what couldn't you do without

[mtg]

Now we're refurbishing I need to make sure we get all we need, and I'm wondering what equipment you simply couldn't do without. For pracs, for prep, etc. I'm thinking good measuring cylinders with plastic bottoms! And a van der graff that works first time every time. But I'm sure there are better answers. Looking forward to your collective suggestions.

[bindibadgi]

Trolleys!!
We have our waterbaths & microscopes on trolleys so they can roam from lab to lab, the electronic balances are in a small trolley with pull out drawers, & my favourite is our big blue trolley. It's a tough, sturdy flat bed type with big wheels, & the handle folds down so you can store it easily.

trolley1.jpg

trolley2.jpg

You can really load it up, & it's a godsend when the bulk order comes in!

[mtg]

Oh Yes, something I hadn't thought of that will be crucial, as all our stuff will now live in a storeroom off the prep room with no student access.

[sunray18]

Where did you find it ? how much?

[macca]

I didn't get this it was to late for my refurb, I have 3 tier trollies with removeable tubs.

I wish I had heard earlier one school had underbench cupboards on casters only one cupboard wide and bench depth and height just the right size. With microscopes, powerpacks etc.,wheel out, top up with extras and wheel in ready to go.

CHEMTALK

[smiley]

Gratnells - love my Gratnells. AND my lovely Gratnell trolleys that go with it.

[Ian]

.... as all our stuff will now live in a storeroom off the prep room ......

I must be getting old. I read "all our staff will now be living in a storeroom..." and I thought "What a good idea!"

Ian

[mtg]

LOL

[bindibadgi]

Big blue trolley is a Rapini Jumbo flat bed trolley, we got it years ago from Adelaide Merchandising, but you can get it from a few companies....just found it at RJ Cox Engineering online for $302.50 (GST incl).
Google jumbo flat bed trolley & you'll find heaps.....just found a collapsible aluminium one at trolleysonline (yep that's actually the company name ) for only $99!

[Lyn]

A sink deep enough to wash/rinse burettes properly. Have one at the moment but if they ever refurbish the Chem prep room I may not get a similar setup. And I love my compactuses, preferably big because they hold more and when they are shut the room looks relatively tidy.

[Meegs]

If I could refurbish (with a magical money tree, of course) I would ask for marine grade (?) stainless steel on the sinks, and bench tops that can't be scratched, burnt, stained, peel off (laminate on chip board! ughh!). Also a good dishwasher and fume hoods (one for you, one for the classroom).
Recent threads have also discussed getting safety showers and eye wash stations.
And obviously you need a flammables cabinet (go bigger, rather than smaller).
I could probably go on all day...love spending money in my head

[Meegs]

Another useful & cheap item that we use is these containers from our local Reject Shop. Just a few dollars each. Three different depths but all stack nicely. Clear container so you can see the contents & find easily on the shelf.
We label these with a Dymo labeller that stays near my desk

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[Labbie]

My dishwasher!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[sunray18]

My computer - so I can read chemtalk

[mtg]

Keep up the good work, your suggestions are really good. Not just the ideas but even where to get them. Thank you.

[Ocker]

Single Malt Whisky

[bindibadgi]

G&T for me thanks Ocker!

Also can't do without-
dishwasher
silicon oven mits
nitrile gloves
Chux Magic Eraser sponge (removes grafitti off benches etc, including permanent marker)
& a twisted sense of humour

[lada]

G&T, sense of humor and patience (lots of it)

[rae]

I'm out of patience and humour at the moment and a G&T would go down well right about now. And I don't even like it!!

[Labbie]

Wine Red or white.