Laboratory Standard

& Design Guidelines

The Stanford Laboratory Standard & Design Guide is a resource document for use by faculty,
staff, and design professionals during the planning and early design phases of a project. This
Guide is to be used in conjunction with Stanford’s Facilities Design Guidelines and applies to
construction projects for all Stanford University facilities, including leased properties.

The Stanford Laboratory Standard & Design Guide is not “all inclusive.” It does not cover all
regulatory issues, nor does it cover all design situations. It is important to note that use
practices must be considered during the design process, as they can directly influence how the
laboratory will be designed. In all cases, EH&S should be consulted on questions regarding
health, safety, and the environment.

1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose

Stanford University has a continuing need to modernize and upgrade its facilities. The resulting
construction projects often have significant health and safety requirements due to regulatory
oversight. Since these requirements can impact the design of a project, Environmental Health
and Safety (EH&S) prepared this EH&S Laboratory Design Guide to aid the campus community
with planning and design issues. EH&S believes that the Guide, in conjunction with EH&S’s
plan review and consultation, improves design efficiency and minimizes changes.

1.2 Application

The Guide is a resource document for use by faculty, staff, and design professionals for use
during the planning and early design phases of a project. The Guide applies to construction
projects for all Stanford University facilities, including leased properties.

1.3 Format of the Guide

The Guide is formatted to address laboratory design issues pertinent to General Laboratories
(e.g., chemical laboratories) in Section 1, with additional requirements for Radioactive
Materials Laboratories and Biosafety Level 2 Laboratories presented in Sections 2 and 3
respectively. Within the sections, specific design criteria are provided. Comments are included
under the specific design criterion to give the user the rational behind the design feature.

1.4 References

References include regulations (e.g., Cal/OSHA and Fire Code), concensus standards (e.g.,
ANSI/ASHRAE), and good practices. Good practices stem from industry standards and/or the
judgement/knowledge of Standard University’s EH&S professionals.

Design criteria are designated in the following ways:

Shall:

Criterion is mandated by applicable regulation(s).

 The user of the Guide is required to include the design feature.

Must:

Criterion is based on well-established consensus standards/guidelines. “Must” is used to

reflect a Stanford requirement, although not required by a regulation.

 The user of the Guide is required to include the design feature.

Should:

Criterion is advisory in nature, based on good engineering and safety practices.

 It is left to the discretion of the user of the Guide to include the design feature.

1.5 Limitations of the Guide

The EH&S Laboratory Design Guide is not “all inclusive.” It does not cover all regulatory
issues nor does it cover all design situations. It is important to note that use practices must be
considered during the design process, as they can directly influence how the laboratory will be
designed (e.g., how hazardous materials are used impacts how they are stored, which is a
design issue). In all cases, EH&S should be consulted on questions regarding health, safety,
and environment.

1.6 Acknowledgement

The majority of this document was adapted from the University of California Environmental
Health and Safety Laboratory Safety Design Guide. Stanford University Environmental Health
& Safety expresses great appreciation to University of California for all initial efforts put forth
in its original development.
 2. General Requirements For Stanford University Laboratories

2.1 Regulations, Standards and References

Regulations:

 Federal Code of Regulations (CFR), Title 29, Labor

 California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 8, Cal/OSHA Standards
 California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 24, Part 9, Uniform Fire Code
 California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2, California Building Code
 CDC Select Agents, Title 42, Chapter I, Part 72 – Interstate Shipment of Etiologic Agents
 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Handbook 70: National Electric Code
 California Radiation Control Regulations, Title 17
 Palo Alto Municipal Code, Title 16, Building Regulations
 County of Santa Clara Municipal Code Section B11, Chapters XIII and XIV, Hazardous
Material and Toxic Gas Storage

Consensus Standards and References:

 American National Standard for Laboratory Ventilation (ANSI/AIHA Z9.5-2012)

