Overview
Following the significant effort involved in designing and constructing a new or renovated space, verifying that the facility
operates as intended is an important step before occupancy. Commissioning has traditionally been used to evaluate the operational performance of new and recently renovated buildings, including research laboratories and administrative spaces.
The
BaseLINE Program expands on the traditional commissioning approach by incorporating additional
safety and environmental assessments before a laboratory or administrative space begins operation. The program establishes an initial baseline of facility conditions and helps identify safety and industrial hygiene concerns that could affect occupants or operations.
By identifying and addressing concerns early, BaseLINE helps facilities
begin operation in an optimal, safe, and healthy condition while establishing baseline information that can support future evaluations.
What is BaseLINE?
The name
BaseLINE represents the two primary components of the program:
BASE
Building Assessment of Safety Elements
Evaluates safety-related features and conditions within the facility to identify potential concerns before occupancy.
LINE
Lighting, Indoor Air Quality, Noise, and Ergonomics
Evaluates key environmental and industrial hygiene conditions that can affect occupant health, comfort, and the workplace environment.
Together,
BASE + LINE provide a comprehensive assessment of initial facility conditions before the space begins normal operations.
Program Benefits
The BaseLINE Program supports facility managers, researchers, and building occupants by:
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Identifying potential safety concerns before occupancy
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Detecting industrial hygiene concerns early
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Establishing baseline environmental conditions for future reference
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Supporting a safe and healthy work environment
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Reducing the potential for operational disruptions
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Identifying issues when they may be easier and less costly to correct
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Supporting long-term facility operation and maintenance
Addressing concerns before or shortly after occupancy can help reduce the need for more complex corrective actions once a facility is fully operational.
BaseLINE Survey
A
BaseLINE survey is conducted by industrial hygienists and safety engineers from the
Division of Safety.
The survey typically takes
2–3 hours to complete and is coordinated with the project team to support the construction and occupancy schedule. Following the survey, findings are documented in a
comprehensive report provided to the project team for review and recordkeeping.
