Lab Work Surfaces: SEFA 3
In 2004, SEFA members established a set of certification standards. Its purpose is to check and improve the quality of lab facilities ranging from work surfaces to liquid chemical storage, to follow standards at every step from design to production. SEFA certified products must be tested by one of the SEFA certifying testing labs and are recognized as high-quality products and facilities.
SEFA standards also include proposal writing, installations, and work procedures. Many government agencies, industries, schools, colleges, and universities use SEFA certified products.
SEFA 3 covers the guidance around Laboratory Work Surfaces and Sinks. In this blog, we will look at the performance criteria often appropriate in the selection of work surfaces and sinks.
| Performance Criteria | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Chemical / Stain Resistance | Users should consider the chemical and staining agents that might be used on or near the laboratory work surface or sink. The test methods prescribed cover for both volatile and non-volatile chemicals. |
| Abrasion and Scratch Resistance | Users should consider the likelihood of uses causing abrasion, wear or scratches to the work surface or sink. |
| Ease of Cleaning | While a regular schedule of maintenance and housekeeping is always recommended including cleaning up spills immediately, some laboratories, e.g., those working with pathogens and radioactive isotopes, may be required to select non-porous materials and smooth surfaces for their lab work surfaces. |
| Appearance | Users should consider the importance of initial and long-term appearance on work surfaces and sinks. |
| Heat/Cold Resistance and Thermal Shock | Users should ascertain the range of temperatures to which the work surface and sink may be exposed as well as the duration of the exposure at temperatures within the range. |
| Flammability/Flame Spread | Users should ascertain whether sources of flame may be encountered or if there are code requirements for the intended use. |
| Impact Resistance | Users should consider the likelihood and nature of objects impacting the work surface and sinks. |
| Load Bearing Capability | Users should consider the maximum loads that the work surface and sink will have to bear. |
| Bacteria Resistance | Users should consider the importance in their use of the work surfaces and sink’s ability to resist, support or promote bacterial growth and to be decontaminated or disinfected. |
| Water Absorption | Users should consider the effects of moisture on work surfaces and sinks. |
Kewaunee is a SEFA certified lab furniture manufacturer. Our modular and adaptable laboratory furniture and work surfaces, come in a wide-range of choices for various applications and settings.
Kewaunee International Group
Kewaunee, the global leader in total laboratory solutions, empowers organisations to achieve competitive advantage through safe, efficient, and contemporary laboratories. In existence since 1906, Kewaunee powers the laboratories for over 5,000 customers in more than 100 countries.
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