Method Enterprise Ltd — Approved Exclusive Distributor & Agent for METHOD in Africa View Products →

Installation Guide

Method Enterprise provides comprehensive professional installation services for all METHOD laboratory equipment across Kenya. Our certified technicians ensure every piece of equipment is installed to manufacturer specifications and international safety standards, so your laboratory is operational from day one.

Certified METHOD Technicians
3-5 Business Days Scheduling
Nationwide Coverage - Kenya
Full Warranty Compliance

Professional Installation Services

Nationwide Coverage

Method Enterprise offers professional installation services across all 47 counties in Kenya. Whether your laboratory is in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, or any other location, our installation teams are equipped to reach you with full tooling and spare parts.

METHOD-Certified Technicians

Every Method Enterprise installation technician has been factory-trained by METHOD Enterprise in Malaysia. They hold certifications in laboratory safety equipment installation covering plumbing, electrical, HVAC ducting, and safety compliance testing procedures.

Fast Scheduling

Installation is typically scheduled within 3 to 5 business days of equipment delivery. For urgent laboratory setups, we offer expedited installation services subject to availability and location. Contact us to discuss your timeline requirements.

All Product Categories

Our installation services cover every product in the METHOD range: emergency showers and eyewash stations, laboratory fittings, fume hoods, storage cabinets, biosafety cabinets, laboratory sinks, and complete laboratory fit-outs from design to commissioning.

Our Installation Process

1. Site Survey & Assessment

Our team visits your facility to assess infrastructure readiness including water supply, electrical capacity, exhaust ductwork, floor loading, and access paths. We provide a detailed site preparation report if modifications are needed before equipment delivery.

2. Installation Scheduling

Once your site is prepared and equipment has been delivered, we coordinate an installation date within 3-5 business days. You will receive a confirmed schedule with the assigned technician team and estimated duration of the installation work.

3. Professional Installation

Our certified technicians arrive with all required tools, fittings, and consumables. Installation is carried out strictly per METHOD manufacturer guidelines and relevant international standards (ANSI, ASHRAE, NSF). All connections are made, sealed, and secured.

4. Testing & Commissioning

Every installed unit undergoes comprehensive testing: leak checks on plumbing, pressure verification, electrical safety tests, airflow measurements for fume hoods and BSCs, and functional operation checks. Results are documented in a formal commissioning report.

5. User Training & Handover

We provide hands-on training for your laboratory personnel on safe operation, routine maintenance, and emergency procedures. You receive all documentation including installation certificates, test reports, user manuals, and warranty information.

Installation by Product Category

1

Emergency Shower & Eyewash Stations ANSI Z358.1 Compliant Installation

Emergency shower and eyewash equipment requires precise installation to ensure reliable activation within one second and sustained flow for the mandated 15-minute flushing period. All units are installed in compliance with ANSI Z358.1 standards for placement, plumbing, and performance.

Plumbing Connection

Standard 1/2" BSP (British Standard Pipe) connection to your building's potable water supply. Our technicians install isolation valves, check valves, and backflow prevention devices as required by local plumbing codes.

Floor Mounting

Floor-standing units are securely anchored using stainless steel floor flanges and anchor bolts. We verify the mounting surface can support the unit's weight under operating conditions and ensure proper drainage is routed to waste.

Pressure Testing

We test the supply line at 1.5x operating pressure to verify integrity. The system must maintain a minimum of 2 bar (30 psi) static pressure at the inlet to achieve the required flow rate during emergency activation.

Flow Rate Verification

Shower heads are verified to deliver a minimum of 75.7 litres per minute (20 GPM). Eyewash units are verified at 1.5 LPM (0.4 GPM) per nozzle. All measurements are documented in the commissioning report per ANSI Z358.1 standards.

Tepid Water System

Where required, we install thermostatic mixing valves to deliver tepid water between 16-38 degrees Celsius as mandated by ANSI Z358.1-2014. This includes plumbing both hot and cold supply lines to the mixing valve assembly.

