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Lab Safety Design Standard

Preface This document has been assembled by the Vancouver Island University, Department of Health and

Safety Services. This document specifically pertains to the built environment of laboratories and not

operational practices. This document should be read and understood by all parties involved in lab

development. Please refer to the Roles section to learn more.

Scope These are design and construction standards to be applied to new construction and renovation of

facilities containing teaching and research laboratories and clinics at Vancouver Island University. For

renovations of existing laboratories or new laboratories in existing buildings not all standards will be

practical to implement, such as changing existing building ventilation systems. For this and other

provisions H&SS will provide exemptions on a case by case basis. H&SS must be consulted in the

commissioning of new labs and all renovations to existing labs.

Roles

Health and Safety Services Establishes standards to ensure compliance with legislation governing laboratory activities

within all of the following: the applicable municipality, the province of British Columbia,

and Canada. H&SS ensures that compliance is met when commissioning of laboratories is

executed.

Principal Investigators (PI) and faculty Determines the research activities to be carried out in the lab. Principal Investigators must

ensure that the design of lab space complies with the requirements of university, provincial

and federal safety legislation applicable to the research activities. Refer to the Definitions

section to find some of the applicable standards.

Space Designers (Project Manager, Project Planners and/or Architects) Coordinates the requirements of this standard, other applicable standards and/or guidelines

with H&SS, the Faculty or Principle Investigators and the contracted constructor, designer or

other provider. Space Designers are to facilitate the requirements indicated above, the needs

of the Faculty or PI and costs in execution of the laboratory construction.

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Regulations and Standards Human Pathogens and Toxins Act Canadian Biosafety Standard, 2nd Edition:

http://canadianbiosafetystandards.collaboration.gc.ca/cbs-ncb/index-eng.php

Canadian Biosafety Handbook, 2nd Edition:

http://canadianbiosafetystandards.collaboration.gc.ca/cbh-gcb/index-eng.php

Nuclear Safety and Control Act Regulations: http://nuclearsafety.gc.ca/eng/acts-and-regulations/regulations/index.cfm

GD-52: https://cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca/eng/acts-and-regulations/regulatory-

documents/published/html/gd52/

BC Worker’s Compensation Act and Regulations Act: https://www.worksafebc.com/en/law-policy/occupational-health-safety/searchable-ohs-

regulation/workers-compensation-act/workers-compensation-act

Regulations: https://www.worksafebc.com/en/law-policy/occupational-health-

safety/searchable-ohs-regulation/ohs-regulation

BC Fire Code

BC Building Code

Definitions and Abbreviations

ANSI American National Standards Institute

ASHRAE American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers

BCBC BC Building Code

CNSC Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission

CCAC Canadian Council on Animal Care

CL Containment Level

Minimum physical containment and operational practice requirements for

handling infectious material or toxins safely in laboratory and animal work

environments. There are four containment levels ranging from a basic

laboratory (CL1) to the highest level of containment (CL4).

CIFA Canadian Food Inspection Agency

CSA Canadian Standards Association

HEPA High Efficiency Particulate Air

HVAC Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning

PHAC Public Health Agency of Canada

WCA Worker’s Compensation Act (BC)

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Table of Contents

Contents Preface........................................................................................................................................................... 1

Scope ............................................................................................................................................................. 1 Roles ............................................................................................................................................................. 1

Health and Safety Services ....................................................................................................................... 1 Principal Investigators (PI) and faculty .................................................................................................... 1 Space Designers (Project Manager, Project Planners and/or Architects) ................................................. 1

Regulations and Standards ............................................................................................................................ 2 Human Pathogens and Toxins Act ............................................................................................................ 2

Nuclear Safety and Control Act ................................................................................................................ 2 BC Worker’s Compensation Act and Regulations ................................................................................... 2 BC Fire Code ............................................................................................................................................ 2 BC Building Code ..................................................................................................................................... 2

Definitions and Abbreviations ...................................................................................................................... 2 Standards ....................................................................................................................................................... 5

1.0 Containment Level 1: Architectural.................................................................................................... 5 General Laboratory Design .................................................................................................................. 5 Finishes ................................................................................................................................................. 6

Furnishings ........................................................................................................................................... 6 Storage and Equipment ......................................................................................................................... 6

2.0 Containment Level 1: Mechanical Requirements ............................................................................... 8

HVAC .................................................................................................................................................... 8

