COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
GUIDELINES
for
LABORATORY DESIGN
February 2010
Revised second edition July 2011
Under review: Laboratory Design Review Committee August 2011
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
GUIDELINES for LABORATORY DESIGN
Executive Summary
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Codes and Standards/References
1.1
Codes and Standards
1.2
References
1.3
Lab Permitting
Definitions
2.1
Laboratory
2.2
Chemical Fume Hoods
2.3
Chemical Storage Room
2.4
Commissioning Terminology
2.5
Cryogen
2.6
Lab Programming Terminology
2.7
Critical Environment
2.8
Critical Equipment
Sustainability
3.1
General
3.2
Energy Efficiency and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
3.3
Air Quality
3.4
Waste Minimization
General Guidelines for Laboratory Design
4.1
General Project Requirements
4.2
Commissioning
4.3
Approvals
Architectural Guidelines for Laboratory Design
5.1
Layout Requirements
5.2
Finishes
5.3
Casework
5.4
Furniture
5.5
Lighting
5.6
Storage: (Chemical)
5.7
Storage: (Regulated Medical Waste)
5.8
Acoustic & vibration
5.9
Signage
MEP Guidelines for Laboratory Design
6.1
MEP General Design Considerations
6.2
Mechanical
6.3
Building Automation System (BAS)
6.4
Electrical
6.5
Plumbing
Safety and Security Guidelines for Laboratory Design
7.1
General
7.2
Eyewash and Safety Showers
7.3
Biosafety
7.4
Fire Life Safety
7.5
Security
Special Rooms and Equipment
8.1
Environmental Rooms
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COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
GUIDELINES for LABORATORY DESIGN
9
Appendices
Appendix I – Members of LDWG
Appendix II – Laboratory Door Signage Cut Sheet
Appendix III – Laboratory Ventilation and Fume Hood Exhaust
Appendix IV – Eye-Face Wash/Drench Hoses and Overhead Emergency Showers
Executive Summary
Designed for Project Managers (PMs), Architects and Engineers (A/Es) and Laboratory
Design Consultants.
Good laboratory planning and design will provide a safe, efficient and collaborative
environment for scientific research and teaching. This pursuit must, at all times,
recognize the University‟s commitment to lessening its environmental footprint,
including minimizing the release of airborne particulates and reducing greenhouse gas
emissions, which stem in large part from the combustion of fossil fuels used in the
process of providing illumination, ventilation, and air-conditioning, etc to support the
laboratory work environment. It is at this intersection where some of the most difficult
design and future operation decisions are considered. In achieving these goals, it is
essential for all stakeholders to openly engage in these discussions. Outlined below are
Columbia University Guidelines for Laboratory Design (“Guidelines”) by which a design
team, and other stakeholder, including client representatives and/or Principal
Investigators, using a combination of general laboratory programming, planning, design,
documentation and project delivery processes, will develop a safe and efficient lab
environment based on the specific needs of the laboratory in an energy-efficient and
environmentally sustainable manner. This document provides minimum requirements;
more stringent requirements may be necessary depending on the specific laboratory
function or contaminants generated.
The University is one of the founding members of the PlaNYC University Mayoral
Challenge and is committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 30% by the year
2017. All laboratory designs shall implement energy efficient measures to achieve this
goal.
These Guidelines were formulated as a consensus document among all members of the
Laboratory Design Working Group (Appendix I). All laboratory design teams shall
consult with Columbia University‟s: Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S), Facilities
and the Office of Environmental Stewardship (OES) during the schematic design phase.
These offices shall be involved throughout the design process. The Guidelines shall be
reviewed to incorporate regulatory changes, industry developments and best practices
on an annual basis.
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COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
GUIDELINES for LABORATORY DESIGN
1
Codes and Standards/References
1.1
Codes and Standards
Laboratories will be designed to comply with applicable federal, state and local
laws and regulations to facilitate compliance and reporting requirements not limited
to the latest edition of the following:
AAALAC (Association for Assessment & Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care)
ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act 29CFR 1630)
ASHRAE (American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
Engineers) Standards, Handbooks and Laboratory Design Guide
BBCNY (Building Code of the City of New York)
CAMH (Comprehensive Accreditation Manual for Hospitals): The Official Handbook
ECCCNYC (Energy Conservation Construction Code of New York State)
EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) regulations
GLP (United States Food and Drug Administration‟s Good Laboratory Practices)
GMP (United States Food and Drug Administration‟s Good Manufacturing
Practices)
IES (illuminating Engineering Society) Standards
JCAHO (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations)
Labs21 (Laboratories for the 21st Century) Guidelines
LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) for Labs
NIH (National Institutes of Health) Design Requirements Manual for Biomedical
Laboratories and Animal Research Facilities
NFPA (National Fire Protection Association)
NYFPC (New York City Fire Prevention Code)
NYCRR (New York City Rules and Regulations)
OSHA (Occupational Health & Safety Administration)
PlaNYC University Mayoral Challenge
1.2
References
ACGIH: Industrial Ventilation: A Manual of Recommended Practices, 25th Edition,
Cincinnati, OH. American Conference of Government and Governmental Industrial
hygienists, 2004.
ANSI/AIHA Z9.5 – 2003: Laboratory Ventilation, Fairfax, VA. American Industrial
Hygiene Association. 2003.
ANSI/ASHRAE 110-1995: Method of Testing Performance of Laboratory Fume
Hoods. Atlanta, GA. American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air
Conditioning Engineers, Inc. 1995.
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COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
GUIDELINES for LABORATORY DESIGN
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Institutes of Health-2007:
Biological Safety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories.
Columbia University EH&S (www.ehs.columbia.edu) for additional Health and Safety
Policies and Procedures.
Columbia University Environmental Stewardship (www.environment.columbia.edu)
for Energy Efficiency and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Policies and Initiatives.
Columbia University Facilities (www.facilities.columbia.edu) for Service Requests and
Plant Engineering Standards.
NFPA 45-2000: Standard of Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals. Quincy,
MA: National Fire Protection Association, 2000.
FDNY Code 2702.1: New Fire Code for New York City Section 2702.1 Definitions. 2008
NYC Building Code BC 419.4 N.Y. ADC. LAW § 28-701.2C4: NY Code – Section
28-701.2C4: Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy
Section BC 419.4 Non-Production Chemical Laboratories Definitions.
NFPA 701: Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles and
Films. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association, 2004.
OSHA 1910.1450 (B): PART 1910 Occupational Safety and Health Standards.
Subpart 1910.1450 (B) Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in
Laboratories Definitions.
RCNY 10-2008: Section FC 2706 Non-Production Chemical Laboratories. New York,
NY: NYC FDNY Fire Code, 2008.
1.3
Lab Permitting
Laboratories located in New York City where flammable liquids, oxidizers, or
corrosivesare used or stored above limits specified by the Fire Department, City of
New York (FDNY) must be permitted by the FDNY. Below are the areas of concern
under FDNY. This list is not all-inclusive but if not produced, a Violation Order (VO) will
be written:
 A copy of approved floor plans indicating fire rating of walls & partitions
(Department of Buildings (DOB) stamp).
 A copy of approved plans that indicate the run of duct systems for chemical
fume hoods.
 A copy of approved plans indicating the number of air changes per hour (ACH)
the ventilation system is designed to achieve. FDNY currently accepts no less
than 6 ACH as the laboratory ventilation design. Laboratory ventilation may be
designed to operate at greater than 6 ACH and is generally designed to operate
at 8 ACH or more.
 An affidavit from an engineer or an air balance report indicating the actual
operating ACH. FDNY currently accepts no less than 6 ACH as the operational
ACH for each space requiring a laboratory permit. Laboratory ventilation may
operate at greater than 6 ACH.
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COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
GUIDELINES for LABORATORY DESIGN
 Chemical Storage Rooms and manifold rooms that service other labs require,
along with approval from DOB, that plans be submitted to and approved by
FDNY Tech Management Unit.
 For Blackout Curtains, an affidavit from manufacturer that the curtains are
“inherently-flame resistant” and have been tested as per NFPA 701. Must state
building and room numbers on affidavit. Also must provide an affidavit from a
NYC Certificate of Fitness holder that it has passed flame proofing test.
2

Evidence from the manufacturer that gas manifold headers are capable of
withstanding 3000 psig. This can be in the form of the manufacturer‟s
literature on specifications.