Signage & Access Verification

Highly visible signage is installed per ANSI standards. We verify the unit is accessible within 10 seconds (approximately 16.8 metres) of the hazard area, with an unobstructed path free of doors or barriers.

Important: Weekly activation testing is required after installation. Method Enterprise provides a test log template and can include weekly testing in an annual maintenance contract.
2

Laboratory Fittings Water, Gas & Electrical Bench Services

Laboratory fittings include bench-mounted and wall-mounted taps, valves, gas outlets, and electrical service units. Correct installation ensures safe, leak-free operation and compliance with laboratory design standards.

Bench-Top Mounting

Fittings are mounted through pre-drilled or site-drilled holes in the laboratory bench surface. We use appropriate gaskets and mounting hardware for epoxy resin, ceramic, stainless steel, and phenolic bench tops.

Wall Mounting

Wall-mounted fittings are secured to structural walls using appropriate fixings. We verify wall construction (concrete, block, or stud) and use the correct anchoring system to ensure long-term stability under daily use.

Water Supply Connection

Hot and cold water lines are connected using flexible braided hoses or rigid copper pipe as appropriate. Isolation valves are installed at each connection point for individual shut-off capability during maintenance.

Gas Line Connection

For gas fittings (LPG, natural gas, or compressed air), connections are made using approved gas-rated fittings with PTFE thread sealant. All gas connections undergo a soap-bubble leak test and pressure-hold test before commissioning.

Leak Testing

Every water connection is pressurised and inspected for leaks at joints, valves, and connections. Gas lines are tested at 1.5x working pressure for a minimum 15-minute hold period with zero pressure drop tolerance.

Flow Verification

Water flow rates are measured at each outlet to verify adequate supply. Gas flow rates are checked against equipment requirements. Drip trays and overflow connections are tested where applicable.

3

Fume Hoods & Fume Extraction Systems ASHRAE 110 Tested & Commissioned

Fume hood installation is a complex process requiring coordination of ductwork, electrical supply, plumbing, and airflow engineering. Every METHOD fume hood is commissioned to ASHRAE 110 performance standards with a formal commissioning report.

Duct Connection

The fume hood exhaust collar is connected to the building's exhaust ductwork system. We install transition pieces, flexible connectors, and ensure airtight sealing at all joints using appropriate duct sealant and mechanical fasteners.

Electrical Wiring

Fume hoods require AC 230V 50/60Hz single-phase power supply. Our electricians wire the hood's internal lighting, blower motor (if integral), power outlets, and control panel. All wiring complies with IEE/BS 7671 standards.

Internal Plumbing

Water taps, gas valves, and compressed air outlets inside the fume hood are connected to building services. All penetrations through the hood walls are sealed to maintain containment integrity. Cup sinks are plumbed to waste.

Sash Mechanism Testing

The sash (sliding front panel) is tested for smooth vertical operation, proper counterbalance, and correct stopping positions. Sash stops are set at the recommended maximum opening height (typically 500mm) for safe operation.

Face Velocity Verification

Using a calibrated anemometer, we measure face velocity at multiple points across the sash opening. The target is 0.5 m/s (100 fpm) average face velocity at the working sash height, with no single point reading below 0.4 m/s.

Commissioning Report

A comprehensive commissioning report is produced documenting face velocity readings, sash operation, alarm function tests, service connections, and ASHRAE 110 compliance. This report serves as the baseline for annual recertification.

Important: Building exhaust ductwork and the exhaust fan must be installed and operational before fume hood commissioning. Method Enterprise can advise on ductwork design and fan specifications during the site survey phase.
4

Storage Cabinets Flammable, Corrosive & General Chemical Storage

Safety storage cabinets for flammable liquids, corrosive chemicals, and general laboratory chemicals require proper positioning, leveling, and ventilation connection to ensure compliance with FM, OSHA, and NFPA standards.

Positioning

Cabinets are placed in their designated location per laboratory layout plans. We ensure adequate clearance from heat sources, direct sunlight, and emergency exits. Flammable cabinets are positioned away from ignition sources per NFPA 30 guidelines.