Plumbing ............................................................................................................................................... 9 2.1.2 Sinks ................................................................................................................................................ 9

2.2.3 Eye wash ............................................................................................................................................ 10 3.0 Containment Level 1: Electrical ........................................................................................................ 10

Light fixtures ....................................................................................................................................... 10

Power .................................................................................................................................................. 10 4.0 Containment Level 2: Architectural.................................................................................................. 10

General Laboratory Design ................................................................................................................ 10 Finishes ............................................................................................................................................... 11

Furnishings ......................................................................................................................................... 12 Storage and Equipment ....................................................................................................................... 12

5.0 Containment Level 2: Mechanical Requirements ............................................................................. 13

HVAC .................................................................................................................................................. 13 Plumbing ............................................................................................................................................. 14

Lab Type Specific Requirements ............................................................................................................ 16 High hazard Chemical ........................................................................................................................ 16

Radiation ............................................................................................................................................. 16 Engineering ......................................................................................................................................... 16 Laser ................................................................................................................................................... 17

X-Ray................................................................................................................................................... 17 Power Supply and Servers .................................................................................................................. 17

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Sterilization Rooms ......................................................................................... 17

8.0 Offices: Seating Requirements ......................................................................................................... 17 Chair requirements ............................................................................................................................. 18 Intensive computer use/sitting (5 or more hours a day) ..................................................................... 18 Moderate computer use/sitting (3-5 hours a day)............................................................................... 18 Comfort ............................................................................................................................................... 18

Ease of adjustment .............................................................................................................................. 18 Warranty ............................................................................................................................................. 19

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Standards

1.0 Containment Level 1: Architectural General Laboratory Design

1. Laboratories shall have separations from public areas by a secured door with a non-

duplicable key (ensures authorized entry only)

2. Laboratories shall have door openings with a clear width of 36” (915mm) or more

where possible and a minimum clear width of 32”(813mm) to allow passage of all

anticipated equipment and for persons with a disability.

3. Doors shall be equipped with door closers.

4. Doors shall have lever type handles, preferably J-Shaped

5. Doors should have vision panels to prevent collisions and accommodate for persons

with disabilities. The vision panel should include a decal or strip, at eye level, and

provide contrast for the surrounding area to increase safety and visibility.

6. Doors shall not be frameless glass

7. Locations must be provided for mounting emergency posters and other warning signs

immediately outside the lab. Preferred locations are on door between 30”(762mm)

42”(1067mm) high or located beside the door on the handle side between

30”(762mm) 42”(1067mm) high.

8. Laboratories shall have walls that extend to the ceiling from public/common areas or

at containment barrier location.

9. Laboratories should provide reasonable protection against vermin and insects. This

includes sealing or screening breaks in the containment barrier such as windows,

wiring, pipes and conduit penetrations.

10. Office areas to be located outside of containment laboratory. Paperwork stations for

data collection can be within containment laboratory provided they are located away

from laboratory work areas ideally this work should be separated from the bench

space used for experimentation to assist in preventing contamination of office areas.

11. Clothing and PPE donning and doffing areas should be accommodated at the exit

from the laboratory.

12. Supply and waste removal activities should be located at the lab perimeter.

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Finishes

1. Laboratory flooring should be continuous, non-porous and impervious surface.

Preferred Homogenous floor with a static coefficient of friction of 0.6 greater to

ASTM C1028-07 - Static Coefficient of Friction Testing.

2. Baseboards shall be provided between floor and wall and should be sealed and

continuous to prevent spills from penetrating under the flooring.

3. Carpeting must not be used.

4. All surfaces shall be washable, non-absorptive and easy to decontaminate in the

event of a spill. Exposed wood grains should be avoided.

5. Walls must be finished with a smooth and washable surface

6. T-Bar Ceilings, if provided, must be flush profile to reduce possible contamination

locations, also tiles are to have acoustic qualities.

Furnishings

1. Work Bench surfaces should be scratch, stain, moisture, and heat resistant in

accordance with laboratory function. Examples of surfaces: Stainless steel (316

grade), 2 part chemical resistant epoxy paints, Chemical and abrasive resistant

laminates, Solid Epoxy.

2. Surfaces should provide impact resistance in accordance with laboratory function.

Surfaces should be compatible with adjacent and overlapping materials in order to

maintain a continuous surface and perimeter.

3. The counter top should include a lip to prevent run-off onto the floor. If the

countertop abuts a wall, it will either be coved or have a back-splash against the wall

that is adequately sealed at the joint between the countertop and the wall.

