Project:
BSL-4 Laboratory at Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services, Richmond, Virginia
The Challenge:
When the Commonwealth of Virginia constructed DCLS, it left space for the future placement of a Bio Safety Level 4 laboratory. ColonialWebb Contractors handled the mechanical and plumbing work of this original construction.
Due to our success on the first project, DCLS contracted with us again to finish the work on the laboratory, which is designed to receive and process biological material of the highest hazardous level.
Our Approach:
ColonialWebb was familiar with the client and project, and we used our knowledge and our experience to design a plan for the laboratory.
We performed the following mechanical work:
- Supply and exhaust air HEPA filtration
- Air unit
- Exhaust fans
- Humidification equipment
- Supply air ductwork
- Welded, stainless steel exhaust ductwork that connected to glove-box equipment
Hallmarks of this project included our Helium testing of the exhaust ductwork and our custom fabricated air valve assemblies for space pressure control.
The laboratory required gas and waste piping and steam generators for sterilizers. For the plumbing aspect of the project, we installed special fixtures to serve the “dirty dress” area of the space.
When fully completed, the laboratory became one of four in the United States that has BSL-4 capabilities.