Leveling

Adjustable leveling feet are set to ensure the cabinet sits perfectly level on the laboratory floor. This is critical for proper door closure, self-closing mechanism function, and liquid-tight sump integrity in the event of a spill.

Ventilation Connection

Where required by your safety officer or local regulations, cabinet ventilation bungs are removed and connected to a dedicated low-volume exhaust duct. This prevents vapour accumulation inside the cabinet. Both top and bottom bungs are connected for proper airflow.

Grounding (Flammable Cabinets)

Flammable storage cabinets are grounded using the built-in grounding lug and a copper grounding wire connected to the building's earth system. This prevents static charge buildup that could ignite flammable vapours during dispensing operations.

5

Biosafety Cabinets NSF/ANSI 49 Certified Installation

Biosafety cabinets (BSCs) protect laboratory personnel, the environment, and the product from biological hazards. Installation requires precision to maintain HEPA-filtered laminar airflow integrity and must be performed by trained professionals to ensure NSF/ANSI 49 compliance.

Hard-Duct Connection (Type B2)

Type B2 (total exhaust) biosafety cabinets require a dedicated hard-duct connection to the building exhaust system. The duct is connected via a thimble connection or canopy hood with an airtight boot to prevent recirculation of contaminated air.

Electrical Connection

BSCs require a dedicated electrical circuit (AC 230V 50/60Hz) with an uninterrupted power supply. We install the power connection, verify motor operation, UV lamp function (where fitted), and the cabinet's electronic control system.

HEPA Filter Integrity Test

Using an aerosol photometer and DOP/PAO challenge aerosol, we test every HEPA filter for leaks. The filter must demonstrate a minimum efficiency of 99.99% for particles of 0.3 microns. Any leak above 0.01% of the upstream challenge concentration results in filter rejection.

Airflow Certification

Inflow velocity is measured across the front opening at multiple points. Downflow velocity is measured below the HEPA filter across the work surface. Both must fall within the manufacturer's specified range (typically 0.38-0.51 m/s for inflow) to maintain proper containment.

Smoke Pattern Test

Visible smoke is used to verify the airflow containment barrier at the front opening, demonstrating that air flows inward at all points. The smoke test also confirms laminar downflow across the entire work area with no dead zones or turbulence.

Decontamination (Relocation)

If the BSC is being transferred from a previous location where it was used with biological agents, we coordinate formaldehyde or vapourised hydrogen peroxide (VHP) decontamination prior to relocation. A decontamination certificate is issued before the unit is moved.

Important: BSCs must be positioned away from doors, windows, air supply diffusers, and high-traffic areas to prevent air current disruption. A minimum 300mm clearance behind and above the cabinet is required for Type B2 ducted installations.
6

Laboratory Sinks & Waste Systems Chemical-Resistant Plumbing

Laboratory sinks are constructed from chemical-resistant materials (polypropylene, epoxy resin, or stainless steel) and require specialised installation to ensure leak-free operation and proper waste management.

Plumbing Connection

Hot and cold water supply lines are connected to the sink's mixing tap or individual taps. Connections are made using chemical-resistant fittings appropriate for the laboratory environment. Isolation valves are fitted for maintenance access.

Waste Pipe Installation

Laboratory waste pipes are installed using chemical-resistant materials (polypropylene or PVDF) that withstand the range of chemicals used in your laboratory. Waste traps are installed to prevent sewer gas ingress while allowing proper drainage.

Silicone Sealing

The sink perimeter is sealed to the bench top using laboratory-grade silicone sealant resistant to common laboratory chemicals. This prevents water ingress beneath the sink rim, protecting the bench structure and preventing bacterial growth.

Leak Testing

The completed installation is filled with water to the overflow level and held for a minimum observation period. All joints, connections, and seals are inspected for leaks. The waste system is tested under flow conditions to verify proper drainage.

Site Preparation Requirements

Proper site preparation ensures a smooth and efficient installation. Our team will advise you on specific requirements during the site survey, but the following general criteria should be met before your installation date.

