Architect and Builder Magazine South Africa March/April 2014 | Page 61

laboratory bench module. Separate extraction
to the fume hoods is provided to prevent
potential reaction between exhaust gases.
Each service shaft accommodates 10 fume
extract ducts, waste and chemical waste pipes,
fresh air supply ducts, various utilities and gas
supply pipes and refrigerant pipes.
All maintenance is conducted from external
service balconies. This provides free access
to services. The operation of the laboratory
being 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, is
designed to minimise any disruption through
maintenance activities.
Effectively, operational and maintenance
activities are separated. This was an operational
safety requirement.
Demand for functional space on ground
floor was at a premium for sample deliverables
from the plants and provision of space for the
microscopy laboratory. All plant (with separate
stair and lift access) is located on the roof
which is dedicated to services, equipment and
maintenance activities.
The first and second floors are dedicated
to research and development with the third,
fourth and fifth floors dedicated to routine
laboratories. The roof deck is a plant area with
restricted access.
Chilled water plant, de-ionised water, heat
exchangers, extraction fans, exhaust ducts,
gas cylinders (not located on ground level) are
accommodated on the roof.
The modular laboratory design permits
laboratories to be expanded or downsized to
suit changing needs. Services to laboratory
benches emerge from the vertical service shafts
and feed at 3 levels into the benches on a central
spine. This can be done below counter level,
at eye level (service shelf) and over the ceiling
into an alternative vertical shaft at the end of
each bench.
Wet services are located below the laboratory
counters. Gases, electrical services and other
services feed down from the service shelf to
the laboratory equipment allowing service
pipes and cables to be managed neatly to the
respective instruments.

LOBBY

Sasol Infrachem

WALKWAY LIGHT WELLS

Under-counter cabinets are modular and
loose to permit interchangeability between
cabinets, drawers, and seating areas to suit any
specific arrangement.

The Sasol Infrachem
Laboratory provides routine
laboratory services to the
Sasol Chemical Industry
complex in Sasolburg

Occupational Health and Safety
The planning of the laboratory revolved around
the safety of personnel and operations as being
the overriding criteria. Every aspect of the
operating envelope around the laboratory staff
members was reviewed.
HAZOP studies were conducted at a macro
and micro level during planning phases to
ensure that all movements, material and sample
handling and operations were within safe
ergonomic norms.
Samples from the industrial plants are
received on ground level and have a dedicated
lift allowing unmanned trolley transport to
specific floors. (Infrachem calculated that 1,8
million tests are conducted annually).
The laboratory technician travels by separate
lift with key access to open the lift at the
destination. Hazardous or toxic substances

AUDITORIUM AND EMERGENCY GATHERING ROOM

61