Part 1 – Basic laboratory design features

In this lesson, we will explore how a well-designed facility plays a crucial role in supporting biorisk management. Facility design is a critical component of biorisk management, as it can either enhance or hinder the effectiveness of biorisk management practices within a laboratory setting. When equipment is not positioned correctly, doors are not placed strategically, sinks are not easily accessible, or if the laboratory is overcrowded, it can lead to potential issues. Therefore, it is imperative to have a properly designed facility and laboratory layout with the necessary features that enable workers to carry out their tasks safely and securely.

As you may recall, there are multiple layers of controls in place to ensure the safety and security of working with pathogens. Each layer complements the others, creating a comprehensive system of protection. In previous lessons, we emphasized the importance of practices and procedures in pathogen handling. We also discussed the significance of safety equipment, personal protective gear, and engineering controls such as biosafety cabinets. In this lesson, we will delve into the third layer of defense: facility design. It is crucial for all layers to work in harmony, supporting one another to enhance the security and safety of pathogen-related work.

Let us start by examining the foundation of all biosafety levels, often referred to as containment level one or biosafety level one. At this level of containment, standard laboratory construction methods can be utilized as no special engineering features or ventilation requirements are necessary. However, it is imperative that the laboratory is enclosed by four walls, a floor, and a ceiling to ensure separation from other non-laboratory areas such as hallways, offices, break rooms, and storage spaces. Mixing of these areas is strongly discouraged as it can result in contamination of non-laboratory items and personnel.

All laboratories must be equipped with doors to effectively separate the laboratory from non-laboratory spaces. These doors should be capable of being closed and locked to uphold safety and security measures. Additionally, laboratory doors should be fitted with vision panels to allow visibility of individuals on the other side when opened. In the event that windows are present to allow for natural light, they should not open to the exterior. If opening is necessary for ventilation, ensure that they are equipped with fly screens and are lockable to prevent unauthorized access.
All surfaces within the laboratory must be easily cleanable, including floors, ceilings, walls, and bench surfaces. Inappropriate materials in the laboratory include carpets on floors, unfinished wood on benches or walls, and any cloth hangings or cloth-covered chairs. Suitable finishes include epoxy-painted walls or floors, tiled or linoleum floors, and stainless steel, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, HDPE, or laminate laboratory benches. All working surfaces should be impervious to water and resistant to chemical degradation. Benches and furniture should be sturdy enough to safely support the weight of scientific equipment such as centrifuges, incubators, and microscopes.

Signage should be displayed on the outside of all laboratories at all biosafety levels, indicating entry requirements, hazards within, containment level, contact information for the person responsible for the laboratory, and other relevant information. Consideration should be given to the placement of this signage, ensuring it is easily visible and accessible. Placing the sign on the door, as shown in the picture, or on the side beside the door is preferable to blocking the door window. Additionally, it is recommended to use a holder that allows for easy exchange of signs, as laboratory activities, contact information, and hazards may change over time.
It is imperative that all laboratories are designed with ample space in mind. Far too often, laboratories become overcrowded and cluttered due to a lack of storage provided to workers. This results in unnecessary supplies being brought into the laboratory, such as boxes of plastic ware, extra reagents, and test kits that are not required for the current work being conducted. It is essential to only have working supplies and reagents present in the laboratory to ensure a safe and efficient work environment. In the event of a spill or accident, having excess materials in the laboratory can complicate the cleanup process and hinder decontamination efforts. The images provided depict two contrasting laboratory settings, with the cluttered and unsafe environment on the left serving as a stark reminder of the importance of proper storage and organization.

Workers must don and doff their personal protective equipment (PPE) before entering and exiting the laboratory, necessitating a designated space with a coat rack or wall hooks for PPE storage. Additional space for PPE changes may also be required within the laboratory, particularly when transitioning between different rooms or areas. Proper storage for additional PPE, such as goggles or respirators, must be incorporated into the laboratory design to ensure adherence to biosafety and biosecurity protocols. Failure to provide adequate storage solutions can lead to errors and lapses in safety practices. For instance, without a designated area for hanging laboratory coats, they may end up draped over chairs, posing a potential hazard (as shown).

