|
Understanding the Science
It is important to understand what science is intended to be performed in the lab and how that science drives special considerations or hazards.
- Are there any specialty lab gases required?
- Are there any HVAC requirements (temperature, humidity, air change rate, space pressurization, filtration level, etc.)?
- Are there any hazards such as lasers that will be used in the space? These may require the use of curtains, barriers, signage, and proper materials such as fire-retardant materials.
- Does any newly planned equipment have special power requirements such as voltage, clean power, surge protection or back-up power during a power loss?
Proper Materials
Material must be suitable to the science as well as any cleaning, disinfection and sterilization.
- Flooring may need to be chemical resistant in a wet lab, but a dry electronics lab may require electrostatic-dissipative flooring for sensitive electronics.
- Countertops may require the following: chemical resistant, moisture resistant, scratch resistant, heat resistant, flame retardant, bacterial resistance, etc.
- Depending on the cleaning/decontamination needs, the lab may only require a simple wipe down with a cleaner (bleach and water), but higher risk biomedical research may require vaporous hydrogen peroxide or formaldehyde gas. It is important to know the cleaning/decontamination method so that your materials in the space are selected to be able to withstand the cleaning/decontamination process.
Renovations
Existing labs may require consideration of the following:
- What existing systems are in place to support the renovation and what are their capacities (lab gasses, HVAC system, lab waste, power/back up power, etc.)?
- If lab equipment to be used is sensitive to vibration, pre-design vibration testing of the space should be performed.
- Air Systems - pre-design air balance readings of the existing space and equipment serving the space should be taken to verify the existing systems are capable of supporting the future design.
- Tying into any existing mechanical systems? Do those systems need any special cleaning/flushing prior to construction (i.e. lab waste piping or fume hood ductwork)? Review with the owner's lab safety group for any requirements).
| 
