Laboratory Design and Construction
This webpage is designed to assist architects, engineers, tradespeople, building coordinators, faculty, and staff design and plan laboratory projects and renovations. Due to the numerous and complex regulations that can impact laboratory construction and renovation, it is important to take health and safety issues into consideration well in advance of construction.
As this webpage develops, campus users are encouraged to submit comments and suggestions about the type of information that would be helpful during the design, planning, construction process to be included as part of this webpage. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to email Jerry Gordon at EH&S.
For laboratory faculty and staff, DSRs and building coordinators
If you are planning a new laboratory construction project or renovation, please fill out the following form: Laboratory Construction / Renovation Form.
Before you begin your laboratory move, please see the Laboratory Move Guide. This document provides general guidance to those laboratory personnel preparing to move their laboratory work to another technical facility or to a new facility. Moving a research laboratory can be a complex process, especially if hazardous materials are involved. However, the steps outlined in the Lab Move Guide can help to ensure a safe and smooth transition. If you are moving your laboratory and have specific questions, contact Environmental Health and Safety at 255-8200.
For Designers, Architects and Project Managers
Cornell University has developed a number of design standards intended to serve as design and construction standard guidelines for the Ithaca Campus of Cornell University. As such, they reflect the planning, design, construction, and maintenance expertise of University personnel. Some of the specific design standards related to EH&S issues can be found below.
PDC Design Standards (links to PDC Design Standards webpage)
01005 Environmental Health
02504 Fire Apparatus Access
11600 Laboratory Equipment
15020 Laboratories (includes ventilation and fume hood requirements)
15430 Safety Showers and Eyewashes
Commissioning Documents
To facilitate the commissioning process, EH&S has developed commissioning forms for installation of new fume hoods and emergency showers/eyewashes. Before EH&S will certify new fume hoods, emergency showers, or eyewashes, these commissioning forms must be completed, signed, and submitted to Allan Dye at EH&S.
Lab Design Check List
While there are numerous health and safety issues that need to be taken into account during the design of laboratories, the following checklist are some of the more common comments made during lab design reviews. Please note, this list is not exhaustive and will be updated on a regular basis.