Laboratories in educational institutions are built to allow and promote students to learn the nature of chemical bonding. As such, its usage is purely for education rather than business. The first step of learning chemistry is understanding the dangers involved and how to conduct work safely. Whether you are looking for a small sink or a fume cupboard with small lab fitout, Walton Plastics Engineering can customise to your requirements. We are happy to assist lab technicians, teachers, the financial department or even the principal!

Fume cupboards and laboratory equipment are fundamental for student, laboratory technicians and teachers safety when learning and teaching the nature of chemical reactions in schools, tafes and universities. It is important to remove toxic vapors generated when preparing reactants, chemical reactions and dispensing of chemicals. Fume cupboards for learning institutions come in two forms, namely ducted and ductless recirculating units. The ducted units come as a single sided of varying widths or a double sided unit two sizes available. The recirculating ductless units have fallen out of favour in the last few years but come in two sizes mounted in castors for ergonomics. For further information, refer to the guideline for science facilities assist and AS 2243.8.

Research facilities are similar to education in the sense that learning of chemical nature is common, however the users are more educated in the field seeking specific results. These are found commonly at universities for postgraduate students. However fume cupboards and laboratory equipment have been found at hospitals for research purposes. Research fume cupboards have been supplied as ducted and ductless recirculating units similarly to education. The ductless units in research stem typically from building difficulties in mounting ducting and fans or when only a short period of use is required. The recirculating units maintain a lower upfront cost with higher on-going maintenance, for short periods of time with mild usage, these work well.

The medical industry utilises a range of laboratory equipment due to the chemicals used. Where stainless steel is not chemical resistant, there is a plastic alternative that is offered. The products provided to the medical industry are common for curative, preventative, rehabilitation and palliative care providing nurses and doctors with equipment to assist them with day to day tasks.

The mining and industrial sectors represent the more aggressive form of laboratory use where heavy duty chemicals are used. Here safety is emphasized as the vapours emitted are toxic and potentially deadly. However in these sectors, economics must be considered also as this is typically businesses under profits and expenses. Providing cost effectiveness whilst maintaining safety for users is common to balance. It is important with mining and industry that the works we produce today don’t negatively affect the flora, fauna and human race in future generations. Accordingly, safety should be considered for both the user but also how the emission of fumes will affect the environment. Like the medical industry, we don’t just supply fume cupboards to mining and industry, we also supply plastic products that require chemical resistance.