4. Adequate clearance in aisles 48”-60” (1200mm to 1500m) between benches and other

work stations, to accommodate persons with a disability; more distance may be required.

5. Normal working height for benches is 900 mm. Height adjustable benches preferred to

accommodate wheelchairs and other ergonomic considerations. For writing purposes 760

mm is the normal height. Average counter height variations may occur due to unleveled

floors and different casework manufactures.

6. Impervious, chemically resistant furniture in the working area. Finishing for chairs

to be easy to decontaminate if a spill is to occur. No porous fabrics to be used.

Leather, vinyl, stainless steel, or hard plastic only for chair seats.

7. Adjustable chairs for ergonomic considerations. Accessibility should be addressed in

general laboratory design.

8. Adequate/ample storage on shelves should be provided to prevent improper storage,

which can lead to trip and egress hazards.

9. Consideration should be given to restricting the height of shelving should ideally to

96”(2440mm) from the ground

Storage and Equipment

Flammables

1. All flammable storage shall comply with the BC Fire Code.

2. The maximum amount of flammable and combustible liquids that can be stored in a

room outside of a flammable/combustible storage cabinet is:

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• 10 litres, of which 5 litres can be a

flammable liquid (Class I liquid) per room.

• 250 L, including not more than 60L of a combustible liquid

(Class II), or 10L of a Class I liquid, in a single fire compartment

having at least 45 min fire separation.

3. In the automotive shops or industrial arts areas, storage up to 75L of flammable liquids and

combustible liquids, including not more than 25L of a Class I liquid, shall be permitted

outside of a cabinet or designated Class I or Class II storage room.

4. Labs must be equipped with an adequate numbers of flammable cabinets. Cabinets may be

vented or sealed cabinets.

5. Special consideration is needed for flammable compressed gases. In general, one should

limit what can be stored in the lab. Additional storage spaces for compressed gases should

be provided within the facility.

6. Explosion proof refrigerators are required for cold storage of flammables.

7. Note that there may be considerable additional requirements if large quantities of

flammable gasses are to be used (e.g. hydrogen)

Gas Cylinders

1. Facilities must include provision for safe storage of unused gas cylinders.

2. Adequate physical support is required for gas cylinders in use

3. Additional ventilation may be required for toxic compressed or liquefied gasses.

4. Shipping areas must include a holding area for receipt of new cylinders.

5. Systems for securing gas cylinders while in use should be available

General Chemical Storage

1. Chemicals should be stored in accordance with the appropriate separation of chemical

classes.

2. Adequate provision for separation of incompatible chemicals.

3. Ventilation is deemed adequate as per appropriate codes of practice

4. Separate storage for acids includes corrosion resistant shelving and secondary

containment. Special acid storage cabinets should be provided

Waste Disposal and Storage

1. Unneeded chemical, biological and radioactive materials must be disposed of in

accordance with the all federal, provincial and municipal regulations and bylaws. Design

considerations to aid compliance include:

• Separate hazardous waste storage room located near load bay/shipping-

receiving area

• Designed with specialized ventilation as per the BCFC and BCBC

• Adequate floor space and shelving units for waste containers that are

constructed from materials compatible with the materials being held for

disposal.

• Space allocation is to be determined by the facility users and will be

based on the activities in the facility. Take into consideration the size of

the bins required to handle the volume of waste generated between waste

pick up cycles.

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2.0 Containment Level 1: Mechanical Requirements HVAC

1.1 All air exhausted from the lab will be exhausted to the outside of the building

without recirculation.

1.2 Fume hoods are required for hazardous materials that can produce a hazardous

atmosphere of vapour, gas, particles, fume, mist or combustion products.

1.3 Functioning alarms (approved by EHS) such as Ventalert alarms, are required

with all installations of constant volume hoods. Note that the factory installed

alarms on the fume hoods are not acceptable except on a case-by case basis, and

where approved in written by EHS.

1.4 Variable air volume systems must have alarms on each hood and must be

approved by EHS.

1.5 Fume hood face velocity must be adjusted to be within the range of 80 – 130 feet

per minute before the space is used by the intended occupants. ASHRAE 110

validation of fume hood performance should be included as part of the project

cost.

1.6 Low velocity fume hoods may be considered on a case by case basis

1.7 Recirculating fume hoods are not acceptable in the place of a chemical fume

hood.

