Managing the interface between research organizations and design, construction, and move teams.

Presented toACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety

Joseph Pickel, Ph.D

March 28, 2012

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The Research Interface Role

Minimize research program downtime by

- Having research representative embedded throughout process

- Efficient planning and communications via single point of contact

- Resolving conflicts and concerns in timely manner

3 Managed by UT-Battellefor the U.S. Department of Energy Tradeline - Research Facilities

ORNL in 1943The