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Design Review & DRM Consultation

​Overview

The Safety Engineering Activity (SEA) reviews construction and renovation design projects across NIH campuses when the project requires review by the Division of Safety.

SEA reviews all applicable safety aspects of the project design, with a primary focus on engineering controls incorporated into construction and renovation designs. Engineering controls are an important component of the hierarchy of controls and help eliminate or reduce workplace hazards by isolating people from potential sources of harm.

Please note: Not all construction or renovation projects require SEA review. SEA review applies only to projects that meet the criteria for Division of Safety review.

Control Hierarchy
Design Review Process​
  1. Submit Design Plans. Design plans are submitted for technical review by all applicable divisions and disciplines, based on the project's scope of work and review requirements.
  2. Review, Address Comments, and Resubmit. Revi​​​​ew comments are posted by the applicable divisions and disciplines. The project team addresses the comments and resubmits revised plans for review. Multiple review cycles may occur as comments are resolved and the design is updated and refined.
  3. Complete Review and Proceed to Construction. Once all required technical reviews are successfully completed and applicable comments are resolved, the project may proceed to construction.

What SEA Reviews

Within laboratory spaces, SEA reviews a variety of safety-related design elements, with a focus on engineering controls. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Laboratory Equipment: Biosafety cabinet (BSC) and chemical fume hood locations, required clearances, and surrounding conditions.
  • Hazardous Material Storage: Location and placement of Flammable Chemical Storage Cabinets and Corrosive Chemical Storage Cabinets.
  • Emergency Fixtures: Location and accessibility of sinks, emergency showers and eyewash stations.
  • HVAC Systems: Room air balance and pressurization.
Biosafety Cabinet (BSC) Streamline Process

​The Biosafety Cabinet (BSC) Streamline Process is available for projects involving:

  • Addition of a biosafety cabinet
  • Removal of a biosafety cabinet
  • Replacement of a biosafety cabinet
  • Relocation of a biosafety cabinet

​This process is designed to expedite approvals and reduce project costs.

Learn More


DRM
Design Requirements Manual (DRM) Compliance​

SEA reviews applicable construction and renovation design projects to help ensure compliance with the NIH Design Requirements Manual (DRM).

SEA also provides technical guidance and support for laboratory design, including clarification of applicable DRM requirements and the safety rationale behind them. This support can assist project teams in incorporating appropriate safety considerations and engineering controls early in the design process.

For existing laboratory spaces, SEA can provide guidance on modifications needed to address applicable DRM requirements and improve compliance.​



BSC Streamline Process