 American National Standard for Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human
Occupancy (ANSI/ASHRAE 55-1992)
 State of California, Department of Health Services, Radiologic Health Branch,
 Guide for the Preparation of Applications for Medical Programs (RH 2010 4/90) (not
formally adopted)
 “Safe Handling of Radioactive Materials”, National Council on Radiation Protection
(NBS Handbook 92)
 “Safe Handling of Radionuclides”, International Atomic Energy Agency, Safety Series
No. 1, (1973 ed. is still current as of 1999) (IAEA)
 CDC-NIH Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories, 5th Edition
 National Institutes of Health Design Requirements Manual, December 12, 2016
 National Research Council (2011) Prudent Practices in the Laboratory

2.2 Scope

The primary objective in laboratory design is to provide a safe environment for

laboratory personnel to conduct their work. A secondary objective is to allow for the
maximum flexibility for safe research use. Undergraduate teaching laboratories require
other specific design considerations. Therefore, all health and safety hazards must be
anticipated and carefully evaluated so that protective measures can be incorporated into
the design. No matter how well designed a laboratory is, improper usage of its facilities
will always defeat the engineered safety features. Proper education of the facility users is
essential.
The General Requirements listed in this section illustrate some of the basic health and
safety elements to include in all new and remodeled laboratories at Stanford. Variations
from these guidelines need approval from SU Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S).
The subsections of Section 1.0 provide specific guidance on additional critical features of
a general laboratory (e.g., fume hoods, hazardous materials storage, and compressed
gases.)

2.3 Building Requirements

1. Designer Qualifications- The designer must have the appropriate professional license
in his/her area of expertise.

Good Practice

2. Building Occupancy Classification- Occupancy classification is to be based upon an

assessment of a projected chemical inventory of the building. Prior to the final design, the
campus fire safety organization will need to assign an occupancy class to ensure
compliance with the building codes.

24 CCR, Part 2 (California Building Code)

24 CCR, Part 9 (California Fire Code)

3. Environmental Permits- Project managers must consult with SU EH&S to identify

permitting and pollution abatement engineering requirements for the building. This
should be done well before key resource allocation decisions are made.

2.4 Building Design Issues

Because the handling and storage of hazardous materials inherently carries a higher risk
of exposure and injury, it is important to segregate laboratory and non-laboratory
activities. In an academic setting, the potential for students to need access to laboratory
personnel, such as instructors and assistants, is great. A greater degree of safety will
result when nonlaboratory work and interaction is conducted in a space separated from
the laboratory.
1. Special consideration should be given to the choice of fireproof construction for the
buildings. The selection of the site shall be such to minimize the risk of landslide or flood
damage.
Safe Handling of Radionuclides 1973 Edition Section 3.3.1

Good practice per Stanford University EH&S

 2. An automatically triggered main gas shutoff valve for the building shall be provided
for use in a seismic event. In addition, interior manual shutoff valves shall be provided
for both research and teaching areas.
Good Practice per Stanford University EH&S
3. Large sections of glass shall be shatter resistant.
Good Practice per Stanford University EH&S
In the event of a severe earthquake, as the glass in cabinets and windows breaks, the
shards need to be retained to prevent injury.
4. Offices and write-up desks for laboratory personnel should be located outside of the
laboratory space. Locating the office zones very close to the laboratory, preferably within
the line of sight achieved via the use of glass walls or walls with viewing windows, will
provide easy access, visibility, and communication.
 Locating offices and write-up desks outside the laboratory environment allows for a safer
workspace where food can be consumed, quiet work can be done, and more paper and
books can be stored.
Where it is necessary to have offices or write-up desks within research areas, there
must be adequate separation between the laboratory area and the office areas.
 Adequate separation can be achieved through a combination of distance and/or physical
barriers (e.g., partitions or walls), such that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is not
required while sitting at desks. Different flooring between the office and laboratory zones
is desirable, as it can provide a visual cue between the office/write- up desk area of the
lab and the area where hazardous materials are used and stored.
 When write-up desks are located within the laboratory, they must be at the entrance of the
laboratory, with the wet lab benches, fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, and equipment
using or storing chemicals, biological materials, and radioactive materials located on the
opposite side of the laboratory; this allows laboratory personnel and visitors to enter the
laboratory without traveling through the hazardous materials zone of the lab.
It is important to segregate laboratory and non-laboratory activities because (1) the
handling and storage of hazardous materials inherently carries a higher risk of exposure
and injury; (2) the egress path from a lab desk to an exit should not require movement
through a more hazardous zone; and (3) it is prohibited to store, consume food, apply
make-up or chew gum in areas where hazardous materials are used and/or stored.
National Research Council, Prudent Practices in the Laboratory, Chapter 9.B (2011)

