Maintain the School Chemistry Lab- Step by Step Guide

How to Maintain the School Chemistry Lab Equipment?

Each piece of equipment in the chemistry lab needs to be maintained properly:

Glassware

Beaker – A simple container for mixing, stirring, and heating chemicals. Store glass beakers after rinsing with soap and water in the lower rack of a cabinet with glass doors. This prevents dust from falling into the beaker that can disrupt experiments.
Conical Flask (Erlenmeyer Flask) – Used for mixing and heating solutions with reduced risk of spills. Store and clean flasks like beakers.
Test Tubes – Small glass tubes used for holding, mixing, and heating substances. Store them in boxes with holders. Always keep the boxes in a well-ventilated closed place after cleaning, like a glass door almirah or cupboard.

Storage cabinets for chemistry lab apparatus

Test Tube Holder – A clamp used to hold test tubes during heating. Keep ample holders in the lab, so that all students have enough holders to use during experiments. If enough holders aren’t there, students resort to hacks like using paper holders as a makeshift or using the test tube as is during heating. This is very risky, because the paper can catch fire, or the reagents in the tube can boil out, harming the student. Hence, test tube holders are a must for every school chemistry lab.
Measuring Cylinder (Graduated Cylinder) – Used to measure liquid volumes accurately. Store them along with glassware, ensure dust and humidity does not affect the equipment.
Watch Glass – A concave glass used for evaporating small amounts of liquid or covering beakers. Store like other glassware.

Additional Equipment

Bunsen Burner – A gas burner used for heating substances. Teach students to stop the gas supply after use. Ensure it is closed after experiments and beware of gas leaks.
Wire Gauze – A mesh placed over a tripod stand to distribute heat evenly.
Crucible and Lid – A heat-resistant container for high-temperature heating. Prone to breakage upon falling, must be handled carefully.
Evaporating Dish – Used to evaporate liquids and concentrate solutions.
Pipette – A tool for transferring precise amounts of liquid. Each student should be assigned a separate pipette for titration experiments. Mouth pipettes are unhygienic to share.
Burette – A long graduated tube used in titration to measure liquid volume precisely. Teach students to handle the burette carefully. The long burette is often broken by students during handling. Fill the burette by keeping the burette and stand setup on the ground. Then place it on the benchtop to perform titration drop by drop.
Dropper – A small tool for adding liquid dropwise.
Glass Stirring Rod – Used for stirring solutions manually. Replace broken or cracked glass rods as they can cause injury.
Funnel – Used for transferring liquids and filtering mixtures.
Filter Paper – A porous paper used to separate solids from liquids. Keep them inside packed boxes, to protect from dust and humidity.
pH Paper – A strip of paper that changes color to indicate acidity or alkalinity. They must be kept absolutely dry.

You might be wondering how to deal with humidity in tropical countries. The best way is to store the apparatus or equipment for the school chemistry lab in a closed cupboard and then put silica gel in corners in the cupboard. It will absorb the moisture, keeping the apparatus dry, hence rust and bacteria free.

How to Maintain the School Chemistry Lab Furniture?

Choice of School Chemistry Lab Worktop for your Lab Furniture

These are the options for Chemistry Lab Worktops that are most commonly used:

Granite Worktops

Granite worktops are useful in chemistry laboratories for schools because they can withstand the harshest acids. They are very easy to clean with 70 percent ethanol solution and are relatively affordable.

Epoxy Resin Worktops

Epoxy resin worktops are highly durable and resistant to extreme conditions, making them ideal for laboratory use. They are heat-resistant, bacterial-resistant, chemical-resistant, and flame-retardant. Typically available in black, these worktops are seamless and monolithic when installed. They are heavy, with a thickness of one inch weighing 11 pounds per square foot. Epoxy resin is formed by mixing liquid compounds that harden in molds. These worktops are easy to clean and maintain, making them a preferred choice for fixed lab casework.

Phenolic Resin Worktops

Phenolic resin worktops are lightweight yet durable, weighing 7.2 pounds per square foot at one-inch thickness. They are made by layering recycled paper with phenolic resin and applying extreme heat to form a solid surface. These worktops resist bacteria, chemicals, moisture, and moderate to high corrosion. They can withstand continuous heat exposure up to 350°F. The surface comes in different colors, but the core is usually black. They are commonly used in biological, chemical, clinical, and analytical labs.

Stainless Steel Worktops

Stainless steel worktops offer the best hygienic and antimicrobial properties. They are made of chromium and nickel, making them highly resistant to rust, corrosion, and high temperatures (over 1500°F). These non-porous surfaces are commonly used in biomedical, pharmaceutical, food testing labs, and hospitals. They are long-lasting, easy to clean, and resistant to heat and chemicals, making them suitable for sterile environments.

Chemical Resistant Laminate Worktops

Chemical-resistant laminate worktops are made by coating phenolic resin onto kraft paper and covering it with a synthetic resin. These worktops resist chemicals and can handle heat exposure up to 275°F. They are used in labs that require non-contaminated surfaces, such as dental, pathology, urology, photographic darkrooms, and product testing labs. Their decorative surface makes them aesthetically appealing while maintaining high resistance to laboratory chemicals.

Wood Worktops

Wood worktops, typically made of rock maple, provide a sturdy and long-lasting surface. End-grain wood is used for strength by gluing smaller blocks together. These worktops have poor moisture and bacterial resistance but offer a warm and rich appearance. They are primarily used in mechanical labs where aesthetics and durability are essential.

