Laboratory Fume Hood

Carroll Seating does more than just auditorium and theatre seating. We also design and install casework and other laboratory items including fume hoods. 

Laboratory Casework

When you are looking into getting efficient and resilient laboratory casework to ensure the integrity of your scientific research, you may encounter a type of lab equipment called a fume hood. These devices are important for your lab work, particularly if you are working with potentially dangerous chemicals. Learn more about fume hoods, their importance as laboratory casework, and the different types of fume hoods available.

What Is a Fume Hood?

A laboratory fume hood, sometimes also known as an exhaust hood, is a device that contains a space completely enclosed to the rest of the lab environment, except for necessary ductwork connected to mechanical ventilation, as well as exhaust purposes on three sides, top, and bottom. Operated through the restricted use of arms and hands by the user, this type of laboratory casework uses the ventilation to draw fumes, gases, and vapors inwards, and exhausts them into the atmosphere outside the lab.

Purpose of a Fume Hood

The primary function of this laboratory casework is the safety of lab workers. Fume hoods accomplish this specifically by:

Isolating the fumes, vapors, and gases created by chemicals and expelling them through the laboratory’s exhaust system.

Protecting the operators and other lab workers from solid or liquid hazards, as well as chemical reactions like explosions, splashes, or fires. A sliding window, called a sash, adjusts the flow of air and determined how quickly air flows through the fume hood

Contributing to the laboratory’s overall ventilation as air flows through the hood.

Types of Fume Hood

Most laboratories use two different types of fume hoods:

Constant air volume (CAV). This type of laboratory casework pulls in and exhausts air at the same rate regardless of he position of the sash. If the sash is lowered the velocity of the airflow increases proportionally, with the effect reversed if the sash is raised.

Variable air volume (VAV). This fume hood works in conjunction with other exhaust control systems so that the velocity of the airflow responds to the status of the sash. Therefore, if the sash raises or lowers, the system modulates the velocity to keep it consistent at any time.

Best Safety Work Practices

Just like with most laboratory casework, you can maintain the efficiency of the fume hood and the overall safety of the environment by following safe practices during operation. Use the following safe work practices when operating a fume hood:

Conduct all experiments at least six inches away from the hood
Maintain the sash closed as much as possible
Handle the materials slowly and precisely
Do not use the laboratory casework as waste disposal
Keep the device free from obstructions

As you have seen, a fume hood is an essential laboratory component that protects the people in the lab and the rest of the building from dangerous chemicals and unexpected reactions. Carroll Seating provides laboratories with products from Institutional Casework Inc. The manufacturer’s specific product, the Jamestown Metal fume hood, combines maximum isolation design with approved architectural standards to create a unique, but safe, type of laboratory casework.

Interested in this device? Contact Carroll Seating today to order the best fume hood option for your work, as well as other laboratory casework needs.

Sources:
https://www.carrollseating.com/casework/laboratory-casework-2/
https://www.iciscientific.com/category/jamestown-fume-hoods-isolator-series
https://blink.ucsd.edu/safety/research-lab/chemical/hoods/index.html
https://ehs.ucsc.edu/lab-safety-manual/hoods.html
https://ehs.princeton.edu/node/367

Technology and education are two fields that will continue to move forward, adapt and evolve. That being so, school libraries must evolve as well. Despite their reputation as dusty, book-collecting, quiet places, modern libraries have adapted to the needs of the next generation of students, using the latest in technology and library furniture. Learn more about the current trends present in modern school libraries.

Technological Resources

One of the most obvious modern trends for libraries is the increased use of technology. Students now have greater access to technological resources, such as tablet PCs, eBooks, open source, and other tools. Librarians are adapting to the increased use of technology by facilitating use of these new gadgets. Library furniture, for example, is adapting to students who use laptops, mobile phones, and other gadgets by integrating wireless charging stations and other considerations for these devices.

Cost-Efficiency

Technology not only benefits students, but library staff as well. The increased use of technological resources, such as academic databases and remote library services, increases the capabilities and options for libraries without taking up space held by library furniture or physical books and archives. As a result, administrators can benefit from cost-efficient libraries that will operate at a more advanced level, and spend money on other tasks, such as updating library furniture, maintenance, and other essential costs.

Inclusive Spaces

Children with developmental disabilities and within the autism spectrum have specific needs when it comes to certain library activities. Some school libraries are creating more inclusive spaces by developing storytelling programs that emphasize sensory storytime and an increase in color and visuals. More comfortable and safe library furniture and seating are also in demand. Other children can also benefit from these inclusive spaces and activities.

Expansion of Librarian Roles

As a result of the increased library activities and resources, librarians will have to fulfill multiple new roles. Modern librarians are now increasingly savvy with technology and have greater involvement in the academic success of the patrons. This role expansion has some positive aspects, as it outgrows the stereotype of the librarian the strict enforcer of silence.

Focus on Community Learning

The emphasis in technology frees up space in libraries. Beyond the use of sleek library furniture, there is a potential for these spaces to become learning stations for the larger community. Several libraries have used the extra space to allow for additional educational opportunities, such as video and photo production for interested teenagers, craft lessons for small children, and activities for non-student patrons such as senior citizens. Adaptable library furniture is necessary for the growing variety of non-library activities.

If you are considering embracing your school library as a learning community space for students and staff, you will need the right library furniture to accomplish it. Carroll Seating is a proud provider of Worden Company furniture products. From sleek tables and desks to efficient bookcases and charging stations, we will supply the ideal library furniture that will facilitate these trends. Contact Carroll Seating to learn more about our library furniture options, such as bookcases, tables, and chairs, that will bring your library up to date.