DiBerardinis, Louis, et al. Guidelines for Laboratory Design, Chapter 2.1.1.4 (2013)

National Institutes of Health Design Requirements Manual (December 12, 2016) Sections 2.1.3.5, 2.2.4.1

Cal/OSHA Standard 5191, Appendix A, Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories

California Radioactive Material License, 0676-43

2.5 Laboratory Design Considerations

Walls/Doors/Security
1. The laboratory shall be completely separated from outside areas (i.e., must be
bound by four walls).
California Radiation Control Regulations, Title 17

State of California, Department of Health Services, Radiologic Health Branch

Guide for the Preparation of Applications for Medical Programs (RH 2010 4/90)
Having enclosed laboratories will help contain spills, keep unauthorized personnel from
entering areas where hazardous operations are performed, etc. These regulations apply
specifically to laboratories containing radioactive materials; however, Stanford
University EH&S interprets this to include all laboratories (e.g., general chemistry and
electronics).
2. The laboratory shall have means of securing specifically regulated materials such
as DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) controlled substances and CDC
(Centers for Disease Control) select agents and radioactive materials (i.e., lockable
doors, lockable cabinets, etc.).
CDC Select Agents

Controlled Substances Act, Section 803

California Radiation Control Regulations, Title 17

State of California, Department of Health Services, Radiologic Health Branch,

Guide for the Preparation of Applications for Medical Programs (RH 2010 4/90)
Having secured hazardous materials storage will keep unauthorized personnel from
gaining access to them. These regulations apply specifically to laboratories containing
radioactive materials and CDC Select Agents; however, Stanford University EH&S
interprets this to include all laboratories (e.g., general chemistry and electronics).
Windows
3. If the laboratory has windows that open, they must be fitted with insect screens.
CDC-NIH Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BSL 2, D.5)

Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules (NIH Guidelines) Appendix Physical Containment-II-B-4-e: Physical

Containment/Laboratory Facilities (BL2)

Insects, particularly flies, are known to be a potential carrier of disease. To keep insects
out of the lab, the doors must be closed while an experiment is in progress, and windows
shall be screened if they are capable of being opened. These references apply specifically
to laboratories containing biological materials; however, Stanford University EH&S
interprets this to include all laboratories (e.g., general chemistry and electronics).
Flooring
4. The floor must be non-pervious, one piece, and with covings to the wall. This can
be achieved by use of glue, heat welded vinyl flooring, epoxy coated concrete slab,
etc.
NBS Handbook 92

IAEA, Safe Handling of Radionuclides

Guide for the Preparation of Applications for Medical Programs (RH 2010 4/90)
Floors should be coved up walls and cabinets to ensure spills cannot penetrate underneath
floors/cabinets. Tiles and wooden planks are not appropriate because liquids can seep
through the small gaps between them. These references apply specifically to laboratories
containing biological and radioactive materials; however, Stanford University EH&S
interprets this to include all laboratories (e.g., general chemistry, electronics, etc.).
5. Floors in storage areas for corrosive liquids shall be of liquid tight construction.
CCR, Title 24, Part 9, Sections 8003.1.7.2, 8003.14.1.2
Sinks
6. Each laboratory must contain a sink for handwashing.
CDC-NIH Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BSL 2, D.1)

Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules (NIH Guidelines) Appendix Physical Containment-II-B-4-d: Physical

Containment/Laboratory Facilities (BL2)

NBS Handbook 92

IAEA, Safe Handling of Radionuclides

Exposure to hazardous materials and/or pathogenic organisms can occur by hand-to-
mouth transmission. It is extremely important that hands are washed prior to leaving the
laboratory. For this very reason, the sink should be located close to the egress. These
references apply specifically to laboratories containing biological and radioactive
materials; however, Stanford University EH&S interprets this to include all laboratories
(e.g., general chemistry and electronics).
7. Laboratory sinks shall have lips that protect sink drains from spills.
P.A. Ordinance. 16.09.032(b)(13)
Sink lips or berms should be >= 0.25 inches and designed to completely separate the lab
bench or fume hood work area from the sink drain.
Chemical/Waste Storage
8. Chemical storage shelves shall not be placed above laboratory sinks.
P.A. Ordinance, 16.09.091
9. Sufficient space or facilities (e.g., storage cabinets with partitions) shall be
provided so that incompatible chemicals/gases (waste and non-waste) can be
physically separated and stored. This will be based on the chemical inventory and
use projection provided by the Principal Investigator to the project and EH&S. If
the project scope cannot provide sufficient storage the user must develop a written
management control plan to include as part of their local Chemical Hygiene Plan.
Good Practice per Stanford University EH&S

CCR, Title 24, Part 9, Section 8001.9.8

Materials which in combination with other substances may cause a fire or explosion, or
may liberate a flammable or poisonous gas, must be kept separate. When designing the
shelves, it is important to factor in enough space for secondary containers. Recommend
that solvent storage not be located under the laboratory fume hood, as this is a
location where fires are most likely to occur in laboratories.
All labs should be designed to conveniently and safely accommodate the temporary
storage of biological, radiological, and chemicals (non-waste and waste) based on
laboratory use projections. Wastes are generally stored in the lab in which they are
generated, not in centralized accumulation areas.
Furniture Design, Location, and Exit Paths
10. All furniture must be sturdy. All work surfaces (e.g., bench tops and counters)
must be impervious to the chemicals used. The counter top should incorporate a lip
to help prevent run-off onto the floor.
NBS Handbook 92

IAEA, Safe Handling of Radionuclides

Guide for the Preparation of Applications for Medical Programs (RH 2010 4/90)

CDC-NIH Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BSL 2, D.3)

Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules (NIH Guidelines) Physical Containment-II-B-4-b : Physical Containment/Laboratory

Facilities (BL2)
For example, many microbiological manipulations involve concurrent use of chemical
solvents such as formaldehyde, phenol, and ethanol as well as corrosives. The lab bench
must be resistant to the chemical actions of these substances and disinfectants. Wooden
bench tops are not appropriate because an unfinished wood surface can absorb liquids.
Also, wood burns rapidly in the event of a fire. Fiberglass is inappropriate since it can
degrade when strong disinfectants are applied. Fiberglass also releases toxic smoke when
burned. These references apply specifically to laboratories containing biological and
radioactive materials; however, Stanford University EH&S interprets this to include all
laboratories (e.g., general chemistry and electronics).
11. Vented cabinets with electrical receptacles and sound insulation should be
provided for the placement of individual vacuum pumps where their use is
anticipated. A one- to two-inch hole for the vacuum line hose from the cabinet to the
bench top should be provided.
Good Practice
12. The lab shall have a minimum aisle clearance of at least 24 inches. Main aisles
used for emergency egress must have a clearance width of at least 36 inches.
CCR Title 8, 3272(b)