Trespa Worktops

Trespa worktops are highly versatile and suitable for various laboratory applications. Made using reinforced natural fibers and thermosetting resins bonded under high pressure, they are impact-resistant, moisture-resistant, and chemical-resistant. They are also scratch-resistant, easy to clean, and durable. Trespa worktops are commonly used in pharmaceutical laboratories.

PVC Laminate Worktops

PVC laminate worktops are made by compressing polyvinyl chloride layers under extreme pressure. They offer excellent chemical resistance, moisture resistance, and durability, making them ideal for high-traffic laboratory environments. These worktops are also cost-effective and low maintenance, requiring only mild cleaning agents. They provide various design options, from monochromatic to multicolored finishes, making them suitable for different lab settings. PVC laminate is heat-resistant and impact-resistant, ensuring longevity in demanding lab conditions.

Labkafe Project demonstrating Lab Furniture

To maintain the school chemistry lab furniture, follow these principles:

Work Surface Maintenance

Use PVC worktops for acid-based experiments; avoid wooden benches.
Clean spills carefully:
- Acid spills – Neutralize with sodium bicarbonate, then clean with water.
- Ammonia spills – Rinse with water and ensure proper ventilation.
- Use a spill pad and mop the area thoroughly.

Storage Guidelines

Store concentrated acids in separate sections of the lab.
Kipp’s apparatus must be housed in a separate chamber to contain fumes.
Use separate cabinets with glass doors for:
- Glass beakers
- Plastic containers
- Holders for beakers and test tubes
Separate solutions and dry chemicals in designated storage areas.
Hazardous chemicals should be stored away from workbenches.
Generic chemicals should be labelled and stored at eye level for easy access.

Furniture and Lab Layout

Ergonomically placed furniture for easy navigation.
Separate wet and dry areas to prevent cross-contamination.
Work areas and storage areas must be separate – do not store items in workspaces.
Ensure clear pathways for movement between workstations and storage areas.
No sharp edges on furniture to prevent injuries.
Adequate space for students to move safely.

Gas and Electricity Safety

Place gas and electricity pipelines along lab sides to prevent obstruction.
Regularly inspect gas pipelines for leaks and repair if needed.
Prevent sharp objects from damaging gas and electricity lines.

Hygiene and Waste Disposal

Regularly clean lab worktops and benches.
Gloves and waste disposal units must be placed separately from work areas.

This checklist ensures the lab remains safe, clean, and efficiently organized for both students and teachers.

Must Have Safety Equipment for Maintaining the School Chemistry Lab

To maintain the school chemistry lab, fit this safety equipment in place:

Eye wash stations
Safety showers
Fire extinguishers
First aid kits
Chemical fume hoods
Fire blankets
Other necessary equipment based on the experiments conducted

Bonus Tips for School Chemistry Lab Management

Train Personnel – Teachers and lab supervisors must be trained to operate safety equipment effectively in emergencies.

Provide Ample Equipment
- Ensure enough equipment is available for all students to complete experiments.
- Purchase extra materials to account for potential accidents.
Ensure Proper Lighting
- Maintain sufficient artificial and natural lighting for safe and accurate experiments.
- Choose a lab location with windows to improve visibility and expand experimental possibilities.
Make Sufficient Storage Available
- Provide adequate storage to keep equipment organized and accessible.
- Prevent clutter and minimize safety risks by planning an efficient storage system.
Ensure Ventilation
- Install a ventilation system to remove contaminated air and ensure a fresh airflow.
- Protect students from exposure to hazardous chemicals and gases.
Facilitate Flexibility
- Design the lab to accommodate different scientific disciplines and varying class sizes.
- Use lightweight, non-fixed furniture to allow easy reconfiguration.
Create Clear Avenues for Movement
- Design the lab with clear pathways for teachers to assist students effectively.
- Keep exits and safety systems unobstructed for quick access during emergencies.
Incorporate Engaging Design
- Make the lab visually appealing with bright colors and educational imagery.
- Foster student interest in science through a stimulating and enjoyable environment.

Contact Labkafe’s Lab Experts for custom design panels to make your lab spaces more interesting.

General Safety Practices Essential to Maintain the School Chemistry Lab

When deciding protocols to maintain the school chemistry lab, ensure these safety precautions are taken:

Wear Safety Goggles – Department-approved safety goggles must be worn at all times. Glasses and contact lenses are not acceptable.
No Food or Drinks – Food and drinks are prohibited in the lab as they may pick up toxic chemicals.
Avoid Inhaling Fumes – Use fume hoods for dangerous or irritating chemicals. Waft odors toward your nose with your hand.
Do Not Taste Chemicals – Some chemicals are highly corrosive and toxic even in small amounts.
No Unauthorized Experiments – Only perform approved experiments under an instructor’s supervision.
Do Not Remove Lab Items – Removing chemicals, glassware, or equipment from the lab is illegal.
Label All Containers – Clearly label all containers to identify their contents.
Do Not Return Chemicals to Bottles – Once removed, a reagent should not be returned. Use clean, dry spatulas and take only the required amount.
Keep Chemicals in Designated Areas – Do not move original containers to your benchtop.
Handle Hot Objects with Care – Use beaker tongs for hot containers. Burns are common, so be cautious with heated objects.
Rinse Chemical Spills Immediately – Wash affected skin with large amounts of water.
Dispose of Broken Glassware Properly – Place broken glass in the designated crock and get a replacement from the instructor.
Follow Waste Disposal Guidelines – Dispose of chemicals as instructed. Some liquids may go down the sink with water, while others require designated waste containers.
Report Accidents Immediately – Inform the instructor about all accidents.
Know Emergency Equipment Locations – Locate and learn how to use the safety shower, fire extinguisher, eye-wash fountain, fire blanket, and fire exit.