  • Adequate Water Supply — Minimum 2 bar (30 psi) static pressure at the point of connection for emergency showers. Standard mains pressure is sufficient for laboratory fittings and sinks. Hot water supply required where tepid water mixing is specified.
  • Electrical Supply — Dedicated circuits as per product specifications. Fume hoods and biosafety cabinets typically require AC 230V 50/60Hz single-phase on a dedicated breaker. Circuits must be installed by a licensed electrician before our installation team arrives.
  • Exhaust Ductwork — For fume hoods and Type B2 biosafety cabinets, the building exhaust ductwork must be installed and terminated before equipment commissioning. Method Enterprise provides duct sizing specifications during the quotation phase.
  • Clear Access Path — Equipment delivery requires clear, unobstructed access from the delivery vehicle to the installation location. Door openings, corridors, lifts, and stairways must be measured in advance to confirm the equipment can be transported safely.
  • Structural Assessment — Heavy equipment such as large fume hoods, walk-in fume cupboards, and fully loaded storage cabinets may require structural assessment of the floor. The floor must support the equipment's weight plus the maximum chemical load.

Pre-Installation Checklist

Use this checklist to prepare your facility before the installation date. Our project coordinator will walk through each item with you during scheduling.

  • Water supply terminated at installation point
  • Electrical circuits installed and labelled
  • Exhaust ductwork installed (if applicable)
  • Gas supply lines terminated (if applicable)
  • Drainage / waste points ready
  • Delivery path measured and cleared
  • Floor load capacity confirmed (heavy items)
  • Site contact person designated

Installation Pricing

All prices are exclusive of VAT. Final pricing is confirmed after site survey and is based on scope of work, location, and equipment type.

Basic Installation

Included
With select products
  • Unpacking and positioning
  • Leveling and basic setup
  • User operation walkthrough
  • Applicable to storage cabinets and select fittings
Get Started

Complex Installation

From KES 45,000
Fume hoods & biosafety cabinets
  • Duct connection and sealing
  • Full electrical and plumbing hookup
  • HEPA filter integrity testing (BSC)
  • Face velocity / airflow certification
  • Full commissioning report and training
Request Quote

Custom Lab Fit-Out

On Request
Complete laboratory projects
  • Full laboratory design consultation
  • Multi-product installation
  • Project management included
  • Annual maintenance contract available
  • Volume pricing for multiple units
Contact Us

Post-Installation Services

Our commitment does not end when the installation is complete. Method Enterprise provides comprehensive post-installation support to keep your laboratory equipment operating safely and efficiently.

Full Commissioning & Testing

Every installed unit undergoes a thorough commissioning process. We test all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing connections under operational conditions. Flow rates, pressures, airflow velocities, and alarm functions are all verified and documented before handover to your team.

User Training

Our technicians provide on-site hands-on training for your laboratory staff covering daily operation procedures, safety precautions, routine maintenance tasks, and emergency shutdown procedures. Training is tailored to your team's experience level and the specific equipment installed.

Documentation & Certification

You receive a comprehensive documentation package including the installation certificate, commissioning test report, equipment user manuals, warranty registration, spare parts list, and recommended maintenance schedule. These documents are essential for laboratory accreditation and audit compliance.

Safety Compliance Verification

We verify that all installed equipment meets the relevant international safety standards: ANSI Z358.1 for emergency showers, ASHRAE 110 for fume hoods, NSF/ANSI 49 for biosafety cabinets, and NFPA 30/OSHA standards for storage cabinets. Compliance certificates are issued for each verified item.

Annual Maintenance Contracts

Keep your laboratory equipment in peak condition with a Method Enterprise Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC). Our preventive maintenance programme includes scheduled inspections, recertification testing, filter replacements, and priority response for any equipment issues. AMC customers receive preferential pricing on spare parts and priority scheduling for service calls.

Enquire About AMC

Ready to Schedule an Installation?

Contact our installation team to arrange a site survey, request a quotation, or discuss your laboratory fit-out requirements.

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