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Previous by Date: Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] New Science Building- Things to Look Out For Date: Friday, November 17, 2017 at 8:55:59 AM Author: Katherine Wall <kwall**At_Symbol_Here**waubonsee.edu> |
Next by Date: Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] New Science Building- Things to Look Out For Date: Fri, 17 Nov 2017 14:35:08 +0000 Author: Jeffrey Lewin |
Oh please consider these words. The Architect does not have the background to understand these safety issues. He has no chemistry back ground. And most people are unaware that schools of architecture also do not teach ANYTHING about either ASHRAE or ACGIH industrial ventilation, nothing about plumbing, and nothing about electrical service. Instead, their schools tell them that a few discussions with you will be enough to plan your lab. They also believe that hiring firms of engineers will take care of ventilation, plumbing, electrical service and structural activity so they don't have to think abut them.
It's also important to remind the architects that there are safety aspects to lab design that go beyond the placement of the eyewashes and safety showers...
Instead, let me tell you, forcefully, that I have worked with many architects who are so ill-informed, they are unable to recognize that the engineers they have hired are utterly unable to do the work. And in two instances this failure to understand has led to lawsuits and in another case, a fire in a ventilation system.
Let me also tell you there are architects that do understand. And I'm proud that just last month the Boston Society of Architects gave a design award to ACTS for our work on the James Madison University art studio building done with Gund Partnership. But before you think this is good news, I've planned over 80 facilities three of which have awards. That tells you how rare it is that a building is done really well.
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A building that does not have an industrial hygienist with the background to understand your needs involved at every phase and who can liaison with the chemists who will be using the spaces is doomed to have safety issues.
And while I'm at it, let me take a whack at the practice of getting the money from donors who want to see their name on something "beautiful." To get the money for the building, architects "sell" the artistic concept and administrators choose the architect with the sexiest design that will attract donors. That artistically conceived exterior results in forcing the ventilation and safety features to be twisted and crammed into that concept. Ducts have to run inordinate lengths to accommodate design elements. Stacks on the roof are hidden, rain capped or altered in ways that limit draw and result in emissions reentering buildings. And more.
Now, I only plan art and performing art venues. But as a chemist/industrial hygienist, I know enough to tell you how a laboratory building should be planned:
1. Set up the floor plans of the labs with the equipment needed and activities of the actual user as the driving force.
2. Place the eye washes, showers, fire suppression and any other special safety equipment for the specific chemicals that will be handled there for maximum efficiency within that floor plan.
3. Design the hoods and ventilation systems to accommodate the work and to exhaust in complete compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
4. Make sure that the electrical service, task lighting, plumbing, and egress plans for those labs all works together for safety, waste collection, chemical delivery, internal transport of chemicals and equipment, and security.
And when you are DONE with this plan:
5. Let the architect design an exterior around it.
Monona Rossol, M.S., M.F.A., Industrial Hygienist
President: Arts, Crafts & Theater Safety, Inc.
Safety Officer: Local USA829, IATSE
181 Thompson St., #23
New York, NY 10012 212-777-0062
-----Original Message-----
From: Stuart, Ralph <Ralph.Stuart**At_Symbol_Here**KEENE.EDU>
To: DCHAS-L <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**PRINCETON.EDU>
Sent: Fri, Nov 17, 2017 8:23 am
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] New Science Building- Things to Look Out For
>Does anyone have any lessons learned or other recommendations as we start working with the architects when it comes to planning out our chemistry labs?
My experience in these discussions is that the more specific the plans for what will happen in the labs, the better, but that flexibility in terms of use over time is the key driver in how lab plans develop. This consideration particularly drives the design of the ventilation system. In my opinion, the simpler the ventilation system, the better. In this respect, if you can include estimates of the maintenance costs for the ventilation system, as opposed to best case energy operating costs, the institution will be better off over the life of the building.
It's also important to remind the architects that there are safety aspects to lab design that go beyond the placement of the eyewashes and safety showers...
- Ralph
Ralph Stuart, CIH, CCHO
Environmental Safety Manager
Keene State College
603 358-2859
ralph.stuart**At_Symbol_Here**keene.edu
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