DESIGN (VERSION 1/2004)

College of Pathologists, Academy of Medicine of  Malaysia

1. Protection against sunlight

If chemicals or instrumentation that are sensitive to direct sunlight are present in the laboratory,the design of the building shall minimise all direct sunlight penetration.

2. Floors

(a) All floors in laboratory work areas shall be   finished with material which are:

(i) smooth.

(ii) impervious.

(iii) resistant to chemical and disinfectant used in the laboratory.

(iv) of adequate mechanical and structural strength.

(v) compatible with the nature of the laboratory operations and operator comfort.

(vi) slip resistant.

(vii) easy to clean.

(b) Joints in slabs shall be avoided as far as possible but where used shall be constructed in such a way that they are sealed against penetration by hazardous materials.

(c) Where there is a risk of spillage of hazardous, potentially infectious or unsealed radioactive

material, the intersection of floors with walls and pillars shall be covered to facilitate cleaning.

3. Walls

All walls in the laboratory work areas shall be finished with material, which are;

(a) smooth.

(b) impervious.

(c) resistant to chemical and disinfectant used in the laboratory.

(d) easy to clean.

(e) non glare.

4. Ceilings

Requirements for ceilings shall be as follows:

(a) Ceilings in laboratory work areas shall be constructed of rigid, smooth faced, non absorbent materials, resistant to chemicals and disinfectants and may include fibrous plaster,   plas-terboard, fibrous cement, cement render or other approved material painted with a light colour.

(b) Air-conditioned rooms or areas shall have 2.4 metres minimum clear floor to ceiling height; non-air-conditioned rooms or areas shall have 3.0 metres minimum clear floor to ceiling height.

(c) 2.75 metres minimum clear floor to ceiling height in similar rooms having special ceiling-mounted fixtures. Higher ceilings may be needed for some types of equipment.

5. Doors

Doors within the laboratory working area shall have vision panels, be self-closing and of the appropriate fire rating.

(e) The service entrance shall be close to storage areas.

(f) There shall be a separate exit for removal of waste.

12. Signs and labels

All pathology laboratories shall have proper signages and a proper labelling system.

13. Vector control

The construction of the pathology laboratory building shall be such as to prevent the entry and harbouring of rodents and insects. The pathology laboratory shall maintain a pest control programme.

14. Hand-washing facilities

(a) Each pathology laboratory working area shall have liquid hand disinfectant, washing and sanitary hand drying facilities.

(b) Hand-washing facilities shall be provided in other service rooms and in all toilets.

(c) All hand-washing facilities and sinks for personnel use shall be equipped with hands free taps to control cross infections;

15. Toilet facilities

(a) Adequate toilets facilities shall be provided for personnel working in the pathology laboratory.

(b) There shall be separate toilet facilities for the public.

16. Showering facilities and eye wash station

Adequate showering facilities and eye wash station shall be provided for personnel working in the pathology laboratory for emergency as well as for cleaning purpose.

17. Washing room

The licensed pathology laboratory shall have at least one washing room which is equipped with a sink, sluice, waste receptacle and washing equipment.

18. Plumbing

(a) Plumbing fixtures shall be designed and installed to be easily cleaned and maintained.

(b) Sinks in which utensils and equipment are cleaned shall have double compartments with adequate counter space on both sides. The depth of the sink shall be dependent on its function.

(c) All plumbing facilities shall be installed in such a manner as to completely prevent the possibility of cross connections between safe and unsafe supplies or back siphonage.

(d) The pathology laboratory shall provide the following accessories

(i) suitable shelf or equivalent, and mirror at each hand-washing facility in toilet rooms or locker rooms;

(ii) toilet paper holder properly located at each water closet; and

(iii) suitable provision for liquid hand disinfectant   at each water closet, sink, and shower.