September 30, 1995
Security:
Materials Management:
VA laboratory facilities are utilized 24 hours
Materials management involves storing lab
a day, thus requiring tight security. The location
materials and supplies as well as storing and
and layout of laboratories and specialized areas
disposing of chemical and biohazardous waste.
must be planned so as to restrict visitors as
Hazardous chemicals in one area should be
much as possible. The laboratory/core area
compatible (not cause dangerous chemical
should be located on a level other than the main
reactions), use storage space well, and be
entry floor of the building with access from keyed
convenient to store and retrieve in addition to
elevators which do not open into the receiving
being near the loading dock.
area on the main level. Access to the individual
Flammable liquid storage cabinets in the
laboratories can be by a standard key system.
laboratories are intended to protect the contents
Electronic perimeter security to the lab area is
from the heat and flames from outside the
necessary if labs are adjacent to clinic and/or
cabinet. These OSHA approved cabinets should
public areas.
be located remotely from operations in the lab
which could lead to fire. The cabinets are not
Life Safety:
required by NFPA 30 to be ventilated.
In
addition to the provision for a few days' chemical
In order to achieve the desired quality of life
supply in each lab, there should be a central
in laboratories, a safe and secure work
chemical storage room for bulk supplies.
environment for investigators must be provided.
Chemical storage rooms need open shelves with
Laboratories conducting procedures involving
edge lips, cabinets for toxic materials, and
pathogens or carcinogens must be designed to
exhaust hoods over unsealed toxins. Chemical
eliminate
cross-contamination.
A
safe
storage rooms typically utilize a water fire
environment can be maintained by: providing
sprinkler system.
positive pressure for clean rooms; negative
Compressed gas cylinders, as well, need
pressure and prohibition of recirculation of air
dedicated storage with local exhaust hoods to
from contaminated areas; adequate ventilation;
remove possible gas leakage. This room should
and proper air filters. Air locks at entries to
be located along an exterior wall with a blow-out
these areas and decontamination areas (shower
panel for each 1.1 to 1.7 m (40 to 60 ft) of
and clothes changing rooms) may be needed for
volume as outlined in NFPA-68 and more
personnel.
specifically in NFPA 55. Gas cylinders should be
In addition, emergency showers are located
secured in supports designed to provide
in the hallways with a contrasting spot painted on
flexibility.
the floor to indicate the shower location, with the
number of showers per area to be based on
Occupational Health and Safety Agency (OSHA)
Disposal Of Waste:
requirements.
There are no drains below
VA laboratory facilities designate an area or
emergency showers in corridors because of their
areas for collecting and storing hazardous
infrequent use. Lastly, the emergency shower
chemical, biological, and radioactive wastes
water should be tempered for a person to endure
before disposal. The disposal area should be
the full 15 minute wash. To permit privacy,
located with reasonable proximity to the
selected showers should have curtains so that
elevators which connect to the loading dock area
contaminated clothing may be removed. Eye
for convenience of waste disposal. The disposal
and face wash units should be installed on the
of waste depends in large part on local Medical
gooseneck faucets of sinks in each lab and in lab
Center policy and OSHA regulations. General
support areas where chemicals are used.
waste consisting of paper and glass should be
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VA Design Guide -- Research Laboratory
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