What happens if a fire or a tornado were to affect the Ricketts Laboratory, or if the facility is otherwise damaged?
The laboratory is designed to resist natural and man-made disasters. All biological agents will be protected from release by multiple structural barriers, filters and sterilization devices. The conceptual design of the facility, which was required for submission of the proposal, was for a strongly constructed, highly engineered building, which, along with strict operating procedures, minimizes the potential for emissions. Moreover, the final design will be subject to further rigorous evaluation by NIH and DOE and other agencies of all aspects of safe operation, including the building’s resistance to damage caused by natural disasters or fire.
The laboratory is designed to resist natural and man-made disasters. All biological agents will be protected from release by multiple structural barriers, filters and sterilization devices. The conceptual design of the facility, which was required for submission of the proposal, was for a strongly constructed, highly engineered building, which, along with strict operating procedures, minimizes the potential for emissions. Moreover, the final design will be subject to further rigorous evaluation by NIH and DOE and other agencies of all aspects of safe operation, including the building’s resistance to damage caused by natural disasters or fire. The detailed operations and emergency response plans under which Ricketts will operate will require that hazardous materials be secured during tornado warnings. All areas where biological agents might be stored or used will have highly sensitive smoke and fire detection systems for early warning, as well as fire suppression equipment. All of these
