to another, reusing their Novalab furniture systems, often in
completely new configurations. That offers total value for
money.
Compliance
with AS/NZS 2982.1
Suspended
cabinet design options that are ideal for hygiene and
flexibility.
Durability is
demonstrated in some of our labs that are almost 30 years old.
The first System 1000 was installed 20 years ago. In 2003, this
laboratory was taken apart, moved from the first floor to the
ground floor, re-assembled into a complete new configuration and
put back into use with the minimum of cost or disruption to the
client, who now expects another 20 years of trouble free
operation. For the customer that represents:
Total Flexibility - over and above any other system on the
market
Value for money - cost effective for the original installation
and the systems is still going
Durability – more than 20 years of operation and still flexible
to meet future needs
Unique - no other company in New Zealand can demonstrate a
similar track record in this area in terms of system durability,
innovation of design and commitment to the market
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We have thoroughly researched all possible bench top options as
well as installing and working with just about every available
product in a wide range of laboratory applications. This
experience has led us to the conclusion that solid core products
offer the best all round solution for laboratory bench tops.
Novalab solid core bench tops:
Economical – cost competitive in comparison to other products
with an
equivalent performance
Excellent chemical resistance
Fire retardant
Moisture resistant – will not “blow out” as is the case with
laminate products
Cannot de-laminate
Anti static
Will not support microbiological growth
Sealed both sides
Impact resistant
Can be cut on site
No edge clashings
No substrate – no chip board or MDF to cause moisture problems
May be cut and re used for other applications
Suitable for all levels of physical containment
Will not produce formaldehyde or other volatile organics that
pollute the indoor environment.
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Can solid core bench tops be coved up to produce an up stand?
No. Solid core bench tops are 16 mm thick and cannot be post
formed in the same way as thin laminate products. Properly
constructed up stands in solid core products are screw fixed and
sealed to the bench top using either chemically resistant epoxy,
or silicon depending upon the application. They are not only
functional, but also completely impervious to water and chemical
attack for the life of the laboratory.
Coving an upstand is a common practice when dealing with thin
laminates that are glued onto an MDF base. It is generally
recognised that there is always a potential for chemical and
water ingress between the base support and the laminate when
using this type of product. When this happens the glue will
soften and delamination will occur. Post forming of the up stand
in a laminate product is necessary in order to remove the
potential weak spot. However, this still leaves points of
weakness around sinks and taps, which will eventually cause
problems with the structure. CLEAPPS School Science Services are
independent advisers to U.K. schools and are based at Brunel
University. In their publication "Designing and Planning
Laboratories L14” published March 2000 they also discuss this
problem. Their conclusion is that the solid core type products
avoid the problem of water ingress and eliminate the potential
for delamination.
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What are the regulations regarding eye washes and safety showers in laboratories?
The general laboratory standards call for one eye wash and
one emergency drench shower in every laboratory where hazardous
substances are being used. These should be located so they are
no more than 10 metres away from anyone who may be working in
these areas. There may also be a supplementary hand held drench
shower, but this cannot be installed in place of the emergency
shower or eye wash. A product can only be classified as an eye
wash if it is capable of being operated “hands free”.
In some schools it has been common practice to only install a
supplementary hand held drench shower in the laboratory and full
eye wash and emergency shower facilities are installed in the
technician’s area. This practice does not necessarily comply
with the general standards for laboratory construction and we
strongly recommend that schools consult the Ministry of
Education for guidance on this issue.
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Up to now, no one in the industry has been able to give us a
definitive answer. 316 grade stainless steel has traditionally
been used in laboratories and has never caused a problem. The
industry is quite adamant that there is no change in the
chemical make up of the alloy, but it is quite common for modern
sinks and work tops to show signs of corrosion pitting after a
very short time in use. Theories vary, but the most common
possible explanation is surface iron contamination. This iron,
either from processing or from other sources, sits on the
surface of the metal and rusts, causing pitting. One stainless
steel supplier has even suggested that a high level of iron
contamination in tap water is the main cause of the problem.
As a general rule we only recommend 316 grade stainless steel in
environments where meticulous house keeping regimes can be
maintained. Otherwise we strongly recommend the use of epoxy
resin sinks, which completely overcomes this problem.
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There are a number of solid core laboratory bench top options on the market. Why choose Novalab?
Put quite simply performance, long life, value for money and
a track record of installations that is second to none. Novalab
has thoroughly researched all the available bench top options
and we believe that solid core products offer the best solution.
Please refer to our page on the Product Assessment Process
Novalab ResistopTM – over 200 laboratory installations in New
Zealand and climbing. From mid 2002 to early 2009 over 3500
sheets of this product have been fabricated into laboratory
bench tops. The methodology used to test the chemical resistance
of ResistopTM complies with the testing and reporting methods as
specified in AS/NZS 2924.1 1998 making the product compliant
with applicable New Zealand standards
Novalab Duratop – used in a number of school and commercial
laboratories. Whilst it does not have the extreme chemical
resistance of Resistop, it will stand up to general school
strength acids, silver nitrate, potassium permanganate or iodine
for reasonable periods of time.
When considering laboratory bench top materials, it is important
to read the chemical resistance information before making a
choice. Just because it looks the same as Resistop doesn’t mean
it will perform the same.
Other products clearly state that they have very little
resistance to certain spills and these must be wiped up
immediately before damage or staining occurs. This level of
performance is generally equivalent to previous generations of
solid core bench tops, which were superseded by Novalab Resistop
in 2002.
The important facts to remember are:
In our view, no product can claim to be chemically resistant if
commonly used solutions have to be wiped off immediately in
order to avoid surface damage or staining. Clearly this states
that the product does not have true chemical resistance. Please
read the chemical resistance data carefully.
