SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS

Asset Classes

Focus Area

Indoor Air Quality and Hazards

Topic

Ventilation and Exhaust

Question #

I2.6 – IAQ Management in Laboratories

Question

Are the following strategies implemented to manage Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in laboratories and specialised rooms?

Applicability

Applicable to Healthcare buildings

Answer

Select all that apply

  • Yes – failsafe, self-identifying alarm systems are in place

  • Yes – biological safety cabinets are labeled with an annual dated certification and instructions

  • Yes – in-line filters for biological safety cabinet vacuum lines are inspected monthly and changed as necessary

  • Yes – where corrosive substances are used, easy to access emergency eyewash stations are installed nearby, and/or showers are free from obstruction

  • Yes – laboratories are kept under positive or negative pressure (as required) to prevent entry of pollutant

  • Yes – there is differential pressure monitoring in adjacent areas

  • Yes – fluorinated anesthetic waste captured instead of being discharged to the exterior

  • No

Description

Requirements

Demonstrate the following is in place:

    1. Failsafe, self-identifying alarm systems
    2. Biological safety cabinets are labeled with an annual dated certification and instructions
    3. In-line filters for biological safety cabinet vacuum lines are inspected monthly and changed as necessary
    4. Where corrosive substances are used, easy to access emergency eyewash stations are installed nearby, and/or showers are free from obstruction
    5. Laboratories are kept under positive or negative pressure (as required) to prevent entry of pollutant
    6. Differential pressure monitoring in adjacent areas
    7. Fluorinated anesthetic waste captured instead of being discharged to the exterior

Documentation

    • Emails, memo, service agreements, photos or any other evidence which demonstrate Requirements are met

Adapted BB3 Question

BOMA BEST 3.0 Questions 5.1.M.3 – 5.1.M.9

Suggested Lead

In-house, with third-party support

References

Crosswalk

TBD

Other Notes

Fluorinated anesthetic waste (such as desflurane, sevoflurane, and isoflurane) is typically vented to the outdoors through a dedicated scavenging system. This practice poses significant environmental and public health risks. Anesthetic gas should instead be filtered, and harmful gases captured before the remaining gas is vented to the atmosphere. Once captured, gases can be processed into raw material to manufacture new anesthetics. The capture process must be monitored regularly, with monthly reporting.

Scoring

1 Point per option, up to 3 Max Points

Verification