A notarized affidavit/statement from licensed plumber that piping from manifold
to workstation has been tested in accordance with NFPA must be provided and
include building name, address and room numbers.
Definitions
2.1
Laboratory
Laboratory means a facility where the "laboratory use of hazardous chemicals” occurs.
It is a workplace where relatively small quantities of hazardous chemicals are used on a
non-production basis [OSHA 1910.1450(B)].
Lab Unit: An enclosed space of a minimum one hour rated construction, designed or
used as per a non-production laboratory. Laboratory units may include one or more
separate laboratory work areas, and accessory storage rooms or spaces within or
contiguous with the laboratory unit, such as offices and lavatories. [FDNY Code 2702.1,
NYC Building Code BC 419.4]
Permitted Laboratory: A laboratory requiring a permit from the FDNY.
2.2
Chemical Fume Hoods
Refer to: Columbia University Guidelines for Laboratory Design: Laboratory Ventilation
and Fume Hood Exhaust Systems http://www.ehs.columbia.edu/FinalLabDesign409.pdf (Appendix III)
2.3
Chemical Storage Room
Shall comply with New York City 2008 Building Code Section 419.9.
Approved DOB plans of Chemical Storage Rooms must be submitted to FDNY Tech
Management for approval to obtain proper FDNY permits.
2.4
Commissioning Terminology
Basis of Design - all information necessary to accomplish the design intent including
weather data, interior environmental criteria, other pertinent design assumptions, cost
goals, and references to applicable codes, standards, regulations and guidelines.
Commissioning - the process of ensuring that the equipment, components and
systems are designed, installed, functionally tested, and capable of being operated and
maintained to perform in conformity with the design intent.
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GUIDELINES for LABORATORY DESIGN
Commissioning Plan - a document defining the commissioning process, this is
developed in increasing detail as the project progresses through its various phases.
Design intent - a detailed explanation of the ideas, concepts, and criteria that are
defined by the owner to be important. This typically is an expansion of the information
provided in the Owner‟s Program. The initial document should describe the facility‟s
functional needs, intended levels and quality of environmental control and needs.
Owner’s Project Requirements – is a written document that details the functional
requirements of a project and the expectations of how it will be used and operated.
2.5
Cryogen
Cryogenic Container - A pressure container, low-pressure container or atmospheric
container of any size designed or used for the transportation, handling or storage of a
cryogenic fluid, and which utilizes venting, insulation, refrigeration or a combination
thereof to maintain the pressure within design parameters for such container and to
keep the contents in a liquid state.
Cryogenic Fluid - A super-cooled substance (usually liquid) used to cool other
materials to extremely low temperatures. A fluid having a boiling point lower than -130
°F (-89.9 °C) at 14.7 pounds per square inch absolute (psia) (an absolute pressure of
101.3 kPa).
2.6
Lab Programming Terminology
Blocking and Stacking Diagrams – A programmatic diagram consisting of stacked
programmatic groups or blocks that include diagrammatic building components
including structural, circulation, Mechanical Engineering and Plumbing (MEP), envelope
and lab system elements for the purpose of testing a program against a conceptual
building model both vertically and horizontally.
ELF – Equivalent Linear Feet of Bench. ELF is used interchangeably between hi/low
bench configurations and floor mounted lab equipment depending on the type of
research and facility needs.
Detailed Space Program – A Detailed Space Program is a program document that
breaks every room or space in a building with specific details of the nature and
requirements of each space.
FAR – Floor Area Ratio is floor area defined by the applicable Zoning regulations and
typically excludes infrastructure and building core elements.
GFA – Gross Floor Area, typically includes all Building Components on a floor by floor
basis excluding exterior wall, shafts, and multiple height spaces above the floor they are
assigned to.
GSF – Gross Square Feet, typically includes all Building Components.
Macro Program – A program document at a high level or order usually at the
Departmental Level. The intent of a Macro Program is to briefly summarize the larger
programmatic functions into rolled up categories. Macro Programs are typically
followed by a more Detailed Space Program.
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COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
GUIDELINES for LABORATORY DESIGN
NSF – Net Square Feet, typically excludes any Building Core and Shell elements such
as elevators, shafts, stairs, columns, public corridors, exterior skin and other such
building components.
Proximity Matrix – A programmatic matrix identifying what degrees of adjacencies and
separations are required.
RDS – Room Data Sheets, which are comprised of a generic plan/layout configuration,
detailed room finish, circulation, HVAC, system/utility requirements, and equipment
layouts.
ZSF – Zoning Square Feet, typically limited to square feet assignable to FAR.
2.7
Critical Environment
A laboratory space can be classified as Critical Environment if any of three conditions
is satisfied:



A laboratory space where the temperature cannot fluctuate more than + or - 2°
C from the design condition.
A laboratory space where humidity control requires the use of either a
humidifier or the need for reheat.
A laboratory space where the research being performed cannot tolerate an
unscheduled outage or disruption of a central Heating Ventilation and Air
Conditioning (HVAC) system supporting the space.
Laboratories not fitting into any of these criteria will be considered “non critical
environments”.
2.8
Critical Laboratory Equipment
Critical Laboratory Equipment shall be defined as equipment that cannot experience
an interruption or fluctuation in the one or more utility service which support it.
3
Sustainability
3.1
General
Columbia University is committed to reducing its environmental footprint. With over 24
environmental academic programs, and approximately 30 centers relating to
environmental programs, the University occupies a world leader position in the
environmental sphere. This environmental stewardship commitment extends to all
administrative departments.
3.2
Energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions
All laboratory designs must factor in a gross square footage energy load estimate to
meet the PlaNYC goal. This estimate shall be reviewed by the Office of Environmental
Stewardship (OES) to be evaluated for consistency with the University‟s commitment.
Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) for lab renovations of more than 3000 square feet shall be
conducted to evaluate long-term budget, energy, and environmental impacts in
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COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
GUIDELINES for LABORATORY DESIGN
considering lab design options. No energy-efficiency measure shall be eliminated for a
less energy-efficient option without first being part of a life cycle cost analysis.
Consultants shall assist the owner in identifying potential design solutions in support of
project goals pertaining to funding from New York State Energy Research Development
Authority (NYSERDA) and other government and private sources, including the
Department of Energy (DOE), as part of design process so as to maximize the
University‟s eligibility for funding for energy-efficient design and equipment, and the
budget and life-cycle analysis.
3.3
Air Quality
The University‟s Manhattan campuses are situated in areas that have amongst the
highest rates of asthma and childhood asthma in the United States. Moreover, these
campuses are located in environmental justice zones. Particulate emissions and other
air pollutants shall be considered in laboratory design and operations so as to minimize
such emissions and promote the health of the residents of the surrounding communities.
3.4
Waste Minimization
Construction and demolition debris and material shall be recycled or reused at a rate
consistent with the overall project‟s LEED goals. Following laboratory clearance by
EH&S, surplus equipment and furniture must be made available to the OES Surplus
Reuse Program for consideration.
4
General Guidelines for Laboratory Design
4.1
General Project Requirements
Meeting the educational and research goals of the academic department alongside
health, safety and operational goals should be the guiding principle for the
Architect/Engineer (A/E).
Attention to detail is extremely important to the success of laboratory space. It is
incumbent upon the A/E to ascertain the needs of the project.
AE shall be responsible for satisfying design requirements stipulated by any granting
sources.
4.2
Commissioning
All laboratory projects shall be commissioned in accordance with a commissioning plan
developed by either in-house facilities operations personnel or a third party provider.
The A/E will develop, draft and finalize the “owner‟s project requirements”, “design
intent”, and “basis of design” portions of the commissioning plan with the support from
the assigned University Project Manager, Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S),
Facilities, commissioning provider and the University client. The commissioning provider
will develop verification and functional performance testing requirements and operation
and maintenance criteria.
Parameters for energy, water consumption, sizing of utility services and distribution,
must be established early in the project. These parameters must be established in the
schematic level.
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GUIDELINES for LABORATORY DESIGN
4.3
Approvals
A Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA) must provide signed and
sealed documents with code compliant design with necessary affidavits and documents
for full Department of Buildings (DOB) and FDNY compliance and approvals.
A/E shall be responsible for responding to comments from the University underwriter
(e.g., FM Global) for conformity with underwriter‟s policy design requirements.
4.4
Speculative Projects
For projects that have speculative tenancy in part or in whole, shall be designed under
the guidance of the Executive Committee.
5
Architectural Guidelines for Laboratory Design
5.1
Layout Requirements
To the extent possible, laboratories should be oriented to take advantage of natural
lighting (with consideration for controlling sunlight and glare). This desire must be
balanced against the energy modeling goals established for sustainability,
therefore operable windows must be in conformance with the intent of the project
and space, and must be accounted for in the HVAC design. Operable windows are
acceptable in office areas, but not laboratory space. Operable windows in
laboratory space shall only be permitted based on a demonstrated research need
or Facilities requirement, and following consultation between the end-user, CUF
and/or CUMC CPM, and EH&S.

Laboratory space shall be separate from offices, common space and
equipment room space.

Occupants should not have to go through a laboratory space to exit from nonlaboratory areas.

Laboratories shall be designed to minimize foot traffic in areas where air flow
sensitive devices (biological safety cabinets, fume hoods) are in use.

Each door from a hallway into a lab should be a minimum of 36” wide and have
a view panel. Door sizes shall be coordinated to allow for equipment and cart
access and wall protection if required.

Modular design is a preferable approach and is highly encouraged for flexibility.

Mechanical and electrical devices shall be readily accessible with localized shut
off per direction by Facilities.

A break out area will be provided on every floor for collaboration and where
eating and drinking will be permitted. This shall be external to permitted lab
space.

To the extent practical, projects with heavy computing programmatic
requirements such as bioinformatics shall have servers situated in a computer
room external to a wet lab environment. Such projects shall be designed for
maximum energy efficiency suitable for the programmatic and functional
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COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
GUIDELINES for LABORATORY DESIGN
requirements of the project. Off site options shall be reviewed as part of the due
diligence process.
5.2
Finishes
Acoustic, maintenance and durability considerations should be the primary concerns in
finishes for laboratories. Sound transmission classification (STC) ratings of structural
components and finishes should be taken into consideration when selecting materials
and systems.
Interior finishes shall contain low or no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), and to the
greatest extent possible be obtained to achieve the Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) credit for local sourcing. Materials shall to the greatest
extent possible contain recycled content, be recyclable, be sustainably produced and
meet cradle-to-cradle standards. Examples include recycled steel, ceiling tiles, and
wallboard as well as rubber flooring. Rapidly renewable materials shall also be
considered where suitable.
5.2.1 Walls and Doors

Designers to select materials that allow for normal cleaning, upkeep, and
maintenance.

Wall & corner protection should be provided where cart or equipment traffic
occurs regularly.

Doors into laboratories should be provided with vision panels (to see if lab is in
us), self closing door hardware and kick plates.
5.2.2 Floors

Wet chemical laboratories must have chemically resistant flooring.

Floors shall be level, non-slip.

Floor drains shall only be installed based on a demonstrated engineering need
(e.g., in conjunction with the installation of an overhead emergency shower), and
following consultation between the end-user, CUF and/or CUMC CPM, and
EH&S. Where floor drains are indicated, they must be outfitted with a trap seal
primer to prevent the escape of sewer gas.

