Engineering Reference

Standards and codes for critical facility infrastructure.

BioFacility Solutions uses the applicable code, standard, authority, client and manufacturer requirements to establish a project-specific technical basis for healthcare, laboratory, research and other critical environments.

Ontario CodesCSAASHRAEISOBiosafetyGMP

How BFS uses standards

Establish the right technical basis before making recommendations.

Standards are not applied as a generic checklist. BFS identifies which requirements are relevant to the facility, system, research activity and project scope, then documents that basis in the assessment, design criteria, specifications or commissioning plan.

Ontario code basis

Ontario Building CodeBuilding construction, renovations, fire/life-safety interfaces, accessibility and referenced standards.
Ontario Electrical Safety CodeElectrical installations, distribution and equipment requirements in Ontario.
Ontario Fire CodeFire-safety requirements relevant to existing facilities, operations and hazardous conditions.

Ontario Building Code Ontario Electrical Safety Code

Healthcare engineering

CSA Z317.2HVAC requirements for healthcare facilities.
CSA Z32Electrical safety and essential electrical systems in healthcare facilities.
CSA C282Emergency electrical power supply for buildings.
CSA Z317.13Infection control during construction, renovation and maintenance.
ASHRAE/ASHE Standard 170Ventilation of healthcare facilities.
CSA Z462Workplace electrical safety.

Laboratories & controlled environments

ASHRAE Standard 110Laboratory fume hood performance testing.
ASHRAE Standard 62.1Ventilation and indoor air quality for applicable non-residential spaces.
ISO 14644 seriesCleanrooms and associated controlled environments.
Canadian Biosafety StandardContainment requirements for regulated biological materials and containment zones.

Canadian Biosafety Standard ISO 14644-1

Controls, alarms & commissioning

ASHRAE Standard 135 (BACnet)Building-automation communications and interoperability.
ASHRAE/IES Standard 202Commissioning process requirements for new buildings and new systems.
ISA-18.2 / IEC 62682 principlesAlarm philosophy, rationalization, prioritization and lifecycle management where appropriate to the application.

ASHRAE commissioning resources ISA alarm management overview

Quality, medical labs & biobanking

Health Canada GMP guidanceQuality-system and facility considerations for regulated drug operations where applicable.
ISO 15189Quality and competence requirements for medical laboratories.
ISO/IEC 17025Competence requirements for testing and calibration laboratories.
ISO 20387General requirements for biobanking competence, impartiality and consistent operation.

Health Canada GMP

Project-specific applicability

The newest published standard is not automatically the governing requirement.

Applicable codes and standards depend on jurisdiction, adopted editions, permits, authority-having-jurisdiction requirements, client standards, accreditation needs, equipment manufacturer requirements and the agreed engineering scope. BFS confirms and documents the appropriate design basis for each engagement.

Standards become useful when they are translated into a clear project basis.

BFS can help identify the applicable technical requirements, document gaps, develop engineering criteria and specifications, and verify implementation through review and commissioning support.

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