NFPA 45, Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories

Clear aisles and exits are necessary to facilitate departure in the event of an emergency.
In practice, lab aisles must be designed wider than 24” so that even with the presence of
lab stools and other miscellaneous items, a clearance of 24” is always maintained.
13. A pathway clearance of 36 inches must be maintained at the face of the
access/exit door.
Good Practice per Stanford University EH&S
Lab benches must not impede emergency access to an exit. This is also applicable to
placement of other furniture and appliances such as chairs, stools, refrigerators, etc.
14. Designated storage space should be provided for lab carts. Location must not
reduce width of corridors or aisles to less than code-required widths. Lab carts
should be secured with earthquake restraints when not in use.
Good practice per Stanford University EH&S. see also information on “Earthquake Restraints” below.
15. Furniture design must comply with basic ergonomic specifications referenced in
the SU Facilities Design and Construction Standards (Section 01310, Part A – 1.04)
Good Practice
Lack of properly designed workstations can increase safety and ergonomic risks for
occupants.
16. Laboratory shelving should NOT be installed at heights and distances which
require workers to reach 30 centimeters above shoulder height and extend arms
greater than 30 centimeters while holding objects 16 kg or less when standing on the
floor or on a 12” step stool.
ACGIH Threshold Limit Values for Chemicals Substances and Physical Agents & Biological Agents

Good practice per Stanford University EH&S.

Installation of high shelving, above laboratory benches in particular, can create several
potential hazards, including, but not limited to ergonomic issues (over reaching above
shoulders and across lab benches); spill and exposures to chemical, radiological or
biological agents (e.g., dropping containers when accessing them at high levels). If high
shelving were installed, administrative controls, which are often burdensome, would be
required. A system for ensuring safe access would include prohibition on the materials
stored on shelves, limitations on the frequency of use, availability of ladders or ladders
stands, training on ladders, etc. (See also #15 and “Earthquake Restraint” information
below.)
17. The space between adjacent workstations and laboratory benches should be 5 ft.
or greater to provide ease of access. In a teaching laboratory, the desired spacing is
6 ft. Bench spacing shall be considered and included in specifications and plans.
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)

Title I, “Employment,” Sec. 101, “Definitions,” 42 USC 12111 9(A)

Title III, “Public Accommodations and Services Operated by Private Entities,” Sec. 303, New Construction and

Alterations in Public Accommodations and Commercial Facilities,” 42 USC 12183.

NFPA 45, Chapters 2 and 3

18. The laboratory doors shall be automatically self-closing. Such self-closing doors
are to be able to be opened with a minimum of effort as to allow access and egress
for physically challenged individuals.
24 CCR, Part 2, Chap. 10

24 CCR, Part 9 1007.4.4

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)

Title III, “Public Accommodations and Services Operated by Private Entities,” Sec. 303, New Construction and

Alterations in Public Accommodations and Commercial Facilities,” Pt. 36, Appendix A

Prudent Practices in the Laboratory, 5.C

19. Doors in H-occupancy laboratories shall have doors which swing in the
direction of egress. Doors serving B-occupancy shall swing in the direction of egress
if the occupant load is 50 or more. Where possible, all B-occupancy lab doors should
swing out.
1997 California Building Code
Doors which swing in the direction of egress will facilitate occupant departures from
laboratories during emergencies.
20. Sufficient space or facilities must be provided for the storage, donning and
doffing of personal protective equipment used in the laboratory.
National Institutes of Health Design Requirements Manual (December 12, 2016) Section 2.1.3.5

Good practice per Stanford University EH&S

Facilities such as hooks or cabinets for lab coats, containers for safety eyewear and/or
hearing protection, must be provided so that personnel are able to don and doff the
personal protective equipment (PPE) before entering and exiting the hazardous areas of
the laboratory. PPE storage should be separate from any storage provided for ordinary
clothing.
Illumination
21. Laboratory areas shall be provided adequate natural or artificial illumination
to ensure sufficient visibility for operational safety.
NUREG 1556 Vol. 7 Appendix K

Safe Handling of Radionuclides, Section 3.3.5 (1973 ed.)