Finished flooring shall be installed throughout the laboratory to accommodate
flexible laboratory conditions and room modifications.

Floors shall have a minimum 4-inch high cove base.

Where an integral continuous base is not provided, a continuous bead of sealant
will be provided between wall plates and floors.

If needed, conductive tile should be set in approved conductive adhesive and
provided with an appropriate grounding strip for connection to an external
ground. Ground connection to an external ground shall be indicated. Conductive
flooring shall be provided with a conductive cove base. Special cleaning and
maintenance requirements should be specified.
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COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
GUIDELINES for LABORATORY DESIGN
5.2.3 Ceilings

Concern for proper acoustics should prevail in selection of ceiling materials. For
acoustic panel ceilings, the preference is for a removable panel system.

No concealed-spline ceilings.

Seal joints at suspended ceiling perimeters and transitions with hard
construction.

Suspended ceilings shall be designed to avoid narrow or sliver panels, and
unequal placement of panels on perimeter.

Wet areas, Vivarium, or other special lab areas shall have hard, Fiber
reinforced panel (FRP) or other special ceiling system that provides compliance
with Association for Assessment & Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care
(AAALAC), Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) or Good Manufacturing Practice
(GMP) requirements as applicable. Retaining clips shall be provided where
required.

Access panels as determined by Facilities Operations and/or Engineering shall
be provided to sufficiently access all volume dampers, fire and smoke dampers,
valves and equipment for maintenance and repair.
5.2.4 Window Treatment

Review need for sunlight filtering in laboratories, but 1% to 3% is
recommended. Standard room darkening shades may be manual or motorized.

Room Darkening vs. Solar Controls - Solar controls to support the HVAC needs
must be considered for both the exterior and interior of the laboratory space in
new construction.
5.3
Casework

Work surfaces should be chemical resistant, smooth, and readily cleanable.
Back and side splashes shall be provided along the perimeter of lab benches.
Transitions from standing to sitting height benches shall have work surface
transition for continuous chemical resistant surfaces for wet labs.

Filler Panels shall be provided at all inside corners to allow for smooth, full open
door and drawer operation.

Work surfaces, including computer areas, should incorporate ergonomic
features, such as adjustability, task and day lighting and equipment layout.

Bench work areas should have knee space to allow room for chairs near fixed
instruments, equipment or for procedures requiring prolonged operation.

Cup sinks on bench tops shall be installed only after the determination of
specific research need based on consultation among the end user and EH&S. If
approved, a lip must be installed around the basin perimeter to prevent
inadvertent release of spilled material into the drain. Cup sinks shall be outfitted
with a trap seal primer to prevent the escape of sewer gas.

Open shelving must be designed so that maximum shelf height is no closer
than 36 inches from the ceiling to maintain a minimum of 18 inches clear above
stored items.
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5.4
Furniture
Furniture shall be scheduled to the extent possible with standardized dimensions and
parts and in compliance with university-wide campus standards.
5.5
Lighting
5.5.1 General

Day lighting shall be maximized where possible for user comfort. Lighting
should be even across the room, with a maintained light level capable of 75
foot-candles on the work surface. Non-laboratory space shall follow Illuminating
Engineering Society (IES) standards. A combination of lighting zones,
dimmable fixtures, and controlled daylight and occupancy sensors with
adjustable sensitivity in the room is ideal. Fixtures should control glare and
should not produce veiled reflection in the room or on equipment and render
colors accurately and uniformly with minimum eye strain. If a room is multifunctional, the A/E is responsible to account for the lighting design
considerations for the various tasks that are to occur in the different sectors of
the room.

If a space has a ceiling above 12‟ in height, the project team shall review all
access requirements for light fixture maintenance and incorporate any fixed
requirements such as access panels, into the documents.

Much of the public space lighting on the University campus is controlled by
occupancy sensors. Typically, at least one light in a space will be on an
emergency circuit or per building code which ever one governs. The occupancy
sensor is to be wired upstream of a conventional light switch so it operates as a
vacancy sensor. The operation of occupancy sensors should be carefully
coordinated with the room use. All designs must comply with applicable codes

Ceiling mounted ultrasonic sensors (or better) shall be used in corridors to turn
off lights. Select fixtures shall remain “on” at all times in sufficient quantity to
maintain a minimum of 2 foot candles for security and safety. (It is the intent
that these select fixtures be part of the back-up generator powered emergency
egress lights, rather than a set of additional fixtures.)

Lab area lighting is to have automatic controls (day-lighting, sensors, etc.) as
previously described unless lab functions require special consideration. Task
lighting at lab benches need not be automatically controlled.

Lighting fixtures should not be placed where they will obstruct or interfere with
the spray pattern of sprinkler heads. (Refer to NFPA 13).
5.5.2 Lighting types

T-5 fluorescent lighting or Light-Emitting Diodes (LED) are standard for the
University. Indirect/direct lighting is preferred for its even quality, however
should only be considered when ceiling height is adequate (9‟-6” minimum). For
any needed down lighting or highlighting, a compact fluorescent lamp, T-5
fluorescent or LED may be used as appropriate. Incandescent fixtures are not
to be used; an LED fixture may be used to mitigate RFI concerns.
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
5.6
In public spaces or where special lighting is required, the A/E may submit
alternate lighting systems to the CUF or CUMC CPM for review and approval.
Storage (Chemical)

NYC campuses must adhere to 2008 NYC Building, 2008 Fire Code, Title 3
Section 4827-01(G) (1), and NFPA 45, 2004 edition. The A/E is responsible to
confirm all hazard, code and regulatory issues that apply to the design of the
project and be coordinated and approved by EH&S, and CUF or CUMC CPM.

Minimum code required clearances for sprinklers shall be maintained including
considerations for JCAHO spaces, where applicable. (See „Casework‟, above).
Explosion-proof or flammable-proof refrigerator shall be used if flammable
materials must be stored.

Explosion-proof hoods, equipment, finishes, systems, etc. shall be designed and
specified where required by applicable codes.

Chemical storage is not permitted underneath sinks; prohibition label will be
affixed to the cabinets.

Cabinets for chemical storage should be of solid, sturdy construction, with built-in
partition for separation of incompatible chemicals for secondary containment, and
vented as required by applicable code.

Flammable gases or liquid storage, use or dispensing is not permitted below
grade or near a means of egress.

Storage of corrosive chemicals (acids and bases) shall be so arranged that there
will be no contact with bare unprotected metals or casework. Storage cabinets for
corrosive materials must be poly-lined and protected. Additionally, oxidizing acids
cannot be stored on cellulosic material.

Laboratories which operate High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) or
related equipment must have a workstation which is designed so that waste
bottles are not stored on the floor.

Laboratories using compressed gases should have areas designated for cylinder
storage and be equipped with devices to secure cylinders in place. Cylinders
must not be secured to plumbing or electrical conduits. Cylinder Manifold
systems shall be designed to be readily accessible for FDNY inspection and
have required permit information readily available.

Flammable Storage Cabinets whether stand alone or incorporated under
chemical fume hoods are suggested as flammable limits are allowed to be
increased (or doubled) with the presence of a Flammable Storage Cabinet in a
laboratory
5.7
Storage (Regulated Medical Waste)

Adequate storage/staging shall be provided for containers awaiting removal
and for an adequate reserve.

Sites where Regulated Medical Waste (RMW) is staged prior to pick up shall
incorporate the following features:
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5.8
Protection from the environment and limitation of exposure to the
public.

RMW must be maintained in a non-putrescent state, using
refrigeration, if necessary.

Storage area shall be provided with locks to prevent unauthorized
access.

Design

The A/E shall be responsible to provide a vermin control specification
that meets the applicable bio-safety, AAALAC and Institutional
Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) requirements.
to prevent storage area from becoming a breeding place or
food source for vermin.
Acoustic and Vibration

The A/E shall consider maximum acceptable noise and vibration criteria in
each equipment selection, location, and system design and discuss those
considerations with CUF or CUMC CPM.

The A/E shall ensure appropriate application of noise and vibration control
devices.
5.9
Signage

6

Laboratory signage within New York City shall be provided by means of the
standard EH&S “Laboratory Sign,” (Appendix II) which includes space for up to
four different hazard-specific inserts. The sign shall be placed adjacent to the
latch side of the door leading to the laboratory located in the area of the midpoint of the height of the door. (RCNY Title 3, Chapter 2706-01).
MEP Guidelines for Laboratory Design
6.1 MEP General Design Considerations

Overall, MEP distribution shall be based on a modular layout. Systems
shall be designed to ensure reliability, maximize operational flexibility and
capacity for renovation, allow service to occur without interfering with
research, and to minimize potential for disruption due to single point
failures and routine maintenance. At the same time, systems will be
“right-sized” so as to maximize energy efficiency and take account of
fewer air changes as appropriate (Appendix III).

A primary goal for distribution systems is to minimize floor penetrations in
laboratory areas.

A/E shall utilize efficient capacity methods for sizing primary equipment to
provide required redundancy and overage while maintaining energy
efficient operation for the normal operating load profile.

Early planning and coordination with the entire design team is critical and
close coordination between mechanical, electrical, and structural
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disciplines is required to minimize interference of piping/ventilating
systems and electrical systems, with structural framing.

Whenever connections are made into existing systems to serve new
equipment, additions, or renovated areas, the A/E shall ensure the
existing system will not be adversely affected or in any case fall below the
standards of code as a result of the new work. This may require the A/E
to study existing infrastructure and systems capacity far beyond the actual
planned point of connection to ensure adequacy.

The design shall carefully consider cost effective approaches that shall
result in economical arrangements of MEP services including risers,
mains, branches, run outs for both valving and circuiting arrangements
that allow for shutdown of individual laboratories, as well as independent
isolation of each floor, building wing, and zone without affecting other
areas.

