Noah Nichols is VP of Operations at LOC Scientific, a laboratory furniture and fume hood supplier based in Buford, GA that has designed more than 10,400 laboratories and sold or serviced over 20,800 fume hoods since 1986. In his role, Noah oversees the operational side of LOC's design, supply, and installation work for clients across healthcare, education, government, industrial, and research labs.
On the LOC Scientific blog, Noah writes about the practical realities of lab design and operations, from choosing the right materials for a given lab's chemical exposure to the workflow and safety considerations that come up during real installations.
Quick Summary Material drives laboratory cabinet pricing more than anything else. Laminate sits at the budget end, stainless steel and phenolic resin at the top, with metal and wood between them. Customization, chemical-resistant surfaces, and fume hood connections all move the figure, which is why a quote beats a price list. Understanding laboratory cabinet priceContinue reading “How Much Does A Laboratory Cabinet Cost In 2026?”
Quick Summary A fume hood is only as protective as its last test. OSHA’s Laboratory Standard requires hoods to be maintained and functioning whenever in use, and annual containment testing under ASHRAE 110 is how that gets verified. Daily habits at the sash matter as much as the certificate on the frame. Maintaining proper fumeContinue reading “Fume Hood Safety Guidelines In Your Laboratory”
Quick Summary Laboratory cabinet installation runs in a set sequence: confirm the floor plan and utility rough-ins, prepare the site before delivery, set and level base cabinets, then fit work surfaces, uppers, and service connections. Getting the order wrong creates alignment problems that are expensive to correct later. A successful lab cabinet installation depends onContinue reading “Laboratory Cabinet Installation Guide”
Quick Summary Eleven hood types cover most laboratory work, from general chemistry through perchloric acid, radioisotope, and walk-in designs. The chemistry decides the hood: perchloric acid work needs wash-down capability, radioisotope work needs particular liners, and a general chemistry hood substitutes for neither. Not all fume hoods serve the same purpose, and understanding the differentContinue reading “11 Types Of Fume Hoods In Your Laboratory”
Quick Summary Laboratory cabinets face daily exposure to chemicals, moisture, equipment, spills, cleaning agents, and frequent handling. Regular cleaning and timely inspections help preserve cabinet surfaces, hardware, hinges, doors, and storage areas. Appropriate maintenance practices also depend upon cabinet materials and laboratory activities. Consistent care can reduce deterioration while keeping storage spaces organized, functional, andContinue reading “Maintenance Guidelines For Your Lab Cabinets”
Quick Summary Strong financial planning helps laboratory managers control expenses while maintaining equipment, supporting staff, managing projects, and meeting operational demands. Effective budgeting requires visibility into recurring costs, asset lifecycles, maintenance requirements, purchasing decisions, and future laboratory needs. Regular financial reviews can reveal unnecessary expenses, improve resource allocation, and create stronger foundations for sustainable laboratoryContinue reading “Laboratory Financial Management Tips For Every Lab Manager”
Quick Summary Chemical resistance information helps laboratory planners compare how materials react when exposed to acids, bases, solvents, salts, and other substances. Compatibility ratings can guide decisions about countertops, cabinets, sinks, work surfaces, and related components. Temperature, concentration, exposure duration, and cleaning practices can influence actual performance, making application conditions important during material selection forContinue reading “Chemical Resistance Charts: What You Need To Know”
Quick Summary Laboratories handling hazardous chemicals need safety practices that address exposure risks, employee training, protective equipment, chemical handling, and emergency procedures. The OSHA laboratory standard establishes requirements for covered laboratory workplaces using hazardous chemicals. A written Chemical Hygiene Plan, designated responsibilities, exposure controls, training, and appropriate protective measures form important parts of laboratory safetyContinue reading “A Guide To The OSHA Laboratory Standard”
Quick Summary Epoxy resin countertops gain durability from dense construction, low liquid absorption, strong load resistance, and dependable performance under demanding laboratory conditions. Chemical concentration, heat exposure, equipment weight, fabrication, and support all influence long term results. Proper installation protects vulnerable areas such as seams, sinks, edges, and cutouts. Regular cleaning, careful equipment handling, andContinue reading “Laboratory Epoxy Resin Countertop Durability Guide”
Quick Summary Accurate CFM estimates begin with the clear sash opening area and the specified face velocity. Sash height directly affects the required airflow, while hood design, duct resistance, blower capacity, and room conditions influence actual performance. The calculated result supports preliminary planning, but field balancing and containment testing are needed to confirm that theContinue reading “Lab Fume Hoods CFM Calculation Explained”
