Is your laboratory safe? A sturdy and reliable laboratory workbench is the cornerstone of laboratory safety. The EN 13150 standard was created for this very purpose. It is the authoritative European standard for laboratory workbenches. It was later adopted as the British Standard (BS EN 13150).
his standard establishes uniform rules. It covers dimensional recommendations, strict safety requirements, and scientific testing methods. What is its core objective? To ensure that laboratory workbenches are sufficiently safe for daily use.
It minimizes the risk of injury to personnel while preventing damage to equipment or the workbench itself. This is achieved by ensuring that the product possesses the necessary strength, stability, and durability.
The practical significance of EN 13150 is immense:
- Provides clear guidelines for manufacturers. Unified standards facilitate the production of high-quality, compliant laboratory workbenches.
- Ensures the safety of laboratory personnel. Strict testing ensures that workbenches can withstand the challenges of laboratory environments.
- Provides scientific basis for market regulation. Promotes the healthy and orderly development of the laboratory furniture industry.
Which laboratory workbenches does EN 13150 apply to?
This standard is specifically designed for workbenches used in research, education, quality control, and similar laboratory environments. Specifically, it includes:
- Fixed laboratory tables: The most common type of basic workbench in laboratories.
- Mobile laboratory tables: Workbenches with casters or other means of flexible movement.
- Workbench frames: Workbenches with support frame structures.
Core of EN 13150: Safety testing requirements (mandatory)
Safety is the essence of EN 13150. It specifies a series of mandatory safety tests to ensure the stability and reliability of workbenches under various loading conditions.
1. Horizontal static load test (Simulating lateral pressure)
- How to perform? Secure the bottom of the workbench. Apply the specified force to the edge of the workbench surface using loading pads.
- Steps: First, apply the load 10 times at point A along the longitudinal centerline. Remove the load and apply it 10 times at point B in the opposite direction. Repeat the loading process at points C and D along the transverse centerline.
- Key points: If the workbench is prone to tipping, the test force must be applied at an downward angle. The force should be just sufficient to prevent tipping.
- Pass criteria: The workbench must withstand the specified force. No damage that could compromise safety should be present after testing.
2. Vertical static load test (simulating localized heavy pressure)
- How to perform the test? Apply a specified force downward at vulnerable points on the work surface (at least 100 mm from the edge).
- Steps: Apply the load 10 times at each selected point. Mobile desktops or additional panels must also be tested.
- Key points: If the workbench is unstable, anti-tip measures must be applied to the main work surface.
- Passing criteria: The workbench must withstand the specified force. No damage affecting safety is permitted after testing.
3. Continuous Vertical Load Test (Simulating Long-Term Heavy Pressure)
- When to perform? Only when the vertical static test indicates that deflection (bending) of the work surface may affect safety.
- How to perform? Apply the specified load uniformly across the entire work surface. Maintain for a full 24 hours.
- Measurements: Record deformation and deflection before loading, after 24 hours of loading, and after 24 hours of unloading.
- Passing criteria: Deflection during loading must remain within safe limits. Permanent deformation after 24 hours of unloading must not exceed 1/1000 of the span.
4. Workbench Shelf Deflection Test (Check Shelf Load-bearing Capacity)
- How to do it? Apply the specified load evenly across the shelf. Maintain for 24 hours.
- Measurement: Measure at the midpoint of the shelf near the front edge (for multiple supports, measure at the point of maximum deflection). Record the deflection before loading, after 24 hours of loading, and after 24 hours of unloading.
- Passing criteria: Deflection during loading ≤ 1/200 of the span. Permanent deflection 24 hours after unloading ≤ 1/1000 of the span.
5. Independent workbench horizontal impact stability test (simulating accidental collisions)
- How to perform the test? Place the workbench on the ground. Use a block to support the leg farthest from the impact point. Drop the horizontal impact device from the specified height. Impact the edge point of the workbench that is most likely to cause overturning.
- Passing criteria: The workbench must not overturn. No damage that affects safety is allowed.
6. Vertical Load Stability Test for Freestanding Workbenches (Check for eccentric loading)
- How to perform the test? Apply a vertical force of 1000N at any point on the least stable side of the tabletop using a loading pad (force center 50mm from the edge). Repeat the test on the short side.
- With drawers: Fill the drawers as required and open them. Apply a vertical load of 750N at the center of the front edge of the tabletop.
- Passing criteria: The workbench should not tip over in any test.
7. Movable Workbench (Table) Drop Test (Simulating Moving Impact)
- How to perform the test? Lift one end of the movable workbench. Allow it to fall freely from the specified height. Ensure the feet or casters strike the ground. Repeat 10 times.
- Asymmetric Design: Repeat the test on the other end.
- Passing Criteria: The workbench must not sustain any damage that could compromise safety.
EN 13150 Optional Tests (Higher Requirements or Specific Scenarios)
In addition to mandatory tests, the standard defines optional tests. These are used to assess more stringent usage conditions or additional performance.
1. Horizontal Fatigue Test (Simulating Repeated Lateral Forces)
- How to perform the test? Secure the bottom of the workbench. Place a 50 kg mass at the center of the workbench surface. Apply horizontal forces alternately at the specified points using two loading pads. Repeat the cycle for the specified number of times.
- Key points: If the workbench is about to tip over, reduce the horizontal force to the maximum value at which it does not tip over. Record this value.
- Passing criteria: The workbench must withstand the specified force and number of cycles. There must be no damage affecting safety or functionality after the test.
2. Vertical Fatigue Test (Simulating Repeated Upward and Downward Pressure)
- How to perform? Apply the selected vertical force at the most unfavorable point on the workbench surface (100mm from the edge). Maintain for ≥2 seconds. Remove for ≥2 seconds. Cycle the selected number of times.
- Passing Criteria: The workbench must withstand the specified force and number of cycles. No damage affecting safety or functionality should be present after testing.
3. Vertical Impact Test (Simulating the Impact of a Heavy Object Falling)
- How to perform? Allow the vertical impactor to freely fall from the selected height. Impact the specified locations on the work surface: near the support point (≥100mm from the edge), the center of the longest span (100mm from the edge), and the corner (100mm from the edge). Impact each location 10 times.
- Passing criteria: The workbench must withstand the impact. No damage affecting safety or functionality is permitted after testing.
Choosing a laboratory workbench compliant with EN 13150 means choosing safety and reliability
The EN 13150 standard is the gold standard for laboratory workbench safety. It establishes systematic dimensional specifications, stringent safety requirements, and scientific testing methods to build a safety barrier for laboratory environments.
Whether it is a fixed bench, mobile table, or workbench frame, adhering to this standard means:
- Ensuring the safety of laboratory personnel. Reducing the risk of accidents caused by workbench failure.
- Protecting laboratory equipment. A stable work surface is the reliable foundation for precision instruments.
- Laboratory investments yield long-term returns. Durable workbenches reduce replacement frequency and maintenance costs.
When purchasing laboratory workbenches, be sure to choose products that comply with the EN 13150 standard. This is your wisest investment in laboratory safety, efficiency, and professionalism. Let high standards safeguard every experiment you conduct.