Space shall be provided for accessibility to permit modifications and
maintenance to the system. Equipment shall include, but not be limited to,
valves, cleanouts, motors, controllers, and drain points, etc. Where
required, access doors or panels shall be provided.

MEP materials and methods shall be compatible with system application.
The selection of materials and installation methods shall incorporate
special requirements unique to individual program areas, such as
consideration of magnetic fields, special materials, shielding, also all types
of chemical exposure etc. in accordance with equipment and functional
operation requirements.

In existing facilities renovated to accommodate a new lab program, the
A/E should specify sealing existing penetrations.

Utility metering shall be provided for primary utility services, capable of
automatically registering peak flow and totalization to the building
automation utility monitoring systems to the extent possible. The AE shall
coordinate all metering requirements with Facilities during the early
schematic design phase of the project.

Equipment and piping installations shall be designed to preclude noise
and vibration transfer beyond referenced limits, including but not limited to
use of resilient supports, vibration dampening equipment bases, flexible
connectors or braided hoses as appropriate, and other considerations as
required for the intended operation of the facility.
6.2 Mechanical
6.2.1 Design Considerations

Summer Outdoor design conditions:
Research facilities where mechanical systems are being greatly modified shall
be designed for 92° F Dry bulb, 74° F Wet bulb.
Open cell cooling towers shall be designed for 78 ° F Wet bulbs.
Evaporative condensing units shall be designed for 105° F ambient.
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GUIDELINES for LABORATORY DESIGN

Heat recovery systems shall be utilized unless analysis demonstrates nonfeasibility.
6.2.2 Critical Environment spaces
Critical environment spaces shall be served from a dedicated cooling system.
Ideally these systems should be 100% redundant and be provided both normal
and emergency power. The financial commitment must be evaluated with the
value of the research which could be lost in a brief or prolonged outage.
Centralized campus chilled water systems that are adequately sized and
available on a year round basis can provide backup cooling support with the
understanding that this system could experience unexpected shutdown and is
not on emergency power.
6.2.3 Dedicated (year round) chilled water
Dedicated chilled water refers to year round, 24/7, chilled water used to cool lab
spaces and occupants (environmental comfort). It is a University goal to minimize the
production of all central plant chilled water, particularly dedicated chilled water. The
use of air side economizers is encouraged for environmental comfort where practical.
All proposed uses of dedicated chilled water require approval from Plant Engineering.
Where that need is established, Plant Engineering will evaluate if the existing building
infrastructure has the capacity to support the additional load. When infrastructure
upgrades are required, it is intended that they be performed on a building wide basis
and include forecasted load growth.
6.2.4 Process chilled water
Process chilled water refers to chilled water used to cool critical and non critical lab
equipment. Process chilled water systems generally operate year round, 24/7. All new
and substantially renovated science buildings are required to provide process chilled
water systems to serve these needs and include a realistic building growth factor.
Process chilled water systems shall be designed in a manner that allows expansion of
the system with minimal disruption to the building. In consultation with CUF,
consideration should be made for future routing and deployment of systems. Roof and
mechanical space shall be reserved to install additional chillers, pumps and ancillary
equipment. Process chilled water systems should be designed with 100% redundancy.
Connect of laboratory equipment to the process chilled water loop shall be through a
heat exchanger which hydraulically isolates the loop from the equipment.
The use of centralized campus chilled water to cool laboratory equipment is
prohibited.
The use of domestic water to cool laboratory equipment is prohibited.
NOTE: Water cooled equipment is preferred in lieu of air cooled equipment.
6.3 Building Automation System (BAS)
6.3.1 Design Considerations
 The University Morningside campus has standardized on Andover Controls and
Siemens Building Technologies as the acceptable manufacturers for building
automation systems. The CUMC campus has standardized o Johnson Controls
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and no other system shall be considered for approval without CUMC Facilities
Operations/Engineering.

For renovation work in existing buildings the existing Building Automation
System (BAS) shall be utilized. A second system should not be installed.
Provisions for future expansion shall be made as determined by Columbia
University Operations Department on a project-by-project basis.

The BAS is to be configured as a network with workstations, file servers, field
controllers and necessary interfacing controls. Field controllers shall have the
ability for local control in the event of a network outage.

All operator devices shall have the ability to access all point status and
application report data, or execute control functions for any and all other
devices, via the local area network.

Communication between all Direct Digital Control (DDC) units, servers and the
workstations shall be by way of high speed network communication cable
utilizing Ethernet that is coordinated with Columbia Universities‟ IT (CUIT)
department assigned project manager.

As program requires, emergency power should be provided for the entire DDC
system.

All DDC software must be web enabled for remote communications.
6.3.2
Typical Laboratory Temperature Control
Where laboratory variable volume systems are specified in new and substantially
renovated science buildings they shall be furnished with a stand-alone DDC
electronic controllers, pressure independent, variable air volume laboratory flow
tracking system. The flow tracking system includes VAV boxes, reheat coils, damper
and valve operators, with all control devices to monitor the following as minimum:
room temperature, °F, room humidity, % RH, reheat coil valve position, reheat coil
temperature °F, supply cfm, exhaust cfm.
6.3.3 Monitoring and Security System
An environmental monitoring and security system shall be provided to monitor
critical equipment such as freezers, designated environmental rooms, cabinets, and
other types of equipment as indicated in the lab program. This system shall be
interfaced with the BAS system to provide emergency alarm/reporting only.
6.4 Electrical
6.4.1 General:
 Laboratories should have a sufficient number of electrical outlets and informed
from the Researcher, to eliminate the need of extension cords and multi-plug
adapters. Electric outlets should be coordinated with the electrical
characteristics of the lab equipment.
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
Each laboratory in a major renovation shall have a dedicated panel board
located in an unobstructed accessible area preferably adjacent to the lab door,
labeled with the room number. Or, if panels are centrally located, they must be
on the same floor, labeled with the room number(s) they are serving. All
electrical outlets and dedicated shut-off switches shall have a label on the cover
plate with the corresponding panel and circuit number they are energized from.
Laser laboratories shall have an emergency shut-off switch installed near the
entrance of the laboratory to turn off the laser remotely.

Power conditioners and UPS are the responsibility of the end user.

Each electrical panel board shall be provided with a panel number marked (at
the exterior panel face) that is coordinated with the panel board schedules on
the electrical construction drawings.
6.4.2
Main Building Distribution System
 In new construction, the electrical service is to be extended from the main
service switchboards to distribution panels located in electric closets on
each floor. These local floor panels will serve the interior floor distributions
system as described below:

Sensitive equipment and laboratory loads shall be segregated from large
motor loads.

Lighting loads shall be segregated from other loads and an individual
panel on each floor.

The interior distribution system to each lab shall also include as a minimum
dedicated 120/208 V, 3 phase, 4 wire plus ground panel boards, 150 amp main
circuit breaker with forty-two (42) branch circuit breakers. Each panel will be
door-in-door construction with copper bus bars (no aluminum) and an integral
digital meter (3 phase amps and volts) and integral Transient Voltage Surge
Suppressor (TVSS). These panels which are also typically located in the lab to
serve lab convenience outlets, lab equipment, etc. Space in each electric closet
should be reserved for future panel boards. Vivarium lighting, equipment and
convenience outlets shall be served from separate dedicated panels located in
each electric closet and 120/208V distribution system.
6.4.3
Emergency Power Distribution System
 Emergency power shall only be derived from the building emergency
power distribution system, not from adjacent buildings.

An emergency power load study is required for all new laboratories where
applicable.

Emergency power distribution shall be considered as required to serve the
following equipment and loads as a minimum: domestic water system,
environmental rooms, critical equipment, refrigerator, freezers, cold
rooms, etc., critical laboratory equipment and their required support
systems, one circuit per lab module for discretionary convenience
receptacle, fume hoods and their exhaust and makeup air systems, 33%
of lighting in laboratories, procedure rooms, and equipment areas,
equipment and communications technology power distribution systems,
entire animal facilities.
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
The AE shall be responsible to validate emergency power requirements
beyond the minimum stated above and to validate against the load study.
6.4.4
Life Safety System
 An integrated fire alarm, smoke detection and sprinkler alarm system shall
be provided.

The system shall be a fully addressable distributed processing topology
providing alarm and communication features to a central processor.

All detectors shall be addressable and self testing.

Provide photoelectric type for area detection and ionization type for duct
mounting.

Smoke detectors shall be considered in all laboratory modules.
6.4.5
Isolated Grounding System
The AE shall determine in conjuction with information from the researcher if an
isolating grounding system is required for the design of the project and, as
required, coordinate with Facilities to avoid potential conflicts.
6.5 Plumbing
6.5.1 General:
 Building services to the extent possible (such as centralized bottled gases,
Reverse Osmosis Deionized (RODI) water and compressed air required
for research), shall be considered in the design to facilitate modular
systems and services for the facility.

Manifolding gases and decentralizing some services shall be evaluated as
required to accommodate the addition of future loads on a project-byproject basis.

Piping above major electrical, telecommunications, or other critical
equipment rooms (including service access for such items) should be
avoided where possible.

Isolation valves shall be provided to accommodate easy maintenance at
each module, laboratory, group of toilet rooms, or program suite where
routine service shall be required without affecting other areas. Isolation
valves shall be accessible and located on the floor being served.

All valves shall be clearly identified (labeled/tagged), and correspond to
the facility valve numbering and identification system, keyed to submitted
charts. Drains shall be provided at the base of all water risers and include
National Pipe Threads (NPT) threads, valve, and cap.

All utility pipelines shall be clearly labeled to identify the service provided
and direction of flow within each module.

