Posted By Robert K Lewis You will also need to check out with the Environment Agency any IPPC requirements they may place on your waste to drains. This came up recently with a Technology Block I was involved in constructing. You may also need to check your discharge consents. If old facilities are being removed as part of the build programme you may remain within limits currently agreed. Try also to tie down the occupiers concerning the equipment to be used in fume cupboards - I've seen excellent systems defeated because the experimental equipment has been so large as to distort flow velocities across the face of the cupboard. Try to identify gas supply needs so that a bottle gas storage and use area can be organised outside the building and permanently piped in. Remember also the need for segregation of flammable gases from oxygen and the like. The planning of this needs to include access arrangments. Flammable liquid storage is probaly one of the least planned and I've seen stocks of several hundred litres of many different solvents actually in the building. The on-bench reagent bottles are also a major element when you do a stock take. Hope this helps for a starter Bob

Posted By Zoe Barnett Gavin,I'd recommend you contact CLEAPSS. They are the lead body for H&S in science in schools and colleges, and you can reach them on 01895 251 496. They also produce a guide to Design and Planning of Laboratories (L14) and as Bryn says, check out the DfES Building Bulletin 80, Science accommodation in Secondary Schools (ISBN 0112710395.) Regards Zoe