DESIGN ALERT ON HVAC DESIGN MANUAL
FOR HOSPITAL PROJECT S
ISSUE:
HVAC Provisions for Dry Labs
BACKGROUND:
According to Manu Dhokai (086B), the A/Es on several projects designed HVAC
systems for Dry Labs like a regular lab and resulted in over design The problem was
lack of proper definition for use of these labs and there was no guidance given to the
A/Es. As agreed by the HVAC Professional Group, Satish Sehgal (187C) discussed
this issue with Bob Carr (087B), and found that these Labs were not listed in the space
criteria. Bob Carr referred this matter to Larry Bifareti (175B) and his office got following
information from Dennis Roth of R & D (12/2):
Dry labs may be used for a wide variety of research purposes, e.g. Biomedical
Engineering Research, Gait and Motion Studies for Rehab Medicine. The Dry labs use
typical laboratory casework, however, fume hoods, piped in gas, air and vacuum, and
piped in distilled/de-ionized water are not required. The Dry labs need no more than one
sink, and need typical laboratory electrical outlets. Dry labs do not require the HVAC of a
typical lab, and a conference room HVAC would be sufficient.
DECISION:
1. Dry labs should not be designed like a regular lab requiring 100% outdoor system
with negative pressure etc. These spaces should be treated like a meeting or a
conference room with some electronic equipment and equal pressure and recirculation
of air with minimum outside air.
2. Medical Center should be consulted about its use on individual projects.
3. Formal instructions are being developed by 187C for the A/Es and will be included in
the HVAC design manual. Meanwhile, all reviewers should follow these instructions on
their current projects.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFOR MATION:
Contact Satish Sehgal at 202.565.5032 in the Standards Service (187C).
19 July 1994
FM-187C-DA7
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