1.8 Location of fume hoods should be away from doors, high velocity diffusers, and

high traffic areas.

1.9 Ventilation shall have:

• 100% exhaust to the outdoors;

• 10 air exchanges per hour for biohazard labs;

• 4-12 air exchanges per hour for chemical labs (per ASHRAE);

• 6 air exchanges per hour for radiation labs;

• Negative pressure with respect to the surrounding areas

such as offices and hallways;

• an alarmed vacuum gauge or equivalent to warn of prolonged

failure of negative pressure in the lab;

• air flow from the area of low hazard activity to the areas of

higher hazard activity;

• fume hoods located away from the doors;

• thermostatically controlled HVAC systems located in each lab

room.

1.10 Negative pressure is required in newly built labs; and renovated biological

containment level 2, chemical containment 2 or higher labs. Exceptions will be

considered on a case-by-case basis with approval from EHS.

1.11 In special circumstances higher rates of air exchange may be needed. Examples

include bench top use of higher hazard materials, or where the potential for high

hazard spills exists.

1.12 HEPA filtration on local exhaust ventilation systems are recommended for

nanotech labs.

1.13 For Biosafety containment level 2 and nanotech labs 100% fresh air is

recommended.

1.14 Climate controlled rooms (e.g. cold rooms) should have separate temperature

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controls and adequate air exchange rates.

Plumbing

2.1.1 Showers 1.1 All shower installations must include piped in emergency showers in labs

1.2 Drainage for emergency showers is required by the building code.

1.3 Emergency showers should be located near the door and within a 10 second

walking distance from the hazardous activity.

1.4 Emergency shower placement in corridors, to serve a number of labs is

discouraged, and only approved by EHS in exceptional circumstances.

1.5 Special consideration provided; rooms with electrical equipment may be

exempted from shower installation

1.6 Drench hoses are only accepted in a grandparented situation and should not be

used in new or renovated labs

2.1.2 Sinks 1.1 A separate hand washing sink should be placed within 15 feet of the door to allow

hand washing before exiting the lab.

1.2 A separate utility/glassware washing sink should be provided.

1.3 Sinks must be stainless steel. or an epoxy chemical resistant coating

1.4 Pipes and fixtures must be chemically resistant. Glass pipe traps should be

specified in the design stage. The height of the trap must be sufficient to prevent

the negative pressure in the lab from allowing gasses to escape from the drain

line (off-gassing).

1.5 Appropriate back-flow prevention should be included in the design.

1.6 Each sink will have an overflow outlet.

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2.2.3 Eye wash 1.1 All eyewash installations must follow the VIU “Emergency Eyewash and

Shower Standard”: - see Appendix A.

1.2 A plumbed tepid eyewash is required for new installations. Tepid installations

require hot and cold water with a mixing valve to allow for a full 15 minutes of

flushing.

1.3 An emergency eyewash station will be provided in the room or in close proximity

to the room.

1.4 Tap fixture eye wash will not be accepted; separate plumbing is required.

3.0 Containment Level 1: Electrical Light fixtures

1.1 Adequate lighting as per international lighting standards (IEE).

1.2 Provisions to optimize natural lighting should be considered at design stage

1.3 Emergency lighting must be provided within the room.

1.4 Within radiation laboratories the lighting fixtures must be washable

Power 1.1 Sufficient outlets adequately spaced to prevent the use of power cords.

1.2 GFI circuit interrupters required as per code and within 36”(915mm) of sinks.

1.3 Power outlets required at the end of the bench closest to the corridor to provide cleaning staff easy

access to power.

• Emergency power outlets should be provided in each lab and properly spaced to

run equipment that requires continuous power (refrigerators, freezers, incubators,

etc.)

• Provision for internet and/or server access (preferably wireless) should be

considered in the wet lab and office spaces

4.0 Containment Level 2: Architectural All Containment Level 2 standards here are to be on top of Canadian Biosafety Standards.

General Laboratory Design

1.1 Windows positioned on containment barrier to be sealed in place; window glazing

material to provide required level of security

1.2 Laboratories shall have separations from public areas by a secured door with a

non-duplicable key (ie Authorized users)

1.3 Laboratories shall have door openings with a clear width of 36” (915mm) or more

where possible and a minimum clear width of 32”(813mm) to allow passage of

all anticipated equipment and for persons with a disability.

