Webinar Review: Enhancing Lab Safety Through Architectural Design

As part of its Lab Safety webinar series on June 27, Lab Design News welcomed Pat Traver, AIA, NCARB, Process Architect SME, and Brian Szakacs, AIA, NCARB, Senior Process Architect, both with Arcadis. Their webinar, “Enhancing Lab Safety Through Architectural Design,” provided a look at the intersection of architectural design and laboratory safety by examining common hazards that tend to be overlooked when planning a lab build or renovation project.

This webinar can be access on demand at https://www.labdesignnews.com/events/laboratory-safety-webinar-series.

Traver and Szakacs drew on their nearly-40 combined years of experience in front-end design and process architecture as they focused on understanding lab hazards, which they categorized into four main types: chemical, biological, ergonomic, and physical. They emphasized the importance of identifying these hazards early in the design process to mitigate risks effectively.

Chemical hazards: Hazardous materials are classified by the International Building Code (IBC) into combustible, flammable, and corrosive categories. The presentation highlighted the importance of understanding the types and quantities of chemicals stored in a lab, as this information dictates the design of the storage and usage areas. For example, the IBC limits the amount of combustible liquids that can be stored, influencing the lab's layout and fire protection measures.

Biological hazards: Biological hazards differ between biological agents (e.g., bacteria, viruses) and biotoxins (e.g., plant or insect-based toxins), and it’s crucial to know the biosafety level (BSL) required for lab operations. Higher BSLs necessitate more stringent safety measures, such as enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE) and specialized storage for gowns and other gear.

Ergonomic hazards: The discussion on ergonomic hazards revolved around the risks of repetitive motion injuries from tasks like pipetting or working at microscopes. TErgonomic furniture and tools, such as adjustable benches and pipettes, will reduce the strain on lab workers.

Physical hazards: The segment on physical hazards, guided by the IBC, covered risks such as explosions, flammability, and corrosiveness. The webinar illustrated the differences in safety equipment for low-risk versus high-risk chemical exposure, highlighting the space and design implications of installing self-contained eyewash stations versus plumbed safety showers.

The role of architectural design in lab safety

The webinar also discussed the crucial role of architectural design in ensuring lab safety. Several key considerations were outlined:

Risk mitigation: Proper design minimizes accidents and exposure to hazardous materials, protecting lab personnel and the environment.

Regulatory compliance: Adhering to local regulations and codes is essential, and integrating safety into the design ensures compliance.

Workflow optimization: Efficient lab design reduces human error and enhances overall productivity.

Emergency response: Design features that facilitate quick and safe evacuation are vital in emergencies.

Long-term cost savings: Addressing safety in the design phase can reduce future costs associated with retrofitting and safety upgrades.

Key design considerations

The speakers emphasized several design considerations, including:

• Conducting risk assessments: Identifying potential hazards early helps in designing appropriate safety measures.

• Ensuring adequate ventilation: Proper ventilation removes hazardous fumes and maintains air quality.

• Providing safety equipment: Fire extinguishers, emergency showers, and PPE must be readily accessible.

• Using clear signage: Effective signage indicates hazardous areas, emergency exits, and safety procedures.

• Proper storage and labeling: Chemicals must be stored and labeled correctly to prevent accidents.

• Developing emergency response plans: Having clear protocols for emergencies is crucial.

• Training and education: Lab users should receive thorough training on safety procedures and equipment use.

• Regular inspections: Regular checks of the lab and its equipment help identify and mitigate potential hazards.

• Compliance with regulations: Ensuring adherence to safety regulations and standards is essential for a safe working environment.

• Encouraging safety culture: Promoting continuous improvement in safety practices is imperative.

Materials and construction

The webinar concluded with a discussion on selecting appropriate materials for lab construction. The speakers highlighted the importance of using durable, non-porous materials for walls, floors, countertops, and other surfaces to ensure chemical resistance and easy cleaning. They also touched on the significance of adequate lighting, clear aisles, and proper security measures.

To learn more about how architectural design can significantly enhance lab safety, and to view practical examples that offer valuable insights into the complexities of designing safe and efficient laboratory environments, view the on demand video of this webinar for free at https://www.labdesignnews.com/events/laboratory-safety-webinar-series.  AIA/HSW learning units are available for this webinar as well as the other two webinars in this virtual event.