Evolving Design Issues in a Bio-Containment Facility

Leslie Gartner, AIA, Smith Carter

Objectives:

The objective of the presentation is to present the basics of bio-containment design, including the principals of containment and the philosophy of mechanical, barrier and coatings and equipment interface to achieve a dynamic containment system. The presentation will outline the changes in bio-containment design over the last 2 years as agencies in the US commence and enhance their programs in research of the Category A, B and C agents.

Findings:

The US has refined and developed it's mission in conducting research of Category A, B & C select agents since the incidents of 2001. As a result the evolution of labs from basic diagnostic models to research models to advanced development models for testing of new vaccines and therapeutics has transpired. The integration of new equipment for diagnostics and testing inside containment has provided a new challenge for design, science and biosafety. The findings will be presented in case studies of designs of laboratories for US agencies, such as CDC, NIAID, and USAMRIID involved with the select agents.

Labs21 Connection:

To present an understanding of containment lab planning and integration of BSL2 and 3 labs will enhance how all levels of laboratory will support the Select Agent research.

Biocontainment labs are intensive users of energy and water. The understanding of the principles has led to an understanding of where energy conservation techniques, environmental friendly coatings and water reduction methodologies can be utilized without compromising containment design.

Biography:

Leslie Gartner, AIA, lives in Atlanta, Georgia and is a member of the American Institute of Architects. A member of the American Biological Safety Association and the National Environmental Health Association, Leslie obtained his Master of Architecture degree from the University of Manitoba in 1984.

He has developed expertise in high containment research laboratory design, project management, costing, and programming including special requirements for national clients such as National Institutes of Health, CDC, DARPA, and USAMRIID and research universities focusing on high containment diagnostics and research in biodefense and infectious disease research. He is a containment specialist consulting on the new BSL4 labs at CDC and is the Project Director responsible for the design of the new NIAID BSL4 lab at Rocky Mountain Laboratories.