1.4 Doors shall be equipped with door closers.

1.5 Doors shall have lever type handles, preferably J-Shaped

1.6 Doors shall not exceed 22N of force required to open.

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1.7 Doors should have vision panels to prevent collisions and

accommodate for persons with disabilities. The vision panel should include a

decal or strip, at eye level, and provide contrast for the surrounding area to

increase safety and visibility.

1.8 Doors shall not be frameless glass

1.9 Locations must be provided for mounting emergency posters and other warning

signs immediately outside the lab. Preferred locations are on door between

30”(762mm) 42”(1067mm) high or located beside the door on the handle side

between 30”(762mm) 42”(1067mm) high. Signage must meet all standards from

the governing bodies and should comply with the

1.10 Laboratories shall have walls that extend to the ceiling from public/common areas

or at containment barrier location.

1.11 Office areas to be located outside of containment laboratory. Paperwork stations

for data collection can be within containment laboratory provided they are

located away from laboratory work areas ideally this work should be separated

from the bench space used for experimentation to assist in preventing

contamination of office areas.

1.12 Clothing and PPE donning and doffing areas should be accommodated at the exit

from the laboratory.

1.13 Supply and waste removal activities should be located at the lab perimeter.

Finishes

1.1 Doors, frames, casework and bench tops to be non-absorptive (i.e., the use of

organic materials should be avoided).

1.2 Windows positioned on containment barrier to be sealed in place; window glazing

material to provide required level of security

1.3 Doors, frames, casework and bench tops to be non-absorptive (i.e., the use of

organic materials should be avoided).

1.4 Working surfaces of bench tops to be non-absorptive

1.5 Surfaces to provide impact resistance in accordance with laboratory function

1.6 Floors to be slip-resistant and washable

1.7 Floors to be slip-resistant and washable

1.8 Surfaces to be scratch, stain, moisture, chemical and heat resistant in accordance

with laboratory function.

1.9 Benches, doors, drawers, door handles, etc. to have rounded rims and corners.

1.10 Surfaces to be scratch, stain, moisture, chemical and heat resistant in accordance

with laboratory function.

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Furnishings

1.1 Surfaces to provide impact resistance in accordance with laboratory function

1.2 Interior coatings to be gas and chemical resistant in accordance with

laboratory function (e.g., will withstand chemical disinfection, fumigation

1.3 Bench tops to have no open seams

1.4 Interior coatings to be gas and chemical resistant in accordance with

laboratory function (e.g., will withstand chemical disinfection, fumigation

1.5 Bench tops to have no open seams

1.6 Bench tops to contain spills of materials (e.g., with marine edges and drip stops).

1.7 Backsplashes, if installed tight to wall, to be sealed at wall-bench junction

1.8 Reagent shelving to be equipped with lip edges

1.9 Drawers to be equipped with catches, i.e., to prevent the drawer from being

pulled out of the cabinet

1.10 Cabinet doors not to be self-closing

1.11 No fabric or absorptive material to be used on chairs used in wet labs.

Chairs should be constructed with impervious chemically resistant material.

Storage and Equipment

Autoclave

1.1 Autoclave or other acceptable means of waste treatment/disposal to be provided.

1.2 Separate exhaust must be provided from the autoclave

Flammables

1.1 All flammable storage shall comply with the EHS flammable storage

standards found in Appendix A.

1.2 Open flammables in the lab cannot exceed 50 litres. Space must be allocated

within the lab for flammable cabinets. Cabinets may be vented or sealed

cabinets.

1.3 Special consideration is needed for flammable compressed gases. In general,

one should limit what can be stored in the lab. Additional storage spaces for

compressed gases should be provided somewhere else within the building

1.4 Explosion proof refrigerators are required for cold storage of flammables.

1.5 Note that there may be considerable additional requirements if large quantities

of flammable gasses are to be used (eg hydrogen)

Cryogenic Materials

1.1 All installations using cryogenic materials must comply with the VIU “Control

Program for Liquid Cryogenic Transfer Facilities” and the “Standard for Inert

Cryogenic Liquid Usage in the Laboratory” as well as special precautions for

flammable, toxic or reactive cryogens such as hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and

oxygen. Provisions in the standards include the following.

1.2 There must be appropriate ventilation in areas where cryogens are

being dispensed.

1.3 Oxygen sensors and panic buttons linked into the ventilation system may

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be required, as well as specialized signage.