In installations where gas is piped throughout the building, provide
emergency laboratory isolation valves outside of each lab. Panic buttons
may be considered for natural gas lines.
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GUIDELINES for LABORATORY DESIGN

Use flexible connections for connecting gas and other plumbing utilities to
any free standing device.
6.5.2 Gas Cylinders:
 When compressed gas cylinders are required inside a laboratory, the following
conditions shall apply:
6.5.3

Provide strapping and anchoring devices to a permanent building
member. The number of devices shall be adequate for the number of
cylinders, bearing in mind that local regulations may restrict the number
of cylinders of an individual gas permitted to be stored in a laboratory.
The cylinder restraint system is subject to the review and approval of
both Facilities and EH&S.

The storage site shall be protected from heat sources. The site shall be
in area that minimizes that opportunity for accidental contact with the
cylinders. The site shall be in a well ventilated, dry location, with easy
accessibility for periodic exchange of cylinders.

Gas cylinders shall not be stored in an unprotected in public corridors.
Cylinders may be stored in properly constructed corridor storage closets
with proper wall ratings, ventilation and monitor equipment.
Water Treatment

Provide acid neutralization and any other treatment of water sent to a Publicly
Owned Treatment Works (POTW) as per all applicable laws and regulations.

Provide storage space for spill prevention materials in each laboratory.

Use only efficient water treatment systems that comply with the following
criteria:
i. For buildings with a Building Management System (BMS) system, all filtration
processes, remote notification shall be provided (by means of BMS) along with
local pressure gauges to determine and display when to backwash or change
cartridges;
ii. For all ion exchange and softening processes, recharge cycles shall be set by
volume of water treated or based upon conductivity or hardness;
iii. For reverse osmosis and nanofiltration equipment, with capacity greater than
100 liter/hr, reject water shall not exceed 60 % of the feed water.
iv. Simple distillation is not acceptable as a base system for water purification.
6.5.4
Vacuum Pumps

Vacuum pumps shall be used in lieu of aspirators.

Vacuum systems shall not be provided as a centralized system unless
authorized by CUF based on a demonstrated research need, and following
consultation between the end-user, Project Manager, and EH&S. Provisions
shall be made to appropriately vent exhaust individual vacuum pumps.
6.5.5
Fire Protection
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GUIDELINES for LABORATORY DESIGN



7
A central combined fire standpipe/sprinkler system is to be provided for all
buildings on the Campus.
Pre-action sprinkler systems should be given consideration for specialized
imaging equipment and IT server rooms.
See section 6.4.4 for other details.
Safety and Security Guidelines for Laboratory Design
7.1
General

Utility shut-off controls should be located outside the laboratory.

Environmental chambers where evacuation or other alarms cannot be heard
shall be equipped with strobe lighting or additional alarms.

The requirements for monitoring and control of laboratories using toxic gases
shall be reviewed with EH&S.
7.2
Eye-Face Wash & Emergency Showers

7.3
Refer to Appendix IV – Eye-Face Wash/Drench Hoses and Overhead
Emergency Showers
Biosafety
Laboratory spaces for work with biological materials shall incorporate the following
features.








7.4
Self closing doors.
Sinks for hand washing.
Wall, floor and working surfaces designed to be easily cleaned. Carpets and
rugs are not permitted.
Bench tops impervious to water and resistant to heat, organic solvents, acids,
alkalis and other chemicals.
Spaces between benches, cabinets, and equipment accessible for cleaning.
Chairs must be covered with a non-porous material that can be easily cleaned
and decontaminated.
Biological safety cabinets (BSC) must be installed in such a manner that
fluctuations of the room supply and exhaust air do not cause the BSCs to
operate outside their parameters for containment. Locate BSCs away from
doors, windows that can be opened, heavily traveled laboratory areas, and from
other possible airflow disruptions.
HEPA filtered exhaust air from a Class II Biological Safety Cabinet may be recirculated back into the laboratory environment. Connection to the laboratory‟s
exhaust system must be approved by EH&S and must by means of a canopy
and not a hard connection.
Fire Life Safety
7.4.1 Fire Suppression Systems

Sprinkler Systems – Laboratory units shall be provided throughout with an
automatic sprinkler system in accordance with NYC Building Code.
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GUIDELINES for LABORATORY DESIGN

Standpipe System - standpipes shall be installed in accordance with NYC
Building Code.
7.4.2 Laboratory Units

In accordance with NFPA 45, NYC Building and Fire Codes.

Storage Limits - Flammable and combustible liquids. The density and total
quantity of flammable and combustible liquids allowed within a laboratory unit,
excluding storage rooms, shall be in accordance with NFPA 45 for laboratory
unit fire hazard classes B and D.
EH&S shall be consulted regarding flammable chemical quantity limits in order
to validate the minimum code fire rating.
7.4.3 Chemical Storage Rooms
In addition to the quantities that may be stored, handled and used in a
laboratory unit, chemicals for use in a laboratory unit may be stored in a
dedicated storage room (up to 300 Gallons). Such rooms may enhance the
efficiency of laboratory operations and should be considered if space
considerations allow. Consult with EH&S for specific code requirements.
7.4.4 Oxygen (O2) Sensors
Where O2 sensors are required, they may be portable or hardwired. Consult with
EH&S for specific code requirements.
7.4.5 Black-out Curtains
Black-out curtains are required to be made of an inherently flame resistant material
(IFR). These curtains require documentation from the manufacture stating they are
incompliance with NFPA 701. These curtains must also be tested and
documentation issued by a FDNY Certificate of Fitness holder for Flame Retardant
Treatment C-15 to their flame resistance. Copies of both documents must be
provided to EH&S.
7.4.6 Fire Blankets
As all new laboratories using flammable or hazardous chemicals are to be provided
with eyewash/drench hose units at all sinks, the provision of fire blankets is to be at
the discretion of the laboratory. If installed, fire blankets shall be placed by the
means of egress.
7.4.7 Fire Extinguishers
10 pound ABC extinguishers (or other appropriate type extinguisher*) shall be
installed in accordance with NFPA and NYC Fire Codes. Fire extinguishers shall be
placed in external cabinets which are identifiable by proper signage. Initial cabinet
placement shall be located near (within 10 ft.) of main entrance doors. Maximum
travel distance to any extinguisher must be within 50 ft.
*Please consult EHS-Fire Safety to determine if different types of extinguishers are
required.
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7.5
Security
The A/E shall review security requirements with the Principle Investigator, Project
Manager and Public Safety. The University employs access control (e.g., Lenel
Systems), as part of a campus-wide system, at the entrances of many of its buildings,
and to some interior spaces as well.
8
Special Rooms and Equipment
8.1
9
Environmental Rooms

Environmental Rooms may be constant or variable temperature, cold rooms, or
warm rooms. These rooms shall be located to accommodate maintenance and
visual monitoring from outside the room space. Environmental rooms that
require ventilation shall be ventilated as per manufacturer‟s guidelines.

