Scribd
Upload
15 views2 pages

30 2021 12 41 11 G-0212PolicyonAccomodation&Environment-Rev - No.00

The PNAC Policy on Accommodation and Environment outlines requirements for laboratory conditions based on sample integrity, equipment performance, staff competence, and safety. It emphasizes the need for appropriate environmental controls, adequate space, and compliance with national and international safety standards. Specific guidelines are provided for microbiological tests and handling of radionuclides to ensure safety and prevent contamination.

Uploaded by

IHSAN ULLAH KHAN
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
15 views2 pages

30 2021 12 41 11 G-0212PolicyonAccomodation&Environment-Rev - No.00

The PNAC Policy on Accommodation and Environment outlines requirements for laboratory conditions based on sample integrity, equipment performance, staff competence, and safety. It emphasizes the need for appropriate environmental controls, adequate space, and compliance with national and international safety standards. Specific guidelines are provided for microbiological tests and handling of radionuclides to ensure safety and prevent contamination.

Uploaded by

IHSAN ULLAH KHAN
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

G-02/12

PNAC POLICY ON ACCOMODATION Issue Date: 06/10/05


AND ENVIRONMENT Rev No: 00

PNAC Policy on Accommodation and environmental conditions

Accommodation and environmental condition requirements vary greatly depending on the nature
of the samples to be examined or tested and the order of accuracy required of the examinations
or tests. The laboratory and its personnel shall follow national and international safety
requirements. Suitability of the accommodation and environmental conditions for a specific
range of examinations and tests will be judged against how they affect :

(a) the integrity of the samples tested or examined;


(b) the performance of laboratory equipment;
(c) the competent performance of laboratory staff;
(d) compliance with the conditions set in test or examination methods;
(e) safety of laboratory staff.

Consideration of environmental effects on samples to be examined includes precautions


necessary to prevent contamination and degradation. The areas for the sample preparation,
preconditioning, testing or examination and storage shall be of adequate size, free from dust and
fumes and protected from other environmental factors such as excessive temperature, high
humidity and direct sunlight, which may affect the integrity of the samples. If samples require
refrigeration before and after examinations, refrigerators or freezers of adequate capacity shall be
provided. Sufficient storage space shall be available to retain samples for the required periods in
conditions designed to maintain their integrity.

Factors of the environment that may affect the performance of equipment include corrosion,
temperature, humidity, vibration, electrical power stability, dust and electromagnetic influences.
The location of all items of equipment likely to be affected by these factors shall be chosen to
eliminate or minimise any adverse effects.

Accommodation and environmental conditions may also be judged on how it affects staff
competence in performing specific tests. There shall be sufficient space available for staff to
perform their duties comfortably, with adequate provision of lighting and with precautions taken
to minimise noise.

Adequate space shall also be provided for laboratory clerical functions (recording, reporting and
documentation activities) and for separate amenity facilities. All necessary services for gas,
water, power (suitably stabilised if necessary), waste disposal and for extraction of fumes shall
be available and be conveniently located. All safety precaution should be followed.

Some analytical methods also specify features of the environment in which sample preparation,
and examination should take place. Where environmental features such as temperature and
humidity ranges, airflow rates, illumination levels, etc., are specified, these conditions must be
met in the relevant testing, examination and sample preparation sections of the laboratory.
Monitoring equipment such as thermometers, hygrometers, psychrometers, thermo hygrographs
and anemometers, shall be available and be operated over the relevant testing, examination and

1 of 2
G-02/12
PNAC POLICY ON ACCOMODATION Issue Date: 06/10/05
AND ENVIRONMENT Rev No: 00

sample preparation period specified by the methods. The monitoring equipment itself may need
to be calibrated in accordance with the equipment calibration schedules set by PNAC, either by
National Physical & Standards Laboratory or any accredited lab with traceability of unbroken
chain to national and international standards.

For laboratories undertaking microbiological tests, the laboratory layout should generally
provide for sample receipt, washing-up and sterilisation, media preparation and general testing
areas, and should be designed to minimise potential contamination of samples and to ensure
protection of laboratory staff. Laboratories involved in handling pathogenic organisms need to
take special environmental precautions.

When the examination involves radionuclides, considerations should be given for bench space,
shield working space, storage, transportation, disposal and safety of staff performing the
examination and others working around. Handling of these radioactive materials shall comply
with the local regulations, and staff involved shall be adequately trained and their health situation
be closely monitored and documented.

2 of 2

You might also like