Our experience tells us that schools in general have more
problems with staining from potassium permanganate, silver
nitrate and iodine than most other chemicals. Be certain to
choose a bench top product that does not stain with these
chemicals, or where the chemical resistance data indicates that
even short term exposure will result in staining.
If in doubt, test the products yourself. We recommend a minimum
of 24 hrs exposure to commonly used chemicals in order to
establish long term durability.
Resistop offers the real benefits of actual resistance to
aggressive chemicals at an affordable price. When compared to
many other products Resistop offers:
| Premium Bench Top Products | Novalab Resistop | Budget Bench Top Products | |
| All Round Chemical Resistance | Excellent | Excellent | Poor |
| Long Term Surface Durability | Excellent | Excellent | Poor |
| Price Range | Premium | Mid to Low | Budget |
| Long Term Surface Presentation | Excellent | Excellent | Poor |
| Long Term Cost of Ownership | High. Initial high price when compared with no real performance advantage | Low. Reasonable initial costs and excellent durability means low cost of ownership | High. Lower initial cost is soon off set by poor surface performance meaning higher maintenace costs, shorter working life and earlier than necessary replacement costs |
How are sinks fitted to phenolic resin bench tops?
Because the phenolic resin bench top does not absorb moisture
or chemicals, this is a relatively easy operation. The hole is
cut into the bench top, slightly smaller than the sink. The
edges of the hole then merely need to be sanded and waxed to
give a smooth, deep black finish that is impervious to moisture
and chemicals. The sink is then sealed to the underside, usually
with silicon and firmly fixed in place by screwing directly up
into the bench top material. In laboratories where critical
hygiene is an issue, an anti-capillary groove may be cut into
the underneath of the bench top, just back from the lip. Where
very large, heavy ceramic or epoxy resin sinks are used, a
support cradle may be recommended. Where required, a rebate may
be cut into the bench top material to allow flush fitting of the
sink.
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Do the bench tops require templates, or is an accurate site measure necessary?
Because phenolic resin bench tops do not require edge
clashing or sealing, they can easily be cut to length on site
using a standard circular saw. This means that in most cases
templates are not necessary. Please contact us about your
project and we can advise on a job by job basis.
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How are the bench tops jointed?
The joints are biscuited and sealed with silicon or epoxy. If
Novalab are not installing your laboratory bench tops, then full
instructions are provided.
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Do you supply chrome plated laboratory taps?
No. New chrome can look really good and it does have its
place in bathrooms and kitchens, but there are a number of
reasons not to supply chrome plated laboratory taps.
In decorative and industrial chrome plating, hydrochloric acid
is often used to remove chrome from components. This is a
commonly used laboratory acid and when in contact with
laboratory taps will quickly remove the chrome plating. In some
cases this can lead to flaking chrome, which in turn can lead to
sharp, dangerous slivers of chrome metal. Once the chrome is
removed, the softer nickel plating is exposed and this
eventually wears through. Some people also have an allergic
reaction to contact with nickel, leading to a condition known as
“nickel itch”.
The chrome in electroplating solutions is in its hexavalent form
(a chemistry term for the electrical charge on the chromium
atom). This is environmentally unfriendly and is considered to
be a potent cancer causing chemical. Any liquid effluent from a
chrome plating plant is treated and reduced to its trivalent
form (a lower state of electrical charge compared to the
hexavalent form), which is environmentally less damaging, but
still needs careful disposal. Chrome is increasingly regarded as
environmentally unfriendly. Novalab supply what is now
considered to be the standard coating for laboratory taps. It is
a polyamide that gives a serviceable and durable finish that is
resistant to most of the chemicals and solvents commonly used in
laboratories. Our standard stock colour is white, although a
range of colours is available on special order.
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Not if you are using Novalab Resistop. We have undertaken
extensive and exhaustive testing to make certain that our bench
tops do not suffer from this problem and to date we have no
reports of any staining or performance problems with Novalab
Resistop. However, it is also worth noting that many other
manufacturers produce a bench top that is marketed as chemical
resistant, but that will stain with silver nitrate and potassium
permanganate, even after a very short contact time. Always
carefully read the chemical resistance data to make certain that
the bench top is suitable for your particular application.
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The short answer is no. All handles on laboratory tapware are
coloured coded to an international standard for safety reasons.
This standard dictates the main colour of the tap handle and the
colour of the center buttons of the handle i.e. a green handle
means water, a blue center button indicates cold water and a red
center button indicates hot water. Like wise a yellow handle
indicates a combustible gas and the colour of the center button
indicates the gas type i.e. propane or butane etc. Changing the
colour of the handles would contravene laboratory standards and
is not recommended.
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There are a number of joint Australian and New Zealand
standards that must be met when building a laboratory. These are
written so that a laboratory constructed to these standards is
practical, functional and, above all, safe. However, there are a
large number of laboratories in New Zealand that do not comply
with these standards, most commonly in relation to electrical
outlets, safety showers and eye washes, furniture layout and
floor mounted equipment and cabinets. Please remember when you
choose your laboratory designer and installer that, in spite of
many claims to the contrary, there are very few truly
experienced professionals in this field and a laboratory is not
a kitchen.
You may also note that we often refer to schools in our text.
Schools may not use the harshest or strongest chemicals in their
laboratories, but in many cases, the school environment provides
the most searching and aggressive test of product performance,
both chemically and physically. All of our products have either
been developed or chosen not only to meet the extreme conditions
encountered in schools but also to ensure long life and reliable
performance in every laboratory application.
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