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 The best cleaner for epoxy resin countertops is a mild soap or a gentle household cleaner such as Simple Green, applied with a soft cloth and followed by a rinse. Acetone, used carefully where permitted, removes stubborn residue, and a moistened white light-duty pad handles marring. Avoid wax, abrasive powders, dry scouring pads,Continue reading “What Is The Best Cleaner For Epoxy Resin Countertops?”
Quick Summary Where do chemical resistance, heat tolerance, fire safety, and long-term durability matter most? Steel. Where do warmth, appearance, and modular flexibility count for more? Wood. Powder-coated steel copes with harsh conditions and wipes clean easily. Wood with moisture-resistant finishes belongs in teaching, training, and client-facing labs where chemical use stays moderate. Plenty ofContinue reading “Steel Vs. Wood Lab Furniture: Which Should You Choose?”
Quick Summary Laboratory casework materials include wood, powder-coated steel, stainless steel, polypropylene, phenolic resin, and plastic laminate. Each earns its spot differently. Wood suits teaching spaces where warmth counts. Steel gives you strength and chemical resistance. Stainless is for sanitary work. Polypropylene and phenolic resin cope with moisture and aggressive reagents, while laminate belongs inContinue reading “Laboratory Casework Materials Explained”
Quick Summary The right laboratory sink size depends on your largest glassware, how often the sink is used, and the bench space available. Most general purpose lab sinks have bowls between 15 by 8 inches and 25 by 15 inches, with depths of 6 to 12 inches. Compact cup sinks suit quick rinses, while deeperContinue reading “Determining The Right Size For Your Laboratory Sinks”
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”
