DCHAS-L Archives, Nov 17 2017 - Re: [DCHAS-L] New Science Building- Things to Look Out For

Random things I've picked up over 20 years as a lab supervisor (and now a year with EHS) with various levels of input in new buildings and renovating existing spaces:

The last 2 buildings we occupied had a central spine with labs lining that spine and the offices ringing the building. This made future renovations and adding additional utilities easier. Labs did not have windows to the outside; offices did.
If you have to enter a lab to access an office you'll be fighting food and drink issues forever.
Avoid a building acid neutralization tank unless required by code.
Install 42" wide doors for lab access.
Install swipe card access on all lab doors.
Make sure loading dock matches the most common use; avoid truck heigh docks if you are unlikely to have truck deliveries.
Provide (secure) designated storage for personal items (coats, backpacks, etc.).
Think about building wide vs. individual laboratory vacuum; pumps and protective traps are accessible.
Keep sight lines clear in the laboratory. We recently renovated a chemistry lab and installed fumehoods with clear walls allowing a TA to see all the hood activities with one glance.
If you have electrical "kill switches" i.e. that turn on/off all the power to the lab benches, avoid including the fumehoods.
Have designated collection points for hazardous and nonRCRA wastes, broken glass, trash, recycling, etc. designed into the layout.
Consider recessed fire extinguishers..
Consider installing a separate dedicated recirculating tempered water line for eyewashes/safety showers.
Avoid "open" shelving for equipment. It is an eyesore and increases unauthorized access.
If setting up a (micro)biology lab, avoid Class II type B (exhausted) biosafety cabinets unless you know you will need them.
Some architects/engineers will underestimate the number of electrical circuits and the number of outlets needed.
If there is going to be dining services or snack area in the building, design it into the plan rather than pigeonholing it in later.
Design furniture and lounging items into the building so as to avoid impinging on walkway and hallway space.
Consider a central gathering space that can double as a study space.
Think through gas cylinder delivery, storage, and returns. Avoid using the loading dock for storage. Review your fire code for separating oxidizing gasses from flammable gasses.
Think through where building recycling will be managed.
Think through how RCRA hazardous wastes and nonRCRA wastes will be managed.

I'm sure I could come up more if I thought about it...

Jeff

On Thu, Nov 16, 2017 at 7:34 PM Melissa Anderson <mwanderson08**At_Symbol_Here**gmail.com> wrote:

Hi Everyone,

We're in the planning process for a new science building (we're a two-year community college with a strong STEM reputation and a very small informal undergrad research program). 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?

Thanks!

Melissa Anderson
Chemistry Instructor
Pasadena City College
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