Environmental rooms shall be fed by processed chilled water systems as
outlined in section 6.2.4.
APPENDICIES
Appendix I – Members of LDWG
Appendix II – Laboratory Door Signage Cut-sheet
Appendix III – Laboratory Ventilation and Fume Hood Exhaust System
Appendix IV – Eye-Face Wash/Drench Hoses and Overhead Emergency Showers
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Appendix I – Members of the Laboratory Design Work Group
Members of the Laboratory Design Work Group
Muhammad Akram, EH&S
Helen Bielak, Environmental Stewardship
Gary Brown, Manhattanville
David Carlson, CU Facilities
Kathleen Crowley, EH&S
Matthew Early, CU Facilities (left CU Summer 2010)
Wil Elmes, Manhattanville
George Hamawy, EH&S Radiation Safety
John LaPerche, EH&S Fire Life Safety
Joseph Mannino, CU Facilities
Frank Martino, CU Capital Project Management
Jeremiah Meehan, EH&S Fire Safety
Patrick O‟Reilly, Facilities Management, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory
Chris Pettinato, EH&S
Christopher Pitoscia, EH&S
Cathy Resler, Environmental Stewardship
Paul Rubock, EH&S Biological Safety
Ben Suzuki, CUMC Capital Project Management (CPM)
Larry Wisbeski, CU Capital Project Management
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Appendix II – Laboratory Door Signage Cut-Sheet
CAUTION: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
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GUIDELINES for LABORATORY DESIGN
Appendix III – Laboratory Ventilation and Fume Hood Exhaust
System
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
GUIDELINES
for
Laboratory Design:
Laboratory Ventilation
and Fume Hood Exhaust Systems
April 2009
Revised second edition April 2011
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GUIDELINES for LABORATORY DESIGN
Executive Summary
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Codes and Standards/References
1.1
Codes and Standards
1.2
References
Definitions
2.1
Laboratory
2.2
Chemical Fume Hood
2.3
Cryogen
Ventilation
3.1
General Laboratory
3.2
Animal Satellites
Fume Hood Exhaust System (FHES) Design Criteria
4.1
Exhausting
4.2
Components
4.3
Regulatory
4.4
Site Conditions
Commissioning
Identification and Labeling
6.1
Ductwork
6.2
Exhaust Fan Assembly
6.3
Radioactive Material
6.4
Power/Circuit Breaker Switch
6.5
Sash Window Position
6.6
Label Colors
6.7
Hood Operating Instructions
Criteria for Perchloric Acid Fume Hoods
7.1
Special Hazard
7.2
Hood Designation
7.3
Exhaust Requirements
7.4
Exhaust Scrubbers
7.5
Wash Down Facilities
7.6
User Controls
7.7
Wash Down Frequency
7.8
Non-Corrosive Materials
7.9
Commissioning
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8
9
Criteria for Radioactive Fume Hoods
8.1
High Volatility
8.2
Medium Volatility
8.3
Low Volatility
8.4
General Requirements
Appendices
9.1
Appendix 1 – Distance Recommendations for the
Installation of Fume Hoods in a Laboratory
9.2
Appendix 2 – Members of the LDWG 2009
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GUIDELINES for LABORATORY DESIGN
Executive Summary
The purpose of laboratory ventilation is to help provide a safe environment for
scientific research and teaching. Outlined below are Guidelines by which a design
team, using a combination of general laboratory ventilation, fume hood exhaust
systems and other local exhaust ventilation, will design a safe and energy efficient
system to contain emissions within the laboratory, depending on the specific needs
of the laboratory. This document provides minimum requirements; more stringent
requirements may be necessary depending on the specific laboratory function or
contaminants generated.
The University is one of the founding members of the PlaNYC Mayoral challenge
committing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 30% by the year 2017. All
laboratory designs shall consider energy efficient measures to achieve this goal.
These Guidelines were formulated as a consensus document among all members of
the Laboratory Design Working Group (listed in Appendix I). All laboratory design
teams shall consult with Environmental Health &Safety (EH&S), Facilities Operations
(Facilities) and Office of Environmental Stewardship (OES) during the schematic
design phase. These offices shall be involved throughout the design process so as
to ensure that University safety and energy efficiency goals and commitments are
met in a timely and cost-effective manner. The Guidelines shall be reviewed to
incorporate regulatory changes, industry developments and best practices on a
regular basis.
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GUIDELINES for LABORATORY DESIGN
2.
Codes and Standards/References
2.1
Codes and Standards
The HVAC systems will be designed in accordance with the following codes
and standards, latest edition:
Building Code of the City of New York (BCCNY)
New York City Fire Prevention Code (NYFPC)
New York City Rules and Regulations (NYCRR)
ASHRAE HVAC Applications, Chapter 14, Laboratories
ASHRAE 62.1, 2004, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality
ASHRAE 90.1, 2004, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise
Residential Buildings
Energy Conservation Construction Code of New York State (ECCCNYS),
2002
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), latest edition
2.2
References
ACGIH: Industrial Ventilation: A Manual of Recommended Practices, 25th
Edition, Cincinnati, OH. American Conference of Government and
Governmental Industrial hygienists, 2004.
ANSI/AIHA Z9.5 – 2003: Laboratory Ventilation, Fairfax, VA. American
Industrial Hygiene Association. 2003.
ANSI/ASHRAE 110-1995: Method of Testing Performance of Laboratory
Fume Hoods. Atlanta, GA. American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and
Air Conditioning Engineers, Inc. 1995.
NFPA 45-2000: Standard of Fire Protection for Laboratories Using
Chemicals. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association, 2000.
RCNY 10-2008: Section FC 2706 Non-Production Chemical Laboratories.
NYC FDNY Fire Code, New York, NY 2008.
EH&S (www.ehs.columbia.edu) for additional Health and Safety Policies and
Procedures.
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GUIDELINES for LABORATORY DESIGN
Facilities (www.facilities.columbia.edu) for Service
Mechanical Engineering (ME) Design Guideline.
Requests
and
Environmental Stewardship (www.environment.columbia.edu) for Energy
Efficiency and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Policies and Initiatives.
National Research Council 1996: Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory
Animals. Washington, DC. http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=5140
2
Definitions
2.1
Laboratory
Laboratory means a facility where the "laboratory use of hazardous
chemicals” occurs. It is a workplace where relatively small quantities of
hazardous chemicals are used on a non-production basis [OSHA
1910.1450(B)].
2.2
Chemical Fume Hoods
Chemical Fume Hoods - means a device located in a laboratory, enclosed
on five sides with a movable sash or fixed partially enclosed on the
remaining side; constructed and maintained to draw air form the laboratory
and to prevent or minimize the escape of air contaminants into the
laboratory; and allows chemical manipulations to be conducted in the
enclosure without insertion of any portion of the worker‟s body other than
hands and arms.
The purpose of a chemical fume hood is to contain airborne substances, to
prevent them from entering the breathing zone of laboratory workers and
occupants and to trap or exhaust the airborne substances without
increasing the risk to the user, occupants of the area, or the environment.
The hood should be designed to incorporate user needs, room configuration
and general ventilation and must have adequate space for hood service and
utility connections.
Fume hoods must be selected from among the following manufacturers:
 Bedcolab Limited
 Lab-Crafters Inc.
 Labconco Corporation
 Thermo Fisher Scientific
The selection of any other fume hood model must be justified on the basis
of program requirements and be approved by CUF, CUMC CPM and EHS.
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2.3
Cryogen
Cryogenic Container - A pressure container, low-pressure container or
atmospheric container of any size designed or used for the transportation,
handling or storage of a cryogenic fluid, and which utilizes venting,
insulation, refrigeration or a combination thereof to maintain the pressure
within design parameters for such container and to keep the contents in a
liquid
state.
Cryogenic Fluid - A fluid having a boiling point lower than -130 °F (-89.9
°C) at 14.7 pounds per square inch absolute (psia) (an absolute pressure of
101.3
kPa).
Cryogen -A super-cooled substance (usually liquid) used to cool other
materials to extremely low temperatures
3.
Ventilation
3.1
General Laboratory
3.1.1
All laboratories shall have mechanical ventilation.
3.1.2
All laboratory rooms shall use 100% outside air and exhaust to the
outside.
3.1.3 Laboratory ventilation systems shall be designed to operate 24
hours per day, 7 days per week with a minimum of six (6) air
changes per hour (ACH).
3.1.4
Locate supply and exhaust for good mixing and temperature
control.
3.1.5
Provide excess capacity for equipment aging and future expansion.
3.1.6
Design for noise levels in the laboratories must not exceed
ASHRAE guidelines.
3.1.7
Do not provide operable windows.
3.1.8
Direct airflow from low hazard to high hazard areas.
3.1.9
Design to maintain negative pressure relative to adjacent non-lab
areas.
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3.1.10 Provide adequate makeup air (90% of the exhaust).
3.1.11 Locate casework and equipment so as not to interfere with
ventilation.
3.1.12 Do not line duct with insulation or acoustic treatment.
4.
3.2
Animal Satellites
3.2.1
Animal Satellite Facilities are research laboratories that have been
approved for the housing of research animals for 24-hours or
more by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).
3.2.2
Animal Satellite Facilities must be provided with 10-15 ACH.
Fume Hood Exhaust System (FHES) Design Criteria
4.1
Exhausting
4.1.1
FDNY Code requires a face velocity of 80-120 linear feet per
minute (lfpm) across the vertical plane of the sash face when the
sash face opening is 12 inches high.
4.1.2
Hood face velocities can be reduced to a minimum of 60 lfpm at a
sash height greater than 12 inches provided the follow three
requirements are satisfied:
4.1.2.1
The hood is recognized by Columbia University as a
“low flow” type.
4.1.2.2
The hood passes both a factory and a field ASHRAE
110 test. (Note the factory test can be a representative sample of a particular size and model fume
hood. The field installed test must be for each hood.).
4.1.2.3
Mechanical sash height constraints or stops shall be
provided at the 60 lfpm face velocity sash height.
4.1.3
Low flow fume hoods are required unless safety would be
compromised. Building precedent shall govern in minor renovations
where practical.
4.1.4
Constant air volume (CAV) and variable air volume (VAV) systems
are acceptable. A life cycle cost analysis shall determine use in new
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COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
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building installations and major renovations. Building precedent
shall govern in minor renovations where practical.
4.1.5
All hoods shall have a minimum exhaust volume of 25 cfm/ft2 of
work surface area through air bypass as per (NFPA 45)4.
4.1.6
Fume hood diversity should be applied to FHES (Fume Hood
Exhaust System). The value of the diversity should reflect the
operations and practices of the particular facility.
4.1.7
Manifold fume hood exhaust systems where practical and code
permitted, are required unless safety would be compromised.
Notable exceptions include where: strong reactive, perchloric acid
and volatile radioactive compounds are used which all require
dedicated exhaust.
4.1.8
For research FHES there shall be no local on/off or high/low
control.
4.1.9
Ductless hoods are not permitted.
4.1.10 Unless otherwise approved by EH&S/Facilities all fume hoods shall
be exhausted with all welded 316L stainless steel duct risers,
minimum 20 gauge. (FDNY Code does not permit “ducts
constructed of combustible materials”.)
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4.2
Components
4.2.1
Under hood storage units shall comply with NYC Fire Code.
4.2.2
Lighting devices in the interior of the hood must meet all applicable
codes.
4.2.3
Cup sinks, where installed, shall have a lip above the fume hood
work surface per FDNY code requirements.
4.2.4
Hood baffles must be tamper proof and configured in such a way
that they may not be adjusted to restrict the volume flow rate of air
exhausted from the hood.
4.2.5
Controls for laboratory hood services (gas, water, air, lighting,
power, etc.) must be mounted exterior to the hood and within easy
reach. They should be labeled clearly with standardized labels.
4.2.6
Exhaust fans must meet the fire, explosion and corrosion resistant
requirements set forth in local codes and standards. The rotating
element of the fan must be of nonferrous or spark resistant
construction. Motors and their controls shall be located outside of
the air stream.
4.2.7
All internal and working surfaces of the hood and the exhaust ducts
should be impervious to moisture and attack of chemicals used in
the hoods and be configured for easy cleaning.
4.2.8
The exhaust fan should be mounted as close to the discharge point
of the duct as possible (preferably outside the building envelope) so
that a negative pressure with respect to the ambient is maintained
within the duct at all points along the duct run.
4.3
Regulatory
4.3.1
The respective Radiation Safety Office should be consulted to
evaluate the need and type of filter where special radioactive
materials are considered to be used.
4.3.2
Dedicated FHES are required for such hoods when radioactive
materials are planned to be used in a fume hood.
4.3.3
Plans for exhaust ductwork must be approved by the NYC Building
Department prior to installation of the ductwork.
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4.4
Site Conditions
4.4.1
The discharge of FHES into the atmosphere shall be engineered in
a manner that prevents re entrainment of the exhaust stream back
into the building or surrounding buildings.
4.4.2
Where this is a cause for concern, a CFD computer model, wind
wake analysis or a physical model with wind tunnel shall
demonstrate acceptable exhaust stream dilution rates.
4.4.3
These analyses should include the potential of additional hoods
being added to the point of discharge at a future date.
4.4.4
In locations where residential, university housing or noise sensitive
adjacencies are a concern, an acoustic study should be performed
in coordination with the exhaust stream dilution analysis.
4.4.5
Under no circumstances shall a lab discharge be less than 10 feet
above the surface of the roof.
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5.
Commissioning
5.1
Requirements
5.1.1
Each hood installation must be inspected and tested in accordance
with ASHRAE 110 for proper operation and airflow conditions prior
to acceptance of the work by the University. This applies to new
installations, and alterations or additions to existing systems.
5.1.2 Provide information on instrumentation including calibration dates
and results.
5.1.3 Provide test results, to both EH&S and Facilities, once above
criteria are met.
5.1.4 After review of test results, EH&S will certify the hood to confirm
adequate performance, label it appropriately, and approve for use.
5.1.5 EH&S shall certify chemical fume hoods annually in accordance
with
the
CU
fume
hood
policy
(www.ehs.columbia.edu/fhPolicy.html).
5.1.6 The Radiation Safety Office shall certify chemical fume hoods used
for radioactive materials at CUMC annually in accordance with the
CU fume hood policy.
6.
Identification and Labeling
6.1
Ductwork
Label clearly the ductwork at each access point. The label should state the
location of the hood and warning statement. Example of Wording:
CAUTION
THIS DUCT IS CONNECTED TO THE CHEMICAL FUME HOOD IN
ROOM 123. DO NOT OPEN UNTIL THE LABORATORY SUPERVISOR
OR AN ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY OFFICER HAS BEEN
NOTIFIED.
CONTACT EH&S (CUMC 212-305-6780, MORNINGSIDE 212-854-8749)
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR IN AN EMERGENCY.
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6.2
Exhaust Fan Assembly
The exhaust fan assembly should be clearly marked with a caution
statement indicating the location of the hood and the power switch (es).
Example of wording:
CAUTION
THIS FAN ASSEMBLY IS ATTACHED TO THE CHEMICAL FUMEHOOD
IN ROOM 123. THE DISCONNECT IS LOCATED IN ROOM 456. DO
NOT WORK ON OR TURN OFF UNIT UNTIL THE LABORATORY
SUPERVISOR OR AN ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
OFFICER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.
CONTACT EH&S (CUMC 212-305-6780, Morningside 212-854-8749,
Lamont 845-365-8860) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR IN AN
EMERGENCY.
An indication of the proper direction of rotation should be affixed to fan
assembly.
6.3
Radioactive Material
If radioactive materials are to be used in the hood, an additional label must
be placed next to the labels specified in items 1 and 2. The label must
contain the radiation caution symbol and the following information:
CAUTION
RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS MAY BE USED IN THIS HOOD. CONTACT
THE RADIATION SAFETY OFFICE (CUMC 212-305-0303, Morningside
212-854-8749, or Lamont 845-365-8860) BEFORE WORK IS
PERFORMED ON THIS EQUIPMENT.
6.4
Power/Circuit Breaker Switch
Each electrical power/circuit breaker switch should be labeled with a
Caution label indicating the location of the Hood and a warning. Example:
Fume Hood/Room 123
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GUIDELINES for LABORATORY DESIGN
CAUTION
DO NOT TURN OFF UNTIL LAB SUPERVISOR OR EH&S
(CUMC 212-305-6780, Morningside 212-854-8749, or Lamont 845-3658860) HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.
6.5
Sash Window Position
A sticker indicating the proper sash window position/height to provide
adequate air flow speed should be affixed to each hood.
6.6
Label Colors
LABEL COLORS: The labels for items 1-2 must have bright yellow
background with wording in a color of high contrast (black). The radiation
symbol of item 3 must be magenta or purple.
6.7
Hood Operating Instructions
A “Hood Operating Instructions” label should be affixed conspicuously on
each hood.
HOOD OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
This hood is the primary safety device for containing and exhausting hazardous
materials and should be used for any operation that may result in exposure to such
materials. The following rules must be observed so that air currents are not
disturbed and containment is maintained:
1. Work with hood sash as low as possible. Use the sash height indicator as
guide.
2. Keep objects at least 10 cm behind the plane of the sash and at least 10 cm
from the rear air slots. Do not block the slots.
3. Keep the amount of equipment and containers in the hood to a minimum.
4. Raise large equipment on stand to allow for unimpeded air flow across the
surface.
5. Do not store chemicals permanently in hood.
6. Do not turn off the exhaust system.
7. Do not install portable air movement devices near hood that could affect
hood performance.
8. Do not use hood to dispose of hazardous materials through evaporation.
9. Notify Facilities (212-305-HELP at CUMC, or 212-854-2222 at Morningside,
or 845-365-8600 at Lamont) of any malfunction.
10. Consult EH&S website (www.ehs.columbia.edu) for other information.
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DO NOT USE, BOIL OFF OR EVAPORATE PERCHLORIC ACID IN THIS HOOD.
7.
Criteria for Perchloric Acid Fume Hoods
7.1
Special Hazard
An additional label shall be provided for ductwork at each access point. The
label should state a warning such as follows:
WARNING
THIS DUCT IS CONNECTED TO A PERCHLORIC ACID FUME HOOD
AND MAY CONTAIN EXPLOSIVE SHOCK SENSITIVE CRYSTALS. DO
NOT OPEN UNTIL THE DUCTWORK HAS BEEN WASHED DOWN.
CONTACT EH&S (CUMC 212-305-6780, Morningside 212-854-8749) FOR
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR AN EMERGENCY.
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7.2
Hood Designation
Perchloric Acid (HClO4) may only be used in fume hoods designated and
designed for its use. The hood must be clearly labeled as a “PERCHLORIC
ACID FUME HOOD.” Where confusion is possible, other hoods shall be
labeled “NO PERCHLORIC ACID” in 2” tall black letters on a yellow
background.
7.3
Exhaust Requirements
7.3.1
Each hood installation must have a dedicated exhaust stack and
fan equipped with its own wash down system and fan on/off control.
7.3.2
Perchloric Acid Fume Hood (PAFH) exhaust may not be connected
to a non-PAFH exhaust system for energy recovery or other
convenience.
7.3.3 To mitigate risk and cost associated with the PAFH exhaust
system, it is recommended that PAFH be installed on the top floor
of laboratory buildings.
7.3.4 Bends in ductwork should be avoided, but where necessary pairs of
45 degree bends will be used in lieu of 90 degree bends. Round
ductwork is recommended.
7.3.5 Since the user will have on/off control of the PAFH exhaust fan, air
flow exhausted through the PAFH must not be used by designers to
satisfy the required laboratory ventilation rate (air changes per
hour.) It is recommended that a separate general lab exhaust be
provided with a motorized VAV damper interlocked to the PAFH
exhaust fan control to reduce the general exhaust while the fume
hood is in operation.
7.3.6 The user should turn off the PAFH exhaust fan when the fume hood
is not in use to conserve energy.
7.4
Exhaust Scrubbers
Exhaust scrubbers are difficult to monitor and maintain, and are not
recommended for new installations. A thorough evaluation of more reliable
alternatives must be presented before a retrofit to an existing laboratory of a
PAFH equipped with a scrubber will be approved.
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7.5
Wash Down Facilities
7.5.1
Each PAFH must be provided with a laboratory waste (acid) drain
and a cold water supply.
7.5.2
The PAFH exhaust stack, fan, and internal hood baffles must be
provided with cold water spray nozzles activated by a series of
electric solenoids controlled by a wash down timer control system.
7.5.3 When wash down is initiated, the fan will shut down, and the water
spray solenoids will activate sequentially starting at the very top of
the exhaust stack and completing below the stack washing down
the internal baffles of the fume hood. All wash down water will be
collected by the laboratory waste drain provided.
7.5.4 The PAFH user who initiated the wash down and is familiar with the
normal operation of the control system will remain present in the lab
during wash down to report a malfunction or leak to Facilities.
7.5.5 The PAFH user must wash all surfaces of the interior work space of
the hood to complete the wash down. It is recommended that a
hand held spray nozzle capable of flowing 1 to 2 gpm and drain be
provided within the workspace to facilitate this operation.
7.6
User Controls
7.6.1
Complete automation (remote or BMS control) of the wash down
facilities must not be provided.
7.6.2
The PAFH user must clear all apparatus and chemicals from the
hood prior to initiating a wash down to avoid damaging equipment
or causing spills and/or injury.
7.6.3 The PAFH user must be trained in the safe operation and
maintenance of the fume hood and the handling of Perchloric Acid.
The user‟s safety is best assured by his or her knowledge and
control of the work space.
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7.7
Wash Down Frequency
7.7.1
Occasional or Intermittent Use: The user shall perform a wash
down at the conclusion of the experiment prior to turning the fume
hood over to another user or leaving the hood unused.
7.7.2
Continuous Use: Once per month continuous use operations shall
be interrupted and a responsible user shall perform a wash down.
7.7.3 Maintenance Activity: Facilities personnel shall perform a wash
down prior to commencing any maintenance activity on the fume
hood, fan, drain, or exhaust stack. When maintenance personnel
are unfamiliar with the wash down procedure, they will enlist the aid
of experienced laboratory personnel prior to lock out/tag out of the
fan.
7.8
Non-Corrosive Materials
The use of non-corrosive, smooth and water tight materials is required for all
components involved in the construction of the hood, exhaust stack, drain,
water supply and fan. Compatible plastic materials are ideally suited, but
likely to require a variance in NYC for ductwork. Welded stainless steel is an
alternative where plastic may not be used.
7.9
Commissioning
Application of a water soluble dye and camera inspection are recommended
for commissioning the PAFH wash down facilities. Wash down timers should
be field adjusted to achieve satisfactory cleaning with minimal wasted water.
Additional spray nozzles are likely to be required where bends are made in
ductwork.
8.
Criteria for Radioactive Fume Hoods
Radioactive Materials, as far as fume hoods are concerned can be divided
into three categories: High, Medium, and Low Volatility.
8.1
High Volatility
For example: radioactive iodine (I-125; I-131)
The use of fume hoods in these cases is mandatory. The exhaust
of fume hoods, used for iodination, must be vented directly to the
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COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
GUIDELINES for LABORATORY DESIGN
roof of the building.
Activated Charcoal filters are optional
depending on the amount and frequency of the iodine used.
8.2
Medium Volatility
For example: 5 millicuries or more of Sulfer-35 in the form of
Methionine or Cystien 100 millicuries or more of Hydrogen-3 in the
form of Tritiated Water.
The use of fume hoods in these cases is recommended and is
decided by the Radiation Safety Committee and the Radiation
Safety Officer (RSO).
8.3
Low Volatility
For example: Phosphorus-32 compounds
No fume hood is required unless the amount of activity is 1
millicuries or more.
Note: When working with an unsealed alpha emitter radioactive
material such as Polonium-210, a glove box with HEPA filtered
exhaust must be used. The RSO must be consulted before the use
of such an apparatus.
8.4
General Requirements
8.4.1 Laboratory hoods in which radioactive materials are handled must
be labeled with the radiation hazard symbol.
8.4.2 Fume hoods intended for use with radioactive materials must be
constructed of stainless steel or other materials that will not be
corroded by chemicals used in the hood.
8.4.3 The cabinet on which the hood is installed must be adequate to
support shielding of the radioactive material being used.
8.4.4 The air velocity at the hood opening follows the ANSI standards.
8.4.5 Laboratory hoods must be provided with means of containing minor
spills.
8.4.6 Liquid radioactive waste with high activity must be stored inside a
fume hood with adequate shielding
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9 Appendices
9.1 Appendix 1 – Distance Recommendations for the
Installation of Fume Hoods in a Laboratory
Architectural Feature
Common Pedestrian Walkway
Opposite Bench Used by Chemist
Opposite Hood Used by Chemist
Opposing Wall
Adjoining Wall
Non Egress Doorway
Min Distance from Hood Face (feet) Reference
3.3
1
4.9
2
9.8
2
6.6
2
1
2
1
2
1. British Standards Institute
2. Ventilation Control for the Work Environment by William Burges, Harvard University Press, MJ
Ellenbacker, University of Massachusetts, MA
9.2 Appendix 2 – Members of the Laboratory Design Work Group
Members of the Laboratory Design Work Group 2009
Muhammad Akram, EH&S
Gary Brown, Manhattanville
David Carlson, CU Facilities
Kathleen Crowley, EH&S
Matthew Early, CU Facilities
Wil Elmes, Manhattanville
George Hamawy, EH&S Radiation Safety
Joseph Mannino, Capital Project Management, Morningside
Frank Martino, CU Facilities
Nilda Mesa, Environmental Stewardship
Patrick O‟Reilly, Facilities Management, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory
Cathy Resler, Environmental Stewardship
Paul Rubock, EH&S Biological Safety
Ben Suzuki, Capital Project Management, CUMC
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COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
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Appendix IV - Eye-Face Wash/Drench Hose and Overhead
Emergency Shower
EYE-FACE WASH/DRENCH HOSE COMBINATION UNIT
Definition
A plumbed unit that provides water to both eyes simultaneously and face upon
activation without the need to be held in the user‟s hand while operating and with the
capability of serving as a drench hose, providing water to any part of the body, when
held.
Provision
 Plumbed eye-face wash/drench hoses shall be provided in all new or renovated
laboratories where there is a risk of a hazardous material splash to the eye or body.
 For a laboratory, a unit will be installed on each sink in the work area unless
otherwise indicated by a specified research or facility need/condition.
 A determination, with EH&S shall be made for non-laboratory spaces where the
need for an eye-face wash/drench hose may exist, including, but not limited to glass
washing facilities and mechanical spaces.
 Units shall be manufactured and installed to comply with the most current edition of
the ANSI Standard Z358.1.
 See Figure 1. for representative acceptable eye-face wash/drench hose
combination units.
Performance
 Units shall perform in accordance with all criteria of the most current edition of the
ANSI Standard Z358.1, including, but not limited to, those addressing:
o Flow rate
o Water temperature
o Operation of unit
Installation
 Units shall be installed on each sink in the work area in accordance with the most
current edition of ANSI Z358.1. Installation shall result in all units being in an
immediately accessible location with no more than 10 seconds travel distance to a
unit from anywhere in the work area. In new or renovated laboratories in New York
City, units must also be installed in accordance with New York City Fire Code for
Non-Production Laboratories, which calls for a flexible hand-held (or fixed overhead)
device within 25 feet of the laboratory unit (or chemical storage room). The
architect/engineer must propose equipment location(s) which conform to ANSI
Z358.1 and New York City Fire Code, where applicable.
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COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
GUIDELINES for LABORATORY DESIGN




