Department of Veterans Affairs
VA Space Planning Criteria (Chapter 410)
Washington, DC 20420
February 2007
F. Lockers: The space required is to accommodate lockers for employee's clothing, or
other personal effects, benches, dressing and circulation.
G. Lounges: This space will be utilized by employees for a brief rest, relaxation or
emergencies that require off the job environment for a degree of privacy and
personal attention. A counter nourishment station should be provided.
H. Program for Design (PFD): A space program based on criteria set forth in this
document and specific information about Concept of Operations, workload
projections and staffing levels authorized.
I.
SEPS (VA-SEPS): Acronym for Space and Equipment Planning System, a digital
tool developed by the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Veterans
Affairs to generate a Program for Design (PFD) and an Equipment List for a VA
healthcare project based on specific information entered in response to Input Data
Questions. VA-SEPS incorporates the propositions set forth in all VA space planning
criteria chapters. VA-SEPS has been designed to aid healthcare planners in creating
a space plan based on a standardized set of criteria parameters.
J. Showers: Shower facilities include employee showers other than those located in
specified departments.
K. Toilets: Toilet facilities include all water closets, urinals, and sinks for support staff
and trainees specifically designated as toilet or toilet and shower rooms.
3
OPERATING RATIONALE AND BASIS OF CRITERIA
A. Workload Projections or planned services / modalities for a specific VA medical
center, hospital or satellite outpatient clinic project are provided by the VA Central
Office (VACO) / VISN CARES Capacity Projection Model. The workload projections
are generated by methodology based upon the expected veteran population in the
respective market / service area. Healthcare planners working on VA medical center,
hospital or satellite outpatient clinic projects will utilize and apply the workload based
criteria set forth herein for identified services and modalities to determine room
requirements for each facility.
B. Space planning criteria have been developed on the basis of an understanding of the
activities involved in the functional areas of Environmental Management Service
Lockers, Lounges, Toilets, and Showers and its relationship with other services of a
medical facility. These criteria are predicated on established and/or anticipated best
practice standards, as adapted to provide environments supporting the highest
quality heath care for Veterans.
C. These criteria are subject to modification relative to development in the equipment,
medical practice, vendor requirements, and subsequent planning and design. The
selection of the size and type of Environmental Management Service equipment is
determined by VACO and upon Veterans Health Administration (VHA) anticipated
medical needs.
D. The quantity of lockers, toilets and showers required are determined by the number
of projected FTE positions authorized to be served, which are not otherwise
EMS Lockers, Lounges, Toilets, and Showers (Chapter 410): Page 3of 7
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