Gas Cylinders

1.1 Labs must include provision for safe storage of unused gas cylinders.

1.2 Adequate physical support is required for gas cylinders in use

1.3 Additional ventilation may be required for toxic compressed or liquefied gasses.

1.4 Shipping areas must include a holding area for receipt of new cylinders.

1.5 Systems for securing gas cylinders while in use should be available

1.6 Special consideration is required for LPG cylinders.

General Chemical Storage

1.1 Chemicals should be stored in accordance with the separation classes specified

in the VIU “Laboratory Safety Manual”.

1.2 Adequate provision for separation of incompatible chemicals.

1.3 Ventilation is deemed adequate as per appropriate codes of practice

1.4 Separate storage for acids includes corrosion resistant shelving and

secondary containment. Special acid storage cabinets can be purchased

1.5 Waste disposal

1.6 Unneeded chemical, biological and radioactive materials must be disposed of in

accordance with the VIU “Laboratory Hazardous Waste Management and

Disposal Manual”. Design considerations to aid compliance include:

1.7 Adequate floor space for waste containers.

1.8 Waste generated from the activities of the lab will require a large enough space

for waste. Space required will be determined by the waste bins required to handle

the volume of waste generated between waste pick up cycles.

1.9 If large amounts of chemical waste are to be generated, provision for special

ventilation in the short term holding area.

1.10 An area to store radioactive waste that is separate from the working area.

Biosafety Cabinet

1.1 BSC should be located away from high traffic areas, doors and air supply/exhaust

grilles that may interrupt airflow patterns. A minimum unobstructed distance of

40 cm should be provided between the exhaust outlet on top of the cabinet and

any overhead obstructions. Whenever possible, a 30 cm clearance should be

provided on each side of the cabinet to allow for maintenance access. For ducted

cabinets, blowers

1.2 Biosafety cabinets should be located 1.5 m away from any doors and air vents and

away from high traffic area

5.0 Containment Level 2: Mechanical Requirements

HVAC

1.1 The HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) should not

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i

n

t

e

r

f

ere with the airflows of biological safety cabinets

1.2 The exhaust system should be located at the terminal end of the ductwork; failure

of exhaust flow should signal an alarm to the user. To prevent pressurization of

the cabinet, an interlock system should be installed to prevent the cabinet blower

from operating whenever the exhaust flow is insufficient; an anti-backflow

device to prevent reverse airflow through the HEPA filter may be required.

Plumbing

Showers

1.1 All shower installations must follow the VIU “Emergency Eyewash and

Shower Standard” – see Appendix A – and must include piped in emergency

showers in labs where a hazard to the skin exists. :

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1.2 Drainage for emergency showers is required by the building code.

1.3 Emergency showers should be located near the door and within a 10 second

walking distance from the hazardous activity.

1.4 Emergency shower placement in corridors, to serve a number of labs is

discouraged, and only approved by EHS in exceptional circumstances.

1.5 Special consideration provided; rooms with electrical equipment may be

exempted from shower installation

1.6 Drench hoses are only accepted in a grandparented situation and should not be

used in new or renovated labs

Sinks 1.1 A separate hand washing sink should be placed within 15 feet of the door to allow

hand washing before exiting the lab.

1.2 A separate utility/glassware washing sink should be provided.

1.3 Sinks must be stainless steel. or an epoxy chemical resistant coating

1.4 Pipes and fixtures must be chemically resistant. Glass pipe traps should be

specified in the design stage. The height of the trap must be sufficient to prevent

the negative pressure in the lab from allowing gasses to escape from the drain

line (off-gassing).

1.5 Appropriate back-flow prevention should be included in the design.

1.6 Each sink will have an overflow outlet.

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5.2.3 Eye wash

1.1 All eyewash installations must follow the VIU “Emergency Eyewash

and Shower Standard”: - see Appendix A.

1.2 A plumbed tepid eyewash is required for new installations. Tepid

installations require hot and cold water with a mixing valve to allow for a

full 15 minutes of flushing.

1.3 An emergency eyewash station will be provided in the room or in close

proximity to the room.

1.4 Tap fixture eye wash will not be accepted; separate plumbing is required.

Lab Type Specific Requirements High hazard Chemical

6.1.1 Labs which boil large quantities of acids, or use particularly hazardous

materials like hydrogen fluoride, perchloric acid or other explosive or

dangerous materials, may have additional requirements for fume hoods or

other ventilation of the work area. (Codes specific to chemicals need to be

followed.)

