What arrangements are being made to ensure the safety of the Ricketts Laboratory?
Safety was a guiding principle in the design of the laboratory. The building will meet or exceed all International Building Code and National Fire Protections Association codes and applicable site standards. The building will also meet or exceed applicable local and state codes, all current NIH design and policy guidelines, all CDC and NIH biosafety requirements and applicable federal regulations governing the use of select agents.The building will be commissioned in accordance with the NIH Model Commissioning Guide and certification standards. Mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems will be designed in accordance with NIH design policies and guidelines, BMBL recommendations, and applicable codes and standards. The MEP systems are designed to achieve a reliable, flexible, and environmentally acceptable facility. Appropriate design concepts, such as high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration of exhaust air and plumbing vents, are incorporated to enhance biocontainment s
