Global molecular science facility features Enware fit-out

One of Australia’s premier research facilities, the newly refurbished La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, has installed an extensive range of Enware safety, laboratory and specialist plumbing solutions into its teaching, research and laboratory facilities.

La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS).

The Enware fit-out - including solutions custom designed and manufactured in Australia for good service, precision and practicality - comprises a package of products distributed broadly throughout the LIMS facility, which houses the international research leader in the field of molecular science and biotechnology.

The facility, which is instrumental in training a new generation of Australian scientists, was recently refurbished as part of the university’s largest investment to date in research and academic infrastructure, costing $97 million and including a new $85 million, 11,000 m², six-level teaching and research building adjoining the Physical Sciences 4 (PS4) building.

Enware Australia says its fit-out package extended across a broad range of its product groups, which are purpose built to achieve maximum efficiencies, hygiene and safety in industry, scientific, medical and educational applications.

“Products and solutions were also customised to meet specific project requirements. Being an Australian manufacturer, Enware’s lead times in providing customers’ choice of configurations, materials and finishes are faster and more flexible. They also conform to the highest Australian Standards,” said Enware Managing Director Adam Degnan.

Enware laboratory tapware and fume cupboards housing dry media fittings. The lab taps feature durable powder-coating finish (optional chrome plating) giving protection against corrosion, discolouration and surface damage in commercial laboratories.

LIMS’ state-of-the-art facility needed the latest technology fixtures to deliver various media types on benches and in fume cupboards. The ComLab range has been designed to maximise workbench space, with an easy-clean, durable finish delivering wet and dry media in a wide variety of configurations. Their needle valve operation is suited to dry media/gas installations up to Grade 4.0+.

Major components of the Enware fit-out included:

• Fume cupboards housing dry media fittings. The fittings - along with complementary burning gas fittings - feature precise feel and fingertip control as well as safety colour coding. Fittings include bench, pendant and wall-mounted.
• Emergency safety shower systems. Enware manufactures a large range of emergency safety shower and eyewash equipment, while also distributing some of the products of internationally acknowledged leaders in areas such as spill containment storage, decontamination and Hazchem equipment.
• Hands-free electronic tapware designed to deliver high levels of hygiene, functionality and comfort to their users. The automatic shut-off, electronically actuated tapware is becoming the equipment of choice for achievement of water savings and cross-infection control.
• Reverse osmosis tapware developed to protect water integrity and maintain maximum water purity. Enware specialist water fittings are made from materials specially selected to be suitable for use in special water applications.
• Barrier-free drinking fountains, designed to focus on people with disabilities who use these facilities in public buildings.
• Stylish, functional and durable IFO wash basins made of vitreous china - an attractive, environmentally friendly and durable natural material. They offer hygienic and environmentally harmonious solutions for bathrooms ranging from compact to large.

Enware’s ComLab range includes deionised, demineralised pure water, backflow prevention technology plus deluge shower and eyewash products mandatory in any laboratory. The company’s laboratory tapware is WaterMark licensed to AS/NZS-3718 and supplied with a 5-star WELS rating standard, with more flow rate options available. Gas fittings are AGA approved while emergency showers and eyewash equipment have been independently tested to ANSI Z358.1 and are compliant with AS4775.

ComLab designs feature the practical benefits of simple operation, high control and long, serviceable life. Solid and versatile fittings are suitable for bench, bollard and fume cupboard use in wall-, bench- and pendant-mounted configurations. Vandal-resistant features make them also suitable for university laboratories.