Protecting People, Process, and Property: Designing for Hazardous Material Management in Life Science Facilities

As life science development accelerates, hazardous material management has become one of the most critical and complex aspects of facility planning and operations. From pharmaceutical research to diagnostics and advanced manufacturing, life science environments routinely handle materials that pose significant risk to people, processes, and property. Addressing these risks through thoughtful, intentional design not only ensures safety and compliance but also protects long-term investments and supports future flexibility.

Hazardous materials are essential to the daily work of life science organizations. These materials may be chemical, biological, radioactive, or physical in nature. They support vital research and development, but they must be managed with care. Poor planning can lead to exposure events, lab shutdowns, and long-term damage to infrastructure. Proper design strategies mitigate these risks and create facilities that are safe, efficient, and adaptable over time.

At the core of hazardous material management are three key priorities: protecting people, protecting processes, and protecting property. The first priority is the health and safety of the individuals working within the space. Lab personnel are typically trained to use personal protective equipment and follow protocols, but the building itself must support that safety. Systems such as specialized ventilation, secure hazardous material storage rooms, and chemical-resistant finishes all contribute to minimizing exposure. Just as important is protecting other building occupants. In multi-tenant buildings or adjacent spaces, exposure risks can extend beyond the lab if not properly contained. Effective separation of hazardous zones is essential.

The second priority is the protection of scientific and clinical processes. In research and diagnostic work, materials are often highly sensitive and subject to strict timelines. A loss of temperature control, accidental contamination, or unplanned exposure can invalidate entire test cycles and force costly rework. Good design enables uninterrupted workflows, with clearly defined circulation paths, storage access, and disposal routes. This reduces the chances of error and supports consistent, repeatable outcomes.

The third priority is the physical asset. Life science buildings are long-term investments. Hazardous materials can cause corrosion, fire, structural damage, and contamination that compromises the function and value of the facility. Design decisions must anticipate possible failure points and incorporate resilient solutions that extend the lifespan of the building. This includes choosing appropriate materials, integrating fire-rated assemblies, planning containment strategies, and designing systems that accommodate operational mistakes without catastrophic consequences.

The most effective way to manage hazardous materials is to begin early. At the programming and schematic design phase, it is important to understand what types of materials will be used, how they will be stored, and how they will move through the building. Building codes allow for greater storage of hazardous materials on lower floors. These areas often require increased fire separation, dedicated mechanical systems, and specialized controls. Storage areas should be carefully planned and may impact the Occupancy Classification of the entire building based on the materials and quantities stored. Early coordination with code consultants and authorities having jurisdiction helps avoid costly redesigns later.

Material flow is another crucial factor. Designers must understand the full lifecycle of materials from receiving to disposal. Often, the safest and most efficient solution is a single directional path that limits the chance for cross-contamination. When multiple tenants occupy a building, shared infrastructure may offer additional value. Centralized hazardous waste rooms, chemical storage, or shared autoclaves can reduce duplication and improve cost-effectiveness. These shared spaces should be clearly governed and supported through lease agreements and building-wide protocols.

Designing for flexibility is also key. While a tenant’s initial needs may be modest, future users may require more robust systems. Roughing in connections for additional fume hoods, providing space for future exhaust shafts, and reserving areas for expanded hazardous storage are all proactive strategies. By building in flexibility, owners can respond more easily to changing tenant demands without major disruption or cost.

Equally important is documentation. In the design process, teams make many decisions based on assumptions about use, classification, and code interpretation. Thorough documentation of those decisions can be an invaluable tool for future leasing, tenant improvements, and permitting. Although not always required by building or fire departments, this documentation provides transparency and supports long-term building operations.

Once construction is complete, the building enters its operational phase. Responsibility for managing hazardous materials transitions to owners, property managers, and tenants. At this stage, clear policies and consistent oversight are essential. The lease agreement should include language that outlines hazardous material limits, required safety procedures, and liability in the event of non-compliance. These terms must be reviewed and agreed upon before a tenant takes occupancy.

A building-wide Facilities Materials Management Plan should also be in place. This plan outlines procedures for storing, handling, and disposing of hazardous materials. It should define the types of materials permitted in the building, establish spill response procedures, and detail how waste will be handled. Tenants should be required to follow this plan as a condition of their lease.

Material inventories are another critical operational tool. Tenants should maintain up-to-date inventories that include the type of hazardous material, the quantity, storage method, dispensing protocols, and disposal practices. This information supports emergency response planning and helps facility managers monitor risk across the entire building or campus. Before a tenant vacates, they should also be required to submit a decommissioning plan. Spaces that were used for hazardous materials must be properly cleaned, decontaminated, and restored to a safe condition. Without this step, landlords may inherit unsafe spaces that are costly and difficult to remediate.

It is also important to recognize that risks extend beyond the interior of the building. Exterior areas such as tank farms, emergency generators, loading zones, and hazardous material sheds can pose significant safety concerns. These areas require physical protection, controlled access, and proper ventilation. Design must account for both operational needs and the safety of adjacent users or the public.

Navigating hazardous material requirements means managing a complex set of overlapping codes and standards. Depending on the jurisdiction and project type, buildings may need to comply with the International Building Code, the International Fire Code, NFPA standards, OSHA requirements, and guidance from the National Institutes of Health. Collaborating early with the authority having jurisdiction can help clarify expectations and streamline approvals.

Ultimately, hazardous material management is not just a regulatory requirement. It is a strategic approach to creating buildings that are safer, more adaptable, and more valuable over time. When design supports clear operations and anticipates future needs, it adds lasting value to life science developments. At MOA ARCHITECTURE, we approach each life science project with the goal of protecting people, preserving critical processes, and strengthening the investment our clients make in their facilities. By planning for the risks and complexities of hazardous material use, we help our clients create spaces that are as resilient as the discoveries they support.

As seen in Colorado Real Estate Journal.