State of California, Department of Health Services, Radiologic Health Branch, Guide for the Preparation of

Applications for Medical Programs (RH 2010 4/90)

Title 8, 3317, Illumination

Earthquake Restraints
22. All equipment requiring anchoring shall be anchored, supported and braced to
the building structure in accordance with CCR Title 24, Part 2, Table 16A-O. For
example, any equipment, including but not limited to, appliances and shelving that
are 48 inches or higher and have the potential for falling over during an earthquake,
shall be permanently braced or anchored to the wall and/or floor.
California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 24, Part 2, Table 16A-O, California Building Standards Commission (2007)

California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 8, 3241, California Building Standards Commission (2007)

This practice keeps these items from falling in the event of an earthquake and assures that
safety while exiting is not compromised.
23. A channeled anchoring station for seismic bracing of equipment, named the
Universal Restraining Bar, shall be installed along all bench top/counters in
laboratories and other horizontal surfaces that house equipment. These bars shall
be installed at the back edge of the bench to minimize bench space used. Examples
and guidance are provided on the ProtectSU website protectsu.stanford.edu. This
system will allow a bracing point for all bench top equipment and will provide
standard bracing locations for all benchtop equipment. This bar allows for bracing
of items in a way that allows them to be moved to another location when needed,
and re-braced after moving. The bar should be adhered to the benchtop with very
high bond adhesive so that no holes are drilled.
ProtectSU, Stanford’s Seismic Mitigation Initiative, protectsu.stanford.edu
24. All shelves must have a passive restraining system to adequately prevent shelf
contents from toppling over. Seismic shelf lips (3/4 inch or greater), sliding doors, or
mesh nets are examples. The shelves themselves must be firmly fixed so they cannot
be vibrated out of place and allow shelf contents to fall.
Prudent Practices in the Laboratory (2011 edition), 3.B.1.4 and 5.E.2

Good Practice per Stanford University EH&S

Installation of seismic lips on shelving areas will prevent stored items from falling during
a seismic event. For bookshelves, friction matting may be substituted upon consultation
with EH&S.
25. All equipment requiring anchoring, whether installed by a contractor or the
University, shall be anchored, supported, and braced to the building structure in
accordance with 24 CCR Part 2, Table 16A-O.
CCR, Title 24, Part 2 Table 16A-O
26. Cabinets must be equipped with positive locking door latches.
FEMA, Reducing the Risks of Nonstructural Earthquake Damage
Examples include barrel bolts, safety hasps, and child proof locks. These latches will not
allow the cabinet door to open unless the locking mechanism is triggered. Magnetic or
pinch grip catches are not considered “positive locking” and hence should not be used.
Cleanability
27. The laboratory shall be designed so that it can be easily cleaned. Bench tops
must be a seamless one-piece design to prevent contamination. Laminate bench tops
are not suitable. Penetrations for electrical, plumbing, and other considerations
must be completely and permanently sealed. If the bench abuts a wall, it must be
coved or have a backsplash against the wall. Walls should be painted with washable,
hard non-porous paints.
CDC-NIH Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories, (BSL 2, D.2)

Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules (NIH Guidelines) Appendix Physical Containment-II-B-4-a: Physical

Containment/Laboratory Facilities (BL2)

NBS Handbook 92

IAEA, Safe Handling of Radionuclides

Wooden and wood finish walls or floors are not appropriate because they can absorb
hazardous and/or potentially infectious material, particularly liquids, making
decontamination/remediation virtually impossible. These references apply specifically to
laboratories containing biological and radioactive materials; however, Stanford
University EH&S interprets this to include all laboratories (e.g., general chemistry and
electronics).
28. Spaces between benches, cabinets, and equipment must be accessible for
cleaning and allow for servicing of equipment.
CDC-NIH Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BSL 2, D.4)

Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules (NIH Guidelines) Appendix Physical Containment-II-B-4-c : Physical

Containment/Laboratory Facilities (BL2)

Laboratory furniture must have smooth, non-porous surfaces so as to resist the absorption
of liquids and the harsh effects of disinfectants. Furniture must not be positioned in such
a manner that makes it difficult to clean spilled liquids or conduct routine maintenance.
For example, positioning a Class II biosafety cabinet in a limited concave space might
 not allow the biosafety cabinet certifier to remove panels of the cabinet when recertifying
the unit. These references apply specifically to laboratories containing biological and
radioactive materials; however, Stanford University EH&S interprets this to include all
laboratories (e.g., general chemistry and electronics).
Breakrooms
29. The design of the laboratory building must incorporate adequate additional
facilities for food storage/consumption and personal hygiene tasks.
California Radioactive Material License, 0676-43

State of California, Department of Health Services, Radiologic Health Branch – DOHS 2010

Stanford University Radiation Safety Manual

Per 8 CCR 3368(b), 5193(d)(2), the storage and consumption of food, application of
cosmetics or lip balm, or handling of contact lens in areas they may be contaminated by
any toxic material or bloodborne pathogen is prohibited.

2.6 Mechanical Considerations

3 Ventilation

3.1 Regulations, Standards and References

Regulations:

 California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 8, Section 5154.1, Ventilation requirements for
laboratory type hood operations

 California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 5209, Carcinogens

 Carcinogens Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) 10, Parts 20 and 35

 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Handbook 45, Standard on Fire Protection for
Laboratories Using Chemicals

 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Handbook 99 Standard for Health Care Facilities

Consensus Standards and References:

 American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Z358.1 Emergency Eyewash and Shower
Equipment

 American National Standard for Laboratory Ventilation (ANSI/AIHA Z9.5)

 American National Standard for Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy
(ANSI/ASHRAE 55-1992)

 The CalDAG – California Disabled Accessibility Guidebook

  Guide for the Preparation of Applications for Medical Programs (RH 2010 4/90) (not formally
adopted) (DOHS 2010)

 “CRC Handbook of Laboratory Safety, 4th Ed.” CRC Press 1995.

 “Safe Handling of Radionuclides”, International Atomic Energy Agency, Safety Series No. 1, (1973
ed. is still current as of 1999) (IAEA)

3.2 Scope

The requirements of this Guide applies to all Stanford laboratory buildings, laboratory units, and
laboratory work areas in which hazardous materials are used, handled, or stored

3.3 General Ventilation Considerations

1. The room should have mechanically generated supply air and exhaust air. All lab rooms
shall use 100% outside air and exhaust to the outside. There shall be no return of
fume hood and laboratory exhaust back into the building.

Good Practice per Stanford University EH&S

Prudent Practices in the Laboratory 8.C, 8.D

CCR, Title 24, Part 3, Section 505.3

NFPA 45, Chapter 6-4.1

ANSI/AIHA Z9.5, 4.10.3

The air balance of the room cannot be adjusted unless there is mechanically generated
supply and exhaust air.
2. Mechanical climate control should be provided.

Good Practice per Stanford University EH&S

 Per ASHRAE 55-1992, comfortable temperature range are defined as

follows: Winter: 69-76 °F (at 35% RH); Summer: 73-79 °F (at 60% RH)
 Electrical appliances often exhaust heat into a room (e.g., REVCO freezer, incubator, and
autoclave). Failure to take this effect into consideration may result in an artificially warm
working environment. Windows must not be opened for a cooling effect since the room
air balance will be altered. A cool room must not be heated with a portable heater that
may be a fire hazard.
3. Cabinetry or other structures or equipment must not block or reduce effectiveness of
supply or exhaust air.