6.1.2 For highly toxic chemicals, special provisions may be needed to ensure that

materials remain within a certain area and do not migrate to less well

controlled areas. An example of a design consideration is the provision of

an anteroom or a wash up room as the exit to the lab.

6.1.3 The flooring material must be solvent and acid resistant.

Radiation

6.1.4 The design of all radiation labs must be approved by the federal regulator

(CNSC) GD-52

6.1.5 Intermediate and high level radiation laboratories must satisfy all

design conditions for wet labs.

6.1.6 Since access to these rooms is restricted to persons with radiation training,

persons wearing radiation badges and protective equipment, controlled

access is required.

6.1.7 Bench tops should have no open seams, and will have a seamless one-piece

design.

6.1.8 All windows must be covered with security film

6.1.9 An area to store radioactive waste that is separate from the working area,

preferable in a waste storage room that is located near the loading bay/dock.

Engineering

Physical design of spaces for engineering labs must consider diverse issues including the following.

a) Working at heights.

b) Confined spaces.

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c) Design for minimal ladder use.

d) Lock-out and tag-out of equipment.

e) Engineered noise control at source.

f) Lifting devices, cranes, hoists etc.

g) Safety interlocks for equipment not otherwise protected.

h) Special wiring for specialized equipment.

i) Heat and cold stress.

j) Provision of mechanical aids to prevent unneeded manual material handling.

k) Ergonomic design.

l) Guarding and ventilation to minimize PPE (respirators, face shields etc.)

requirements for hazards like the following.

• Guarding of pinch points, cutting tools and rotating shafts etc.

• Welding and hot work.

• Grinders, woodworking equipment.

• Battery charging stations.

• Any other equipment that generates a hazardous atmosphere or

condition.

Laser

Laboratories containing any lasers are required to follow the Laser Safety Program which includes

the following design requirements.

1.1 Visible sign at entrance.

1.2 Light at entrance.

1.3 Interlocks on doors.

1.4 The arrangement for the lit sign which signals that a laser is operational must

be clearly defined and included in the design phase

1.5 Curtain around the laser inside the door.

X-Ray 1.1 Sign at the entrance.

1.2 Special construction of walls to address shielding considerations.

1.3 Interlock if the x-ray machine is open and not contained in a cabinet.

1.4 Light at entrance if machine is open.

1.5 Self-locking mechanism on door.

Power Supply and Servers

1.1 Shielding may be required if servers are not able to meet the EMF emissions

according to Vancouver Island University standards

1.2 Control access and signage for workers

Sterilization Rooms

1.1 Mange Humidity, with controls and ventilation.

8.0 Offices: Seating Requirements

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The following recommendations are for minimum requirements for an office chair

at Vancouver Island University. The recommendations are classified by time spent sitting as the

major risk factor.

The two classifications are intensive and moderate. Intensive being more than 5 hours a day and

moderate being 3-5 hours a day.

Chair requirements Intensive computer use/sitting (5 or more hours a day)

□ Height adjustable

□ Adjustable seat pan depth

□ Adjustable lumbar support

□ Tension adjustable recline (active back)

□ Adjustable armrests (must adjust on the horizontal and vertical plane (swivel in and out and

slide forward and back)

□ Comfort (section 3)

□ Ease of adjustment (section 4)

Examples: Steelcase Amia, Leap

Moderate computer use/sitting (3-5 hours a day)

□ Height adjustable

□ Adjustable seat pan depth

□ Adjustable backrest angle

□ Adjustable armrests (must adjust on both the horizontal and vertical plane (swivel in and out

and slide forward and back)

□ Comfort (section 3)

□ Ease of adjustment (section 4)

Examples: Steelcase Reply, Crew

Comfort Chairs that have all the features described in this document may still vary in comfort. A chair test or

demo, ideally under actual working conditions, is helpful in determining whether a chair will truly be

comfortable for an employee and should be explored if possible.

Ease of adjustment If more than one person will be using a chair or to obtain an optimum fit for an individual, a chair

should be able to be adjusted easily.

Chair adjustment controls should:

• Be operable while sitting in the chair

• Be logical in placement and direction of activation

• Have control markings that are visible from a seated position or be distinguishable by some other

means (e.g. different shapes)

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• Not require undue force for activation

• Be designed to prevent unintentional activation

Warranty

Chairs should include a lifetime warranty. Repairs should be timely within a 1-2 week window after

the initial request is made and the request should be simple and efficient with one contact person.