Two documents are invaluable resources when designing a lab or checking on 
these infrastructure regulations and standards. The first is NCCLS document 
GP18--Laboratory Design (I believe this is still a "proposed" standard). 
This document finds the 6 air exchange standard to be out-of-date and 
recommends 12 for most laboratory areas. The second is: Designing a 
Laboratory, Baker, Blank, Steere Eds. Available only through the American 
Public Health Association, Wash DC last time I checked.

Bert Dotson

-----Original Message-----
From:	Tom T. McNemar [SMTP:TMcNemar@lmhealth.org]
Sent:	Monday, April 17, 2000 10:53 AM
To:	Weems, Joyce; 'Histonet'
Subject:	RE: Regulations

We recently had our lab remodeled because of fumes.  I was unable at that
time to locate any OSHA standards that offered guidelines specifically for
air exchange rates.  They have a multitude of guidelines for exposure
limits.

What I do have are construction guidelines from the "American Institute of
Architects Committee on Architecture for Health with assistance from the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services", whew!  They list minimum air
exchanges of 6 per hour for laboratories (Histology & Cytology included) 
and
a minimum of 12 per hour for autopsy rooms.  These are the 1987 guidelines.
If you would like a copy, I'd be happy to fax them to you if you email your
number.

As for the hoods, we have them certified q6m but as far as cleaning... we
are it.  We consider ourselves lucky to get the floor swept.

Tom Mc Nemar
Pathology Supervisor
Licking Memorial Hospital
Newark, Ohio

> -----Original Message-----
> From:	Weems, Joyce [SMTP:JWEEMS@sjha.org]
> Sent:	Friday, April 14, 2000 1:45 PM
> To:	'Histonet'
> Subject:	Regulations
>
> Can someone tell me where to find the OSHA regulations for:
>
> 1. Air flow in Histology Labs
> 2. Cleaning fume hoods
>
> I want to have this info when I try to make sure we have negative air 
flow
> in our area.
>
> Also, our Environmental Services does not clean our hoods or air vents.
> There is only one person that I know of that does this and I can not get 
a
> response from him! So I need info to backup my request for housekeeping
> help!
>
> Many thanks,
> Have a good weekend everybody. J:>)
>
> Joyce Weems
> Pathology Manager
> Saint Joseph's Hospital of Atlanta
>