Benchkote Surface Protector

Proper Usage

What is Benchkote?
Benchkote sheets have a high quality adsorbent ‘paper’ on one side (white), and an impermeable layer of polyethylene (PE) on the other side.

What does the paper side do?
It absorbs solvents, toxic liquids, pathogens and radiochemicals.

Which way must Benchkote be placed on a bench?
PAPER SIDE UP (so that it can catch spills).
PE SIDE DOWN (i.e. it touches and protects the bench surface).

In a number of labs people have been taping the benchkote with the
PE (‘plastic’) SIDE UP -- THAT IS NOT A SAFE PRACTICE.

The PAPER SIDE MUST BE UP TO CATCH SPILLS, thus helping to prevent spills from flowing off the benchkote. Putting the wrong side, i.e. the plastic side, up pretty well guarantees that all but very small spills will flow off the plastic onto unprotected parts of the bench, the floor, and/or personnel.

What should be done?
Benchkote taped onto a bench with the plastic side UP, should be REMOVED and be (re)placed with the PAPER SIDE UP.

Thank you for your cooperation.