Sustainable and safe laboratories

Biocontainment laboratories deal with microorganisms that in many cases can cause disease in humans and in some cases cause disease in plants or animals. These laboratories are often called microbiological and biomedical laboratories. Since ventilation design and operation play a key role in containment facilities, a thorough understanding of the specialised requirements is necessary to safeguard researchers and other occupants of the building from potential exposure through inhalation.

Cleanrooms are designed to provide a working environment with minimal airborne particulate materials and constant temperature, humidity, air pressure, and airflow patterns.  Clean rooms need positive pressurisation to prevent infiltration that could compromise requirements for cleanliness.

Vivariums require more detailed and focused design engineering than most other types of laboratory environments. The stability and quality of the animals’ environment are vital to their well-being and to the integrity of research. The provision of clean air is critical for both the animals and caregivers.  The ventilation system must create a safe, comfortable working environment. In addition, it must ensure that contaminated and odorous air is exhausted and pressure gradients with directional airflow are maintained.

Chemistry laboratories are often subjected to rapid changes or disturbances from the opening and closing of fume cupboard sashes at once, or from turning on large pieces of heat generating equipment and hoods.  Such disturbances require a fast response from the airflow control system to maintain the precise conditions in the laboratory.