About SEFA

The Scientific Equipment and Furniture Association (SEFA) was organized in 1988 to meet the needs of an important industry of lab designers and manufacturers of laboratory furniture. A company whose work is principally in this industry can be eligible for membership. SEFA's members work closely with laboratory owners, architects, contractors and others to advance the goal of creating a safe “Laboratory Grade” environment.

SEFA takes a leadership role in advancing the cause of good laboratory planning. SEFA's member-directed package of services reflects the importance attached to cost-effective construction and delivery, lab space use, safety, productivity and environmental issues.

The association operates with a professional management staff and a member-elected Board of Directors and Advisory Board. In addition, SEFA has organized an impressive array of Committees to meet the needs of the association's membership and to advance the goals of the organization.

If you are interested in finding out more about SEFA's Committees and the important work that they do, please contact the SEFA offices or the designated Committee Co-Chairs.

SEFA Recommended Practices

SEFA members work together to establish, monitor and modify as needed, industry-wide recommended practices in the areas of fume hoods, laboratory work surfaces, furniture installations, casework and fixtures. Other areas of common interest are also being explored.

At present SEFA Recommended Practices have been established and published for:

Fume hoods (SEFA 1)
Installations (SEFA 2)
Laboratory Work Surfaces (SEFA 3)
Glossary of Terms (SEFA 4)
Scope of Work (SEFA 5)
Laboratory & Hospital Fixtures (SEFA 7)
Laboratory Casework - Metal (SEFA 8M); Phenolic (SEFA 8PH); Plastic Laminate (SEFA 8PL); Polypropylene (SEFA 8P) and Wood (SEFA 8W)
Ductless Hoods (SEFA 9)
Adaptable Casework Systems (SEFA 10)
Liquid Chemical Storage (SEFA 11)
Laboratory Grade Seating (SEFA 12)
Vertical Exhausting Laminar Flow Hoods (V-ELF) (SEFA13)

These Recommenced Practices are published collectively along with other pertinent industry information in the 5th Edition SEFA Desk Reference which is available for download through the link below.

Download the 5th Edition SEFA Desk Reference
SEFA Committees are actively drafting Recommended Practices in the following areas -

Laboratory Grade Flooring

Laboratory Grade Washers

Because SEFA is an association, all members have the opportunity to participate in the development and monitoring of these industry-wide Recommended Practices. The Recommended Practices are invaluable tools in proposal writing, contract negotiations, installation and work procedures, as well as liability and responsibility determination. They promote better understanding and relationships between member companies, architects, contractors and end-users.

Through SEFA Recommended Practices, member companies take charge of the conditions and environment in which they work, raising the level of responsiveness in their industry, thus providing the customer with quality products and services.

If you would like more information on SEFA or its services, contact:

David J. Sutton, CAE, JD

Executive Director & General Counsel

1320 Main Street, Ste 300 • Columbia, SC 29201

[email protected]