September 30, 1995
equipment such as high speed centrifuges.
Mechanical (Heating, Ventilating,
Critical equipment such as refrigerators, freezers
and Air Conditioning):
and ultra-low temperature freezers may also
require 208 V - 20 A emergency power
GENERAL:
An automatic data processing
(ADP) outlet should be appropriately located to
The HVAC designer shall coordinate with
provide access to local area networks. This will
the VAMC Research Service Staff, Architect,
also provide access for environmental and
Equipment Designers, and others as required, to
equipment monitoring devices and alarm
satisfy the mechanical needs of the laboratory
systems. Laboratories require duplex outlets
facility specified for the project.
Equipment
along the benchtops at 610 mm (24") on center
selection and location should be finalized early in
for bench equipment and computers. In areas
the design stage to avoid redesign and schedule
designated for free standing equipment, duplex
delays. Heat producing equipment for present
outlets shall be placed at 915 mm (36") on
and future use must be identified, quantified and
center.
satisfied.
Walk-in refrigerators (cold rooms) intended
The following represents the highlights of
for procedures shall be provided with at least one
the HVAC system design for VA Research
outlet on each wall. Common instrument areas
Laboratory facilities.
need to have dedicated 120 V strip outlets, in
addition
to
occasional
208
V
outlets.
HVAC SYSTEM:
Determining the appropriate number of 120 V
and 208 V outlets for common instrument rooms
Laboratory, Specialized, and Support Areas: Lab
requires close collaboration between Research
areas should have a dedicated air handling unit,
personnel and the A/E firm.
100% outdoor air, a minimum of 12 air changes
per hour of room supply air, a negative room
Hallways need outlets for maintenance
pressure created by exhausting 15% more air
purposes, but these outlets will not be on the
than is supplied, a room noise level not to
same circuits as outlets located in labs, shared
exceed NC-45, and room conditions of 24C
support areas, or offices.
(76F), 50% RH in summer, and 22C (72F),
In general, the more detailed a task, the
30% RH in winter. See individual guide plates
higher the illumination required to perform it with
under Sections 4, 5, and 6 for these areas.
accuracy. VA laboratories require 1080 lx (100
Fume Hood Exhaust: The ventilation system for
fc) for benchtop level lighting. A minimum of 810
the fume hood exhaust should conform to OSHA
lx (75 fc) is acceptable with minimum glare and
Regulation 29 CFR, Part 1910. The VA HVAC
maximum efficiency.
Where the correct
Design Manual shows exhaust air quantities for
identification of color is important, special
hoods based on sash openings of 710 mm (28
color-corrected lamps may be necessary.
in.). Fume hoods with 450 mm (18 in.) sash
Energy efficient light fixtures with individual room
stops may be specified to reduce the required
switches should be considered as an aid in
fume hood exhaust and result in energy savings
conserving energy.
and noise reduction. This should be coordinated
Note: Electrical design information is located on
with the users.
the Design Standards accompanying the guide
Auxiliary make-up air hoods should be
plates. See the VA Electrical Design Manual for
avoided due to energy cost for tempering air in
further information.
winter, the discomfort caused by unconditioned
air in summer, and drafts discharging directly
onto the operator's head. This is discouraged by
ANSI/AIHA Z9.5-1992, Laboratory Ventilation.
VA Design Guide -- Research Laboratory
Page 2-5
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