When mounted on counter tops adjacent to sinks, units shall be positioned within 6
inches of the front of the counter top. All other units shall be positioned between 33
and 45 inches from the level on which the user stands and 6 inches from the nearest
wall or other obstruction.
A mixing valve shall be used to provide tepid water in accordance with the most
current edition of the ANSI Standard Z358.1 specifications).
When installation involves penetration of suspected asbestos-containing material
(e.g., lab bench top), EH&S shall be contacted before initiation of work.
Upon installation, units shall be thoroughly flushed by the installer to confirm proper
water delivery and to remove any metal shavings or other debris. The installer shall
operate the valve to determine that both eyes will be washed simultaneously at a
velocity low enough to be non-injurious to the user in accordance with the most
current edition of the ANSI Standard Z358.1 specifications.
Maintenance
 Contractors shall provide Facilities with operation, and maintenance instructions.
 Units shall be activated weekly by laboratory personnel to verify proper operation, as
per the most current edition of the ANSI Standard Z358.1.
 Units that do not appear to be operating properly shall be repaired by Facilities upon
notification or discovery.
 EH&S training for laboratory personnel with potential exposure to hazardous
materials shall include instructions on the location, operation, and weekly verification
procedures.
OVERHEAD EMERGENCY SHOWER
Definition:
A plumbed device capable of providing uninterrupted water flow to the entire body upon
activation and until intentionally deactivated.
An overhead emergency shower shall be available for laboratories where there is the
potential for a hazardous material splash to the body.
Provision
 Overhead emergency showers shall be provided for all new laboratories or
laboratories undergoing major renovation where there is a risk of injurious bodily
exposure to a hazardous material or where the Department Chair or designee
requests one.
 Situations necessitating the default installation of overhead emergency showers
inside of a laboratory include, but are not limited to, need-based possession of
corrosive materials in excess of 5-gallons; discrete procedural handling of an
excessive volume of flammable, corrosive, or materials acutely toxic via dermal
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COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
GUIDELINES for LABORATORY DESIGN