Good Practice per Stanford University EH&S

Many supply diffusers and room exhaust room outlets are located along laboratory walls. Storage
of boxes near these openings may obstruct the circulation of air and supply or exhaust air
functioning.
4. Ventilation Rates
 General laboratories using hazardous materials shall have a minimum of 6 air changes
per hour (ACH). Exhaust ventilation shall be continuous.

2013 CMC section 403.7, Table 403.7

2013 California Fire Code 5004.3

2015 ASHRAE Handbook—HVAC Applications, Chapter 16

The Fire Code requires exhaust ventilation at 1 cfm/ft2 of floor area for dispensing, use, and
storage of hazardous materials in buildings operating above the maximum allowable quantity
(MAQ). In a room with a 10 ft. ceiling, this equates to 6 ACH. The Mechanical Code requires a
minimum exhaust ventilation rate of 1 cfm/ft2 for Educational Science Laboratories.
 Upon consultation with EH&S, some labs may be candidates for reduced airflow changes
(from 6 ACH to 4 ACH) when unoccupied during nonbusiness hours.
 Many laboratory buildings now have laser rooms and rooms with analytic tools that do
not require hazardous materials. Such rooms have been permitted with 3 to 4 ACH.
Careful consideration should be given to not only current, but also future use of the
laboratory as research needs change. Without adequate exhaust ventilation, future use of
hazardous materials in the space will be restricted or require potentially costly
retrofitting.
5. Laboratories must be maintained under negative pressure in relation to the corridor or
other less hazardous areas. Clean rooms requiring positive pressure should have entry
vestibules provided with door-closing mechanisms so that both doors are not open at the
same time. Consult with SU Fire Marshal for design details.

ANSI/AIHA Z9.5 – 1992, 4.11.4-4.11.5

As a general rule, airflow should be from areas of low hazard, unless the laboratory is used as a
clean or sterile room.
6. Where appropriate, general ventilation systems should be designed, such that, in the
event of an accident, they can be shut down and isolated to contain radioactivity.

Good Practice per Stanford University

7. The air velocity volume in each duct should be sufficient to prevent condensation or
liquid or condensable solids on the walls of the ducts.

Good Practice per Stanford University

The ACGIH Industrial Ventilation handbook (22nd edition) recommends a velocity of 1000- 2000
fpm.
8. Fume hoods should not be the sole means of room air exhaust. General room exhaust
outlets shall be provided where necessary to maintain minimum air change rates and
temperature control.

Good Practice per Stanford University

9. Operable windows should be prohibited in new lab buildings and should not be used on
modifications to existing buildings.

Good Practice per Stanford University

10. Local exhaust ventilation (e.g., “snorkels” or “elephant trunks”), other than fume
hoods, shall be designed to adequately control exposures to hazardous chemicals. An
exhausted manifold or manifolds with connections to local exhaust may be provided as
needed to collect potentially hazardous exhausts from gas chromatographs, vacuum
pumps, excimer lasers, or other equipment which can produce potentially hazardous air
pollutants. The contaminant source needs to be enclosed as much as possible, consistent
with operational needs, to maximize control effectiveness and minimize air handling
difficulties and costs.

ACGIH, Industrial Ventilation: A Manual of Recommended Practice, 23rd edition, or latest edition

Enclosure minimizes the volume of airflow needed to attain any desired degree of containment
control. This reduces fan size, motor horsepower, make up air volume, and make up air
conditioning costs.
11. Hoods should be labeled to show which fan or ventilation system they are connected to.

Good Practice per Stanford University

12. No laboratory ventilation system ductwork shall be internally insulated. Sounds baffles
or external acoustical insulation at the source should be used for noise control.

Good Practice per Stanford University

Fiberglass duct liner deteriorates with aging and sheds into the space resulting in IAQ
complaints, adverse health effects, maintenance problems and significant economical impact.
Glass wool and refractory ceramic fibers are now rated as possible carcinogens by the National
Toxicology program.
13. Air exhausted from laboratory work areas shall not pass unducted through other
areas.

NFPA 45, Chapter 6-4.3