Sources:
https://www.teachthought.com/literacy/10-ways-the-library-of-the-future-will-be-different/
https://www.theedadvocate.org/libraries-of-the-future-where-trends-are-taking-k-12-public-school-libraries/
http://geiendorsed.com/blog/beyond-the-classroom/school-libraries-of-the-future-5-trends-to-watch/
http://wordencompany.com/ 

How to Revitalize Your Cafeteria With New Seating

School cafeteria seating

Cafeterias are very important in schools, since students have to visit the area each day to purchase and eat lunch. However, if your students do not like to eat in your cafeteria, it may be because the space feels bland and drab. Plus, hard and awkward seating and tables can seriously impact the comfort of lunchtime. Here are a few ways you can revitalize your cafeteria seating to improve your students’ experience.

1: Invest in Café Tables for Students on the Go

Not all students like to sit and eat their lunches at traditional cafeteria tables. It can be a hassle for a student running to a lunch meeting to have to sit and scarf down their lunch – plus, finding extra seating during lunch hour can be a pain depending on your school population. Consider investing in a few standing café tables for students on the go – they provide a stylish, less formal way for students to eat lunch or breakfast before heading to class or extracurricular activities.

2: Bump Up the Style with Booths

Drab cafeteria tables are not very appetizing to students. If you want to impress your students with a new cafeteria layout and make lunchtime more fun and inviting, consider investing in a few dining booths for added comfort and style. You can choose traditional restaurant-style booths with tables in the middle of your cafeteria, or mix and match cushioned benches with tables and chairs for a food-court feel.

3: Customize the Table Exteriors and Chair Covers

Bump up the school spirit by incorporating your school colors or logos onto your tables. You add a touch of customization to your school cafeteria while keeping your traditional tables and style. If you want to add additional customization to your cafeteria layout, consider doing the same to your chairs or chair covers.

4: Mix and Match Table Styles

A uniform cafeteria is not always the most stylish one. It can make your cafeteria feel more like a mess hall than a place for students to gather. An easy way to amp up the style factor of your cafeteria is to mix and match different table styles. Incorporate long tables in some areas of the room, square tables in others, and maybe a few café tables on the outskirts. Consider matching different styles of chairs to different styles of tables for an extra wow factor, and use your school colors as your color scheme.

Are you inspired to improve your cafeteria seating? Carroll Seating is here to help. We revitalize cafeterias, libraries, bleachers, and more for schools in Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, and Kansas. Contact us today to learn more about how we can revamp your school cafeteria.

Sources:
https://www.carrollseating.com/cafeteria-seating/
https://www.schoolspecialty.com/furniture/cafeteria
https://www.ingeniouscc.com/cafeteria-seating/

Athletic Lockers | Team Lockers

Athletic locker rooms at your school, particularly the lockers themselves, usually go through plenty of wear and tear due to rigorous use by the students and athletes. Multiple problems arise in athletic lockers and the rooms that hold them, such as the growth of bacteria and damages from rough handling. In order to prevent these issues, you should stay proactive when maintaining the integrity of athletic locker rooms.

Proper Ventilation

One of the most common issues in athletic locker rooms is the presence of bacteria. The enclosed conditions of lockers, humidity, and sharing of hygiene items encourages the cultivation of dangerous germs, which may lead to diseases such as the flu and athlete’s foot. The most effective method of preventing bacteria involves proper ventilation, which decreases the moisture that allows these organisms to thrive. Modern athletic lockers have designs that promote better airflow.

Maintenance of Lockers

The lockers are the key part in keeping the overall athletic locker room in great shape. Athletic lockers are the most vulnerable targets for bacteria for numerous reasons, including ideal growing conditions, spread of humidity, and contact with germ-filled items. Maintain the quality of the athletic lockers by performing the following:

Cleaning. Wipe the lockers with a wet cloth on a monthly basis, and a wax-based veneer every quarter. Basic cleaning can extend the lifetime of even the strongest of metal lockers.

Lubrication. If the athletic lockers are used daily, you should check on the locks and hinges, and lubricate as needed. This ensures that the lockers work properly.

Repairs. Dents and scratches can compromise even metal lockers if left unattended. If you find any damage, arrange for a repair session with a qualified repair person. You can also cover shallow scratches in athletic lockers with spot painting.

Spare keys. If the athletes use keys for their lockers and misplace them, it is always a good idea to keep a master key around. This practice prevents the cost and inconvenience of replacing the entire lock.

Installing high-quality, durable, and reliable athletic lockers will assist you in keeping a safe and functioning locker room. Carroll Seating provides a variety of DeBourgh athletic lockers that provide solutions to many of these issues. These lockers can resist most rough treatment, have a lifetime guarantee, and have ventilation systems that combat moisture and prevent bacteria cultivation. Contact Carroll Seating today to choose the best athletic lockers for your locker rooms.

Sources:
https://www.carrollseating.com/athletic-lockers/
http:// https://www.dudesolutions.com/community/discover/blogs/4-tips-for-maintaining-your-schools-locker-room
http://commercial-systems.com/blog/quick-and-convenient-ways-to-maintain-metal-lockers/#.XIoHQShKjIV
https://coachad.com/articles/keeping-locker-rooms-safe-from-diseases/
http://www.debourgh.com/athletic-lockers/