exposure; or manipulation of such materials (e.g. synthetic chemistry laboratories) in
a way as to increase the potential for spill or gross bodily contamination.
Units shall be manufactured and installed to comply with the most current edition of
the ANSI Standard Z358.1.
The PI, EH&S, and CUF or CUMC CPM, shall collaborate on the siting of overhead
emergency showers.
A determination shall be made for non-laboratory spaces where the need for an
overhead emergency shower may exist, including, but not limited to, glass washing
facilities, acid neutralization tank rooms, and chemical storage rooms.
Floor drains shall be provided in conjunction with the installation of an overhead
emergency shower and must be outfitted with a trap seal primer to prevent the
escape of sewer gas.
Performance
 Units shall perform in accordance with all criteria of the most current edition of the
ANSI Standard Z358.1, including, but not limited to, those addressing:
o Flow rate
o Water temperature
o Operation of unit
o Location
Installation
 Units shall be installed in accordance with the most current edition of ANSI Z358.1.
Installation shall result in all units being in an immediately accessible location with no
more than 10 seconds travel distance to a unit from anywhere in the work area. In
new or renovated laboratories in New York City, units must also be installed in
accordance with New York City Fire Code for Non-Production Laboratories, which
calls for a fixed overhead (or flexible hand-held) device within 25 feet of the
laboratory unit (or chemical storage room). The architect/engineer must propose
equipment location(s) which conform to ANSI Z358.1 and New York City Fire Code,
where applicable.
 Units shall be activated by a „delta‟ or circular ring attached to a rigid (not chain link)
metal bar.
 A mixing valve shall be used to provide tepid water in accordance with the most
current edition of the ANSI Standard Z358.1 specifications.
 Units shall be constructed so that water flow can be readily shut at the site of
activation. (For example, the rigid metal bar referenced above, may be connected to
a paddle lever so that pushing up on the bar returns the lever to the „closed‟ position.
Maintenance
 Contractors shall provide operation, inspection, and maintenance instructions with
equipment, which shall be accessible to maintenance and training personnel.
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COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
GUIDELINES for LABORATORY DESIGN



Units shall be activated annually by Facilities to verify operation and results shall be
recorded on a tag or other record at the location of the shower.
Units that do not appear to be operating properly shall be repaired by Facilities upon
notification or discovery.
EH&S training for laboratory personnel with potential exposure to hazardous
materials shall include instructions on the location and operation.
SIGNAGE: Eye-Face Wash/Drench Hoses and Overhead Emergency Showers


All locations must be identified with a highly visible sign positioned so that it is visible
within the area served by the unit.
For Overhead Emergency Showers located in the corridor, a tent sign shall be used.
(Adopted from American National Standards Institute,
Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment, Z358.1-2008)
Figure 1. Recommended Eye-Face Wash/Drench Hose WaterSaver Model EW1022
50