Health and safety challenges in start-up of a multi-discipline/open lab research facility

At Stanford University, the recent construction and development of a large multi-discipline research building provided Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) staff with the opportunity to address safety and compliance issues before they become entrenched. This article discusses the challenges encountered and lessons learned in helping ensure the safe start-up of a large multi-discipline research laboratory building. Primary EH&S efforts taken include the use of an institutional laboratory health and safety planning and design guide, review of building plans, pre-move planning, post-move inspections, and walkthroughs.