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Various lab types will require different bench configurations; using a standardized catalogue of modular equipment can facilitate adapatability. Photo courtesy of Lista International
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Purchasing a workbench or workstation may at first seem like a simple task. Workers have work to do, and they need an efficient, comfortable and practical place to do it. But behind that deceptively simple proposition may lurk a number of variables that must be considered to make sure you get what you actually need.
Employee needs vary widely among industries and applications. What works for manufacturing facilities won’t fly for a classroom setting. What’s perfect for an automotive dealership won’t work in a laboratory. And a configuration that suits one laboratory may not be appropriate for another.
So, whether you are looking for technical workstations, height-adjustable workstations, assembly workstations, industrial benches or some other type of furniture, take the time to perform the necessary upfront work by following this step-by-step self examination that will help you choose the right bench for all your needs.
What work are you doing?
There’s one overriding consideration that will affect just about every aspect of your workbench purchasing decision: What work will people be performing on it? The answer to this question will affect everything from the size of the workbench to the surface material, to storage requirements, to ergonomic considerations.
Once you determine what work will be done on the bench, do an analysis of tasks associated with the work and use it to make a checklist of features needed to perform them.
For instance, perhaps you’re dealing with a pharmaceutical lab, where the worksurface material becomes a key important part of the decision. Depending on the liquids and solids you’re handling, you might want a stainless steel or epoxy resin chemical-resistant worksurface to ensure long-lasting durable use. If your laboratory is in a cleanroom environment, your workstation will need to meet certain NSF International public health and safety standards. You might also need to store a combination of small beakers and instruments with large testing equipment—requiring a variety of storage solutions both above and below the worksurface.
On the other hand, if lab users are assembling small electronic equipment, perhaps in an engineering lab, a small workbench might be suitable—perhaps one that is height-adjustable to bring the detailed repair job up to an optimal work zone and distance. Along with the workbench, staff will also need excellent task lighting. Bins above the worksurface might be needed to provide direct access to small parts, and an articulating arm that can hold assembly guidelines or diagrams could be helpful as well.
Bob Smith, production manager for Automated Circuit Design (ACD), said of his recent workstation purchase, “All the workstations are electro-static dissipative, so they are an ideal solution for every department. In the kitting area, technicians can safely work with ESD-sensitive components. And in the assembly and production departments, every technician can perform the most precise processes effectively. The workstation provides the lighting needed to perform every task with attention to every detail. Additionally, the substantial shelving space offers the area needed to set up stations for testing completed products.”
Sizing up the solution
The size of your workbench is determined by a number of factors. First up is how much space is available: What’s the most appropriate footprint? With today’s modular workbenches making maximum use of vertical space, you may not need as big a bench as you think. How much worksurface area does your application demand, both in terms of width (left to right) and depth (front to back)? Does the entire worksurface need to be within easy arm’s reach? Can you position needed items above the worksurface on a vertical accessory system for easier access? Will you be working with large equipment or parts? If so, you may not only need a larger worksurface, but might also need to factor in the weight-bearing capacity of your bench.
Workstation meets workflow
After thinking about size and footprint, consider whether your organization’s workspace, type of work and workflow are best served by a group of benches laid out in a particular configuration. Some companies offer modular workstations that are specifically designed to accommodate different configurations, and thus different types of workflow. Use a design that positions your team for maximum efficiency.
If you’re operating with a progressive workflow, such as in a clinical lab, you may want to configure your benches to create an integrated, moving production line. If your team functions in cells or groups, it may be served best by different-shaped configurations that encourage easy communication. Some workstations are available in modules, so they can easily be combined to create everything from in-line and in-line back-to-back configurations to T, U, X and Y-shaped configurations. Teaching labs in particular have recently made good use of many nonlinear bench configurations.
Finally, consider transforming from stationery to mobile benches. Benches that offer easy, smooth-rolling relocation will accommodate both day-to-day and future changes as well as simplify cleaning activities.
Storage—everything in its place
Spend some time doing some careful planning to get a workstation that exactly addresses your storage needs with little or no wasted space. Simplify your storage decisions by reducing the items being stored to only those that directly address your bench applications. When doing your planning exercise, consider the size, shape, weight, quantity and fragility of the items to be stored, as well as how accessible they need to be, and how much security they demand.
There are plenty of options for storage, both above and below the worksurface. From plastic parts bins to a variety of shelving options to every size and configuration of drawer, there’s a lot to consider. For some organizations, the availability of just-in-time delivery of needed materials or chemicals is a better solution than providing excessive amounts of storage space that ultimately becomes a graveyard for forgotten items. This is an area where serious questioning is in order.