Handwashing is a fundamental hygienic practice that plays a crucial role in preventing the transmission of communicable diseases. Therefore, a hand wash basin must be located at the laboratory exit to facilitate hand hygiene before leaving the premises. It is essential that this sink is separate and different from the laboratory sink, which is used for chemical and biological disposal. A dedicated basin should be specifically designed and allocated for hand washing only.
Laboratory sinks are essential for washing reusable glassware, decontaminating materials, disposing of liquids, and providing running water for diluting other materials. It is important to have a separate sink for these purposes, different from the hand washing basin. This sink is typically deeper and made from special materials to withstand corrosive chemicals that may be used in the laboratory. It should be located at the end of the laboratory bench and connected to the building via chemical-resistant piping.

In addition, all laboratories must have an eye wash station and chemical shower to address any splashes of chemicals to the face, eyes, and body. The eye wash and body shower stations should be easily accessible, with a mechanism that is simple to operate. Regular testing of these stations is crucial to ensure they function properly during emergencies. It is imperative that all laboratory personnel are aware of the location of the stations and know how to use them effectively.

From a laboratory design perspective, it is important to consider the location of the eye wash station, ensure that it provides tempered water, and proper drainage. Individuals should flush their eyes with warm water for at least 15 minutes in case of an emergency. If an eye wash station was not initially included in the laboratory design, it may be possible to retrofit one into an existing laboratory sink (as shown). Watch the provided video on emergency eye wash stations to understand their appearance and proper usage.
Video
In order to maintain proper biosafety standards, all laboratories operating at various biosafety levels must establish protocols for waste segregation, collection, and storage. This entails ensuring that waste is disposed of in the appropriate containers, such as plastic bags for general waste, solid boxes for sharps, pails or trays for liquids, and glass containers for chemicals. These waste receptacles must be strategically placed within the laboratory, whether on benches, floors, or near the laboratory entrance.

It is imperative that these containers are easily accessible and located in close proximity to where biowaste is generated. For instance, a foot-operated, pedal-type bin with a lid that opens upwards may be necessary, which requires additional space. Sharps containers, available in various sizes, must also be accommodated within the laboratory, along with large broken glass containers that require ample space.

Compliance with safety regulations mandates the presence of fire extinguishers in laboratories. These extinguishers should be mounted on walls with proper signage for easy identification and access. Placing fire extinguishers on the floor is unacceptable and poses a safety hazard. When designing a laboratory layout, careful consideration must be given to the appropriate number and placement of fire extinguishers. They should be easily reachable, clearly marked, and positioned at waist height on unobstructed wall space.

Furthermore, ensure that the laboratory is well-lit with adequate lighting for the room and task lighting at each work station. Additionally, the room should be equipped with a ventilation system that effectively removes humidity, odors, and heat to ensure the safety and comfort of workers.

Now, let’s look at an animated cartoon of a basic biosafety level I laboratory and explore some of its key features. Upon entering the laboratory, you will notice signage on the door. Inside, you may find a chemical storage cabinet, a fume hood for handling chemicals, bench surface areas, an eye wash station near the laboratory sink, individuals wearing lab coats, equipment on bench surfaces, designated spaces for refrigerators and freezers, and a chemical shower outside in case of chemical splashes. Simple biosafety level I (BSL1) laboratories are primarily suitable for educational purposes, utilizing low-risk pathogens.

In conclusion, it is essential to emphasize that facility design plays a crucial role in supporting biorisk management. Proper facility design enables individuals to perform tasks safely and efficiently in the laboratory. Adequate space should be provided to accommodate work activities and storage needs, while ensuring that equipment is appropriately placed. It is important to avoid mixed-use spaces and prioritize purpose-built rooms with flexibility for future expansion or modifications. Offices within laboratories are discouraged, as they can lead to cross contamination from dirty to clean spaces. Designing facilities with a clear focus on functionality and safety is paramount for effective laboratory operations.