Promoting Safety Culture in Lab Design: Webinar Review
Lab Design News featured Pat Traver, AIA, NCARB, Process Architect SME, and Brian Szakacs, AIA, NCARB, Senior Process Architect, both with Arcadis, in our Lab Safety webinar series in June 2024. Their webinar, “Enhancing Lab Safety Through Architectural Design,” offered insight into how architectural design and laboratory safety intersects, through the examination of common hazards that tend to be overlooked when planning a lab build or renovation project.
This webinar, which qualifies for AIA/HSW continuing education credit, can be accessed on demand for free at https://www.labdesignnews.com/events/laboratory-safety-webinar-series.
Lab Design News spoke with Pat and Brian about promoting safety culture in lab design, properly categorizing lab hazards, and other important things they didn’t have time to address during their webinar.
Brian Szakacs, AIA, NCARB, senior process architect, Arcadis
Q: How did your backgrounds and experience in process architecture influence the perspectives you shared in the webinar on enhancing lab safety through architectural design?
Brian Szakacs: Labs are commonplace in the types of facilities we design every day. Whether it be an R&D facility or a commercial scale GMP manufacturing facility, labs are always a required programmatic element. With that said, the information we shared during the webinar was rooted in ‘on-the-job’ training where we learned what the proper safety elements are, and how to implement them. Often times, the International Building Code is a good starting point to gain an understanding of what is possible versus a non-starter.
Q: Could you elaborate on the process of categorizing lab hazards and the specific challenges you encounter when addressing each category (chemical, biological, ergonomic, and physical) during the design phase?
Brian Szakacs: There is no short and simple answer to this question. All potential hazards should be analyzed at the on-set of the project. Often times, the client will have answers to many of your questions, it’s just a matter of extracting that information or finding the proper person to consult (within the client’s organization). The director of facility operations is usually a good person to ask these questions as they typically have a good handle on what hazmats are stored, how they are stored, and where.
In your opinion, what are the most critical elements of architectural design that directly impact lab safety, and how do you prioritize these elements in your projects?
Brian Szakacs: I would say, ‘code compliance’ is always a very critical item to be mindful of. The earlier in the project you can nail-down a code compliant design, the less surprises will rise later in the design. For instance, during the design of a lab, we discovered late in the design phase that a lab needed to have a rated enclosure due to the volume of 70 percent isopropyl alcohol intended to be stored in the lab. This had impact to not only the architectural scope, but also mechanical and electrical impact too. It caused a ‘snowball’ effect to the whole design team and their respective designs.
Q: Could you provide more details on how you incorporate regulatory compliance into your design process, and what are some common pitfalls to avoid?
Brian Szakacs: depending on the type of lab, there may be limited regulatory compliance requirements. For instance, a R&D lab will likely have little scrutiny from the FDA as the products are not intended for human consumption. However, there will still need to be building/code compliance baked into the design.
Pat Traver, AIA, NCARB, process architect SME, Arcadis
Q: What are some examples of how architectural design can optimize workflow and reduce human error in laboratory environments?
Pat Traver: Architectural design in laboratory environments can significantly enhance workflow and minimize human error through strategic planning and thoughtful implementation. By creating an efficient spatial layout that reduces the need for lab personnel to move between areas, designers can streamline workflow and boost productivity. Clear traffic flow and well-defined pathways help prevent congestion, accidents, and potential errors, ensuring a smooth operation within the lab.
Moreover, incorporating flexible and modular design elements allows laboratories to adapt to evolving research needs, decreasing errors caused by inadequate setups. Attention to factors like proper ventilation, lighting, and noise control supports focus, precision, and concentration among lab personnel, ultimately reducing the likelihood of errors during experiments and analyses. Architects who prioritize optimized storage solutions also contribute to an organized workspace that enables easy access to tools and materials, enhancing workflow efficiency and minimizing errors related to misplaced items.
Q: How do you balance the need for immediate accessibility to safety equipment, like emergency showers and fire extinguishers, with maintaining an efficient and uncluttered lab layout?
Pat Traver: Balancing the need for immediate accessibility to safety equipment like emergency showers and fire extinguishers with maintaining an efficient and uncluttered lab layout in architectural design involves strategic planning and thoughtful integration. Ensuring visible and strategic placement of safety equipment along primary pathways and high-risk areas, accompanied by clear signage, enhances quick access without disrupting workflow. Integrating safety equipment seamlessly into the lab layout, such as incorporating emergency showers into existing structures or designing fire extinguisher cabinets that blend with the lab's aesthetic, prioritizes safety while upholding efficiency.
Moreover, smart storage solutions like designated safety equipment cabinets near workstations or exits facilitate quick retrieval during emergencies while keeping the tools discreetly stored. Alongside these design strategies, fostering a culture of safety through regular training and awareness among lab personnel regarding the location and proper use of safety equipment further enhances emergency preparedness and response times. By combining architectural design considerations with proactive safety measures, labs can strike a crucial balance between accessibility to essential safety tools and maintaining a productive, uncluttered workspace.
Brian Szakacs and Pat Traver discuss "Enhancing Lab Safety Through Architectural Design" on a presentation included in the Lab Safety webinar series. This webinar is available for free on demand viewing and qualifies for AIA/HSW credit.
Q: Can you share any insights or experiences on how promoting a safety culture within the design and construction phases can influence the long-term safety and functionality of a laboratory?
Pat Traver: Promoting a safety culture during the design and construction phases of a laboratory significantly influences its long-term safety, functionality, and sustainability. By prioritizing safety from the outset, architects and builders can proactively identify and address potential hazards, ensuring a safer environment for lab personnel. This approach not only enhances operational efficiency by optimizing workflow and minimizing downtime but also contributes to long-term compliance with regulations and sustainability practices. Ultimately, embedding a safety culture in the design and construction processes establishes a solid foundation for ongoing safety, functionality, and environmental responsibility within the laboratory.
Q: Was there anything that you weren't able to address in your webinar that you'd like to mention now?
Pat Traver: We’d like to emphasize the importance of hiring an experienced architect. Hiring an experienced architect for designing safe laboratories is crucial as they bring specialized expertise and in-depth knowledge of safety regulations specific to laboratory environments. These professionals are adept at conducting thorough risk assessments, identifying potential hazards, and implementing preventive measures to mitigate risks effectively. Experienced architects can optimize the layout of the laboratory to ensure seamless workflow, accessibility to safety equipment, and clear emergency response pathways. Their familiarity with building codes and regulatory requirements guarantees that the laboratory design meets all necessary safety standards and compliance regulations, ultimately creating a secure and well-designed environment that prioritizes the safety and well-being of lab personnel.
This webinar, which qualifies for AIA/HSW continuing education credit, can be accessed on demand for free at https://www.labdesignnews.com/events/laboratory-safety-webinar-series.
