SPECIALIST FACILITIES High specification lab for leading university
MAT recently completed a high specification CL3 facility for a leading UK university that wanted to expand its research capability. The new laboratory, situated on the top floor of the 10-storey faculty building, was partially funded by charitable donations, and is part of a major ongoing refurbishment programme. The biological research programmes planned for the suite using known CL3 pathogens meant that compliance with ACDP/SAPO standards and the Security of Laboratories (part 7 of the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001) were paramount. MAT was involved from design through to commissioning and handover, working closely with the client to ensure that the design was tailored to suit its particular requirements and the limitations of the site. The turnkey suite comprises a dedicated LPS 1175 SR4 high security lobby and CL3 ante-room leading to a 75 m2 CL3 laboratory. A new CL2 laboratory of 47 m2
also forms
part of the suite. The ventilation design was for a 100% fresh air-conditioned air supply plant, integrated with microbiological Class II safety cabinets incorporating automatic air bypass to ensure a constant negative pressure suite. An emergency failsafe air bypass
expert knowledge of the importance of room structure, and a thorough and advanced appreciation of the way that airflow operates. MAT specialises in creating critical air systems for complex environments, so the in-house engineering team understands every aspect of specialist airflow.
Siting
A CL3 laboratory must be sited in an area separate from any other activities in the same building, and away from public thoroughfares, ideally in another laboratory space or a segregated area. A SAPO (Specified Animal Pathogens
arrangement linked to the roof-mounted AHU air supply plant ensures that in the event of an AHU shutdown, the suite is able to maintain negative pressure airflow. MAT also installed dedicated CO2
supplies for incubators, full system
controls, and integrated building security systems. Integrated formaldehyde cabinet and laboratory fumigation systems enable the client to fumigate the safety cabinet and laboratories independently. CCTV, intruder, and personnel safety alarms were included for extra security. The laboratory suite was also modified to suit disabled workers, with the addition of a washroom with disabled access.
Challenges of location
The job presented particular challenges due to the location of the new laboratory on the top floor. For example, the cabinet extract ductwork had to be installed through the roof of the facility, and much of the ductwork throughout the suite had to be fire-rated. In addition, all work had to be undertaken around active laboratories within the faculty. Stringent health and safety and installation methods ensured that the works were carried out safely.
Order) 3 laboratory must also have an air lock that separates the facility from the surrounding environment. The lab should not be close to a fire or flood risk. Its position in relation to other sources of significant pressure change should also be taken into consideration; for example a lift with constantly opening and closing doors can cause the air differentials with the laboratory to fluctuate.
Build
A CL3 laboratory must be a fully sealed room. This is not only undertaken to maintain the laboratory’s level of containment, but also to allow for
fumigation, usually with high
concentration formalin (formaldehyde) or Vaporised Hydrogen Peroxide (VHP), both hazardous gases being used above safe levels. During fumigation, it must be possible to isolate the mechanical ventilation system via the use of mechanical or electrical dampers, to ensure that the room can be closed and sealed. Additionally, doors, transfer grilles, and pressure stabilisers, need to be blanked off manually from outside the laboratory to allow venting of the fumigant after the decontamination/dwell period without entering the lab. In addition, when a CL3 lab is built, any
October 2018 Health Estate Journal 89
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