Credit 9.1 (1 point)
Meet all standards and generally accepted guidelines for outdoor protection of workers and general public from airborne chemical, radioactive and biological hazards. Use mathematical modeling, physical modeling and/or post-construction testing and certification to prove compliance. Use effluent controls that minimize generation of waste subject to special regulations.

Credit 9.2 (1 Point)
Prevent releases of hazardous chemicals and other pollutants to sanitary sewer, using containment and engineering controls.

Technologies & Strategies

For Credit 9.1

Workers: Meet or exceed all exposure limits established by ACGIH, OSHA, NRC, ANSI, local standards or generally accepted best practice, whichever are most stringent. The requirement applies on rooftops, catwalks and all other areas which workers may reasonably occupy with systems in operation.

Visitors and the Public: Meet or exceed all exposure limits established by EPA, other organizations, local standards or generally accepted best practice, whichever are most stringent. In the absence of guidance or defensible rationale, use 10 percent of the applicable workplace limit as a standard for visitor and public exposure.

If the occupant’s radiation safety staff requires air effluent precautions, verify that methods used to limit chemical exposures are adequate to protect against radioactive material releases or include additional precautions.

Meet or exceed NIH-CDC guidelines for airborne effluent from laboratories that handle biohazards (CDC-NIH. Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories, Latest edition, currently May, 1999). Test and certify all filters as installed prior to occupancy and placard them for at least annual recertification.

Make credible worst-case assumptions of airborne releases. Then use mathematical (e.g. CFD) and/or physical (e.g. wind tunnel) modeling to show that any target location (rooftop worker, operable window, air intake, pedestrian walk, etc. will not be exposed to levels exceeding one-tenth of the appropriate standard with a probability greater than 0.0001 in any 7 day period [i.e. one minute per week] AND/OR Verify safe building performance by post-construction tracer gas studies under a variety of weather conditions and correct design problems immediately.

Use filters only where justified, no fiberglass or other duct liner exposed to exhaust stream, air cleaning systems selected for low waste generation as well as effectiveness.

For Credit 9.2

Protect municipal sewage treatment works from pollutant discharge from building operations. Apply a drain discharge restriction policy that ensures routine discharges for laboratory and maintenance operations meet the most rigorous sewer use or local limits ordinances (Clean Water Act and Resource Recovery and Conservation Act pollutants). Seek out and gain a waiver from the municipal sewage treatment authority of the code requirement for an interceptor. If no such waiver is granted, ensure that the interceptor is never charged with limestone. Use removable plugs in all drains (floor, sink, cup sink, fume hood) in the building, unless the drains are in regular use. Do not use liquid plugs for drains with infrequent use. Take steps to prevent accidental discharges to drain, such as raised lips around cup sinks, working over trays or using other methods of secondary containment.

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