Success Stories

George Washington University, School of Engineering and Applied Science, Science and Engineering Hall, Washington, DC

Certification Design Review

The George Washington University School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS), located on its Washington, DC campus, strives to promote a multicultural technological community and maintain and develop special integrated programs with industry and government. Boston Properties managed the design and construction of the Science and Engineering Hall. This $300 million, 500,000 square foot, state-of-the-art building became the home of SEAS research in biomedical engineering, cybersecurity, high-performance computing, nanotechnologies, robotics, and many other fields.

exterior of the GWU School Of Engineering and Applied Science
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The Challenge

The Science and Engineering Hall is home to several biomedical engineering research laboratories. Boston Properties was charged with overseeing the design and construction of the BSL-3/ABSL-3 laboratory. To ensure that the complex design features of the facility could become operational, Boston Properties enlisted World BioHazTec’s knowledge to evaluate the design and construction.

The Solution

World BioHazTec played a crucial role as the BSL-3/ABSL-3 consultant throughout the design and construction of the project. Our team of engineers and biosafety professionals reviewed each design iteration, offering guidance to architects and engineers to ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines and standards while prioritizing operational reliability and containment.

During the construction phase, World BioHazTec conducted a physical inspection of the facilities, identifying safety hazards and areas of non-compliance to address them promptly. Following the completion of construction and a building endurance period, we took charge of certifying the new laboratory suite. This comprehensive certification process included testing spatial pressure relationships, addressing directional airflow challenges, evaluating the Building Automation System, HVAC failure responses, emergency power systems, differential pressure monitors, alarms, and assessing the operation of mechanical equipment.

The Result

Since 2018, World BioHazTec has been instrumental in providing annual certification of the BSL-3/ABSL-3 laboratory located in the Science and Engineering Hall. This certification ensures that the laboratory meets the stringent requirements set forth by government bodies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The primary goal is to create a safe environment for conducting research while effectively containing infectious agents.

The success of the annual certification stands as a testament to George Washington University’s commitment to maintaining robust laboratory and facilities practices. This dedication contributes to consistently high-quality research outcomes, reflecting the university’s proactive approach to biosafety and adherence to the highest standards in laboratory maintenance. World BioHazTec takes pride in being a trusted partner in ensuring the ongoing safety and compliance of the BSL-3/ABSL-3 laboratory at the Science and Engineering Hall.

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World BioHazTec is an Accredited Provider (AP) of the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). As an IACET Accredited Provider, World BioHazTec offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Information.

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