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Some applications, such as parts assembly, require a fairly constrained space with many small bins for easy access. Photo courtesy of Lista International
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After determining exactly what needs to be stored, zero in on making the workspace more efficient. Create a designated storage location for every item. Modular drawer cabinet interiors are ideal for custom configuring to produce almost infinite layout options. This high level of organization is particularly important if different people are using the same workbench at different times. Time savings are maximized and inventory control becomes a non-issue.
Let ther be light
Lighting needs of the different bench tasks is an important consideration. Does each position need separate lighting? Does the room itself have lighting deficiencies? Does the room light cast an unwanted color? If you decide you need to equip your workbenches with lighting accessories, are users best served by overhead fluorescent lighting or a swing arm that can be easily positioned and/or moved out of the way when not needed? Do you need an accessory that can diffuse the light and reduce glare?
Power to your people
After you weigh your lighting needs and options, move on to your electrical requirements. From cleanrooms to quality control departments to R&D functions, having a convenient source of power at each workbench is usually essential. Diverse options are available, from power beams and air beams to air supply brackets and cable management accessories. You can narrow selections down to the necessary few by asking the right questions:
Will each workbench host a computer monitor and other computer equipment? Do you need a data port or wirleless link? Will the tasks at hand require compressed air and specialty gases, and what is the source of that air? How about water (source, type and drainage)?
How many outlets do you need at each workbench (and how much power)? Where should the outlets be positioned? Do you require a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to provide protection against severe shock and electrocution? Consider cord management, both from an aesthetic point of view, as well as the safety factor. To keep power cords from becoming tripwires, cable trays may be needed.
The right accessories make the space more efficient
Think about the impact that add-on accessories might have in improving the employees’ job functions. No matter what the task, there’s an accessory option to help get the job done more efficiently and conveniently. By taking advantage of the abundant vertical space above the worksurface, and the many interchangeable accessory options available, you can create a highly efficient work center that is tailored completely to the needs inherent to jobs being performed. Examples include shelving for manuals or instruments, parts bin rails, a monitor bracket, or a keyboard holder.
At Arizona’s Mazatzal Casino, technicians use Lista computer workstations to monitor banks of slot machines. Above the worksurface, the benches feature Lista’s Nexus system accessories, including a reversible white board and tack board, a grounded outlet to power up computers and power tools, and a storage shelf used to hold manuals, personal effects and even cleaning products. The accessories make it easier for the technicians to use the computers to access data needed to log their data into the system.
Pay attention to ergonomics for safety and productivity
It is essential to factor in ergonomics to improve safety and productivity. To minimize stress and strain for seated employees, a 30.5-in. worksurface height will accommodate 99.5% of male and 99.9% of all female workers. The optimal worksurface height for standing employees depends entirely on the type of work being performed. Precision work usually requires a higher worksurface, while heavier work demands a lower worksurface.
But what if different shifts are using the same bench? And/or what if different tasks are being performed on the same bench? Consider an adjustable-height system. With such a bench, users can adjust the bench height with the simple turn of a crank or with a motor drive, and the worksurface can move between approximately 25 and 41 in.
Standardization leads to improved adaptability
Most organizations have multiple departments. Consider using a common workbench platform throughout the facility to gain such benefits as better utilization of inventory, easier reconfiguration, interchangeability of accessories and aesthetic appeal.
Standardization allows efficient swapping of accessories among departments, and facilitates adjustments if work tasks change. Colors and designs match, and there are no surprises when employees shift to a different department.
Tom Buechele, associate VP/facilities, operations and planning at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) took note of this design standardization. He says, “Most of our classroom furniture is Lista. In fact, we have Lista work tables in almost every department. We’ve also purchased a range of Lista storage equipment, including different size cabinets that are used as student lockers, sliding door cabinets with counter tops that serve the dual purpose of storage and workspace, and the Storage Wall System for the lithography area.”
Design standardization (and an attractive price point) is important, but the quality and durability of the workbenches and other furniture was also a key consideration. “Schools are a very hard environment for furniture, especially where students are constantly using the table to perform different tasks,” notes Buechele.
Putting it together with design assistance
assistance If this list of considerations poses questions for which you need help to find answers, maybe you’d prefer to have professional advice. Many workbench providers and casework manufacturers offer design planning assistance to guide you through the process and advise you of the most appropriate choices. Free services such as surveys and CAD drawings can make the process virtually painless.
Last steps
If you choose a bench provider that offers maximum breadth of product, and flexibility, you’ll be able to view all of your workbenches as part of a complete picture, although each may have been custom-built to accomplish a unique task.
The end result? Many smart steps for each department and one giant leap for your organization.
James Anderson is vertical market manager at Lista International, Hollister, Mass. (www.listaintl.com). The company produces storage and workspace systems focused on optimizing productivity and profitability.
Published in Laboratory Design newsletter: Vol. 15, No. 9, September, 2010
