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Strategic Space Management: Principles, Process, and Guidelines

Design Standards ("Yellow Book")

Materials Database

Low Voltage Design Standards

Interior Signage Standards and Guidance

Exterior Signage Standards and Guidance

GT Building Name Metal Signage Standards

Classroom Design Guidelines

Building Information Modeling (BIM) Requirements

Building Information Modeling (BIM) Execution Plan Template

BIM Asset Template

GT FICM Codes

GT Laser Lab Design Guide

MEA Sample

GT Housing Standards

GT Archive Closeout Procedures

GT Archive Entry Sheet

Guide for Completing Archive Entry Sheet

Video Guide for Completing Archive Entry Sheet

Video Guide for PMs on Completing Intelliport Spreadsheet

Presentation Standards

Temporary Traffic Control Manual

GT Fire Safety Website

Green Book

Bid Document Approval Form

Design Development Drawing Review Form

Project Acceptance Form

Site Construction Inspection Form

Drawing Information Checklist

Drawing Acceptance Form

Schematic Design Drawing Review Form

Campus Master Plan

Campus Landscape Master Plan

Site Inspections List

Landscape Maintenance Schedule

Tree Cycling Guidelines

Budget Preparation Guide

Budget Preparation Checklist

Contract Preparation Guide

Contract Preparation Checklist

Phase 2 – Uniformat Bid Form (Ground Up)

Phase 2 – Uniformat Bid Form (Interior Renovation)

Phase 2 – Uniformat Master Key/Explanation

Statement of Constructability and Qualifications Form

Task Order Contract Submission Checklist

Task Order Template Estimate Summary & Bid Trade Analysis Sheets

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Digital, Addressable Fire Alarm System

Gas Detection Device Requirements for Life Safety Systems

Process Controls Schematics - Typical Room Wiring

Process Controls Schematics

Process Controls Schematics - Typical Elevation for Gas Transmitters and IDNet

Process Controls Details

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Lab Design Guide

This guide aims to provide a comprehensive set of guidelines and best practices for design professionals and contractors involved in the creation and renovation of laboratory spaces at Georgia Tech.

Georgia Tech Responsibility

Before starting any lab design or construction project, Georgia Tech has key responsibilities to ensure safety, compliance, and functionality. 

  • Identify appropriate lab spaces based on research needs and existing infrastructure.
  • Ensure the presence of appropriate Dangerous Gas Monitoring Systems (DGMS):
    • Types on campus include: Honeywell standalone, Honeywell & Fire Panel Hybrid, and DGMS Panel – Notifier 3030.
    • Labs must be located in buildings equipped with an appropriate DGMS.
  • Review the Fire Alarm Control Panel Survey (2018) by the Fire Safety Office (FSO) to ensure fire safety integration.
  • Coordinate with Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) to confirm DGMS requirements.
     
  • Assess the condition of building utilities and infrastructure.
  • Match lab requirements with available utilities (electricity, water, HVAC, etc.).
  • Include an Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) survey if one isn’t already available.
     
  • A new Principal Investigator (PI) or chemical inventory requires code compliance updates.
  • Labs must be equipped with an automatic extinguishing system (wet or FSO-approved alternative).
  • Chemical inventories exceeding 4 liters (1 gallon) must comply with NFPA 45 and use quick-response fire sprinklers.
     
  • Chemical quantities over 4L or 1 gal must comply with NFPA 45 codes.
  • Quick response fire sprinklers required.
     
  • Match equipment footprint with size of proposed lab.
  • Match equipment with available building utilities.
     

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Design Professional Responsibility

Design Professionals are accountable for meeting safety codes and aligning with Georgia Tech standards during pre-design and construction.

  • Conduct a thorough chemical inventory and classify hazards.

Fire Hazard Class and Wall Ratings

  • Review and modify fire hazard wall ratings to meet lab requirements.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

  • Consult the Fire Safety Office (FSO) Chemical Inventory Form (need link).

Flammable Cabinet

  • Cabinets do not require venting per FSO.
     
  • Piped Systems: Stainless steel with Swagelok or Orbital joints.
  • Code Compliance: Identify when specific materials are required.
  • Researcher Requirements: Compressed air dew point and cleanliness standards.
  • Cylinders: Gas mixtures with more than 4% nitrogen are considered dangerous and require monitoring.
  • Emergency shut-off and building power protocols in place.

Dangerous Gas Monitoring System (DGMS)

  • Coordinate with EH&S for toxic gas alarm systems.
  • Georgia Security dialers for DGMS toxic gas alarms (to be tested when working with DGMS at Ford EST):
    • 03-1501, 03-1901, 03-1633, 03-1640.
       

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  • Fume Hoods
    • Select between variable or constant air volume based on the building's exhaust systems.
    • Ensure ASHRAE 110 testing (see below) for all new fume hoods.
  • Air Valves
    • Material selection must meet code and PI research needs.
    • Approved materials: Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Baked Phenolic Coated.
  • Fume Hood Chemical Exhaust Ducts
    • Welded stainless steel construction.
    • Slope exhaust ducts back to the hood.
       

Fume Hood Certification (ASHRAE 110)

  • Required for:
    • New installations
    • HVAC modifications
    • Service adjustments inside the hood
  • ASHRAE Testing Procedures:
    • Face Velocity Measurement – Average airflow reading.
    • Smoke Visualization – Observing turbulence at the front.
    • Tracer Gas Test – Sulfur hexafluoride contamination detection.
  • ASHRAE Test Types:
    • As Manufactured (AM): Factory testing.
    • As Installed (AI): Post-installation, empty hood testing.
    • As Used (AU): In-use testing with equipment.
       

Gloveboxes

  • Test fit with shop drawing layout.
  • Purge exhaust material must comply with code and PI research.
  • Sch 80 PVC recommended as a cost-effective solution.

Vacuum Pumps

  • Specify chemicals involved.
  • Selection must meet PI's vacuum level and flow rate needs.
  • Confirm oil-less, diaphragm technology specifications.
  • Define pump exhaust and fume hood base cabinet exhaust setup.

Snorkels, Task Exhaust and Point-of-Use Ventilation

  • No in-line fans or back-draft systems.

     
  • Classified as Class I, II (A1, A2, B1, B2), or Class III.
  • Reference: Biosafety Cabinet Guidelines (Biosafety Manual by EH&S).

     

 Casework and Accessories

  • Vendor and State Contract
  • Eyewash and Emergency Showers:
    • Tepid water supply required.
  • Emergency Shower Curtain
  • Design Standards: Review GT Yellow Book Design Standards (by Design and Construction).

     

 Radiation and Laser Safety

  • Lab Stools: Quantities determined with PI. Stools provided by Georgia Tech.
  • Glass or Marker Boards: Supplied by Georgia Tech.

     

Questions?

Contact: Ngugi Mathu
Registered Architect II
ngugi.mathu@facilities.gatech.edu

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Campus Plan Maps 1912-2023

2023 Campus Plan Map
2023 Campus Plan Map
2004 Campus Plan Map
2004 Campus Plan Map
1912 Campus Plan Map
1912 Campus Plan Map
1952 Campus Plan Map
1952 Campus Plan Map
1948 Campus Plan Map
1948 Campus Plan Map