The laboratory space within the GNL totals 48,000 sq. ft. and features level 1 through 4 biocontainment areas with 12,000 sq ft dedicated to a high-level BSL4 lab for studying the most dangerous pathogens. Within this state-of-the-art facility, a group of scientists are engaged in efforts to translate research ideas into products aimed at controlling emerging infectious diseases and defending our society against bioterrorism.
The types of pathogens that are studied include anthrax, avian influenza, bubonic plague, hemorrhagic fevers (such as Ebola), typhus, West Nile virus, influenza, and drug-resistant tuberculosis, among others. The GNL aims to be the pre-eminent resource within the United States for the safe conduct of essential infectious disease research.
Equipping a medical biocontainment laboratory demands some unique requirements when selecting ergonomic seating. Careful evaluation must be made regarding the suitability of any chair that will become a part of the lab and be used in a caustic and potentially hazardous environment. Routine exposure to formaldehyde gas and the capability to be decontaminated must be considered.
The GNL staff acquired and evaluated representative seating samples from several manufacturers. Each chair was rated for comfort, style, ease and extent of adjustments, durability, chemical resistance, and the ability to be decontaminated. After careful consideration, 300 chairs of the Model 7501D manufactured by Bevco Precision Manufacturing Co., Waukesha, WI, were ordered.“The comfort levels were noticeably superior to the other chairs that we tested,” says Dr. Andrew McNees, Ph.D., who is the Assistant Director. “We especially liked the softness of the polyurethane material used for the seats and backs of this chair. It’s not too rigid.”
“Our staff routinely spends long work sessions at bio-cabinets, which by their design limit movement considerably. Researchers remain stationary for extended periods wearing a specialized protective suit and headgear that is sealed and connected to a designated airflow system for the researchers’ safety,” McNees explains.
“The Bevco chair is not slippery. It grips, which enhances good posture and provides the staff with a high comfort level while working at these bio-cabinets. The molded pattern of Bevco’s seats and backs allows for effective ventilation, which contributes to the comfort of this chair,” says McNees. “We also expect these chairs to hold up well when exposed to formaldehyde gas although this was not tested.”
Hedrich Blessing Photography 2009. |
Bevco’s Series 7000 polyurethane chairs are designed for maximum comfort and long-lasting service in a laboratory environment. Highly durable, they employ advanced ergonomic features that offer total body support, contributing to enhanced productivity with less fatigue. The molded self-skinned seats and backs are stain- and puncture-resistant and feature a ribbed pattern for improved ventilation.Additional features of series include easy-to-use pneumatic height adjustment, an ergonomic waterfall seat design, a fully adjustable contoured back, 360° swivel, and a sturdy five-legged molded or tubular base. Each chair also comes with an exclusive full 12-year warranty.
Bevco offers additional options for their 7000 Series chairs. Articulating seat and back tilt enables maximum ergonomic benefit, and customers can choose between glides or casters. Other options include adjustable armrests with polyurethane arm pads, a larger 20” diameter adjustable footring, and Class 10 cleanroom and ESD models. Blue, grey or black seat and back colors are available.
According to McNees, “the Bevco 7501Ds are serving our needs well, as expected.”
For more information, contact Bevco Precision Manufacturing Co. at 800-864-2991 or visit www.bevco.com.
