Thank you for this opportunity to speak up.
If I have missed these offerings please forgive me, but I would like to see ACGIH support us by establishing on line training in the very basic of laboratory ventilation design. I am often involved in the design stages of new laboratories and use the ACGIH manual as reference for the Engineering Specifications for my university. I am concern how many architect, architectural firms, and mechanical engineers are not aware of this document or how to apply it. Yet they have design laboratories at universities throughout the country. L And companies offering hood testing and balancing are just as bad-they do not know of the resource and how to apply it.
As I look at laboratory safety from a global perspective it begins with a good design. That means for all areas that one may not consider a laboratory such as but not limited to
Gross Anatomy laboratory
Pathology laboratory
Autopsy
Laboratories that are intended for open design and team work
Animal Research
Microelectronics and Cleanrooms
Art/Printmaking Studio
Photographic and Imaging
Woodworking
Metal working
Biological
Pharmaceuticals
Storerooms that support the different laboratories
Radioactive
Automotive Service floor
Heavy Equipment Service floor
The list goes on. Just having a manual is great but I want a source that can be the point source that will supply the necessary training on laboratory ventilation design that will incorporate the ACGIH ventilation manual. ( I do not care if they use outside sources for this-I just want it in one spot.) The courses need to be designed to address the different laboratory ventilation needs as well as the different audiences from architect, architectural firms and mechanical engineers, mechanical contractors, EHS professionals, HVAC professional as well as the individuals who will maintain the facilities. I have come across so many firms that do not understand where to get the training once they understand the importance of it.
I also would like to see as part of the online courses-one that addresses how to commission of the equipment and system to ensure they are meeting the designs.
Again if I have missed these types of offerings from ACGIH please forgive me-If this is the case them my comment would be the web design is lacking as it was not easy to find them.
Best Regards,
Anne
Anne Hawkins DHSc, MSPH, MA, C(ASCP), CHSP, CEHP, CSP
Academic Affairs Director of Laboratory Safety
Office of the Provost
Ferris State University
1201 S. State Street
Big Rapids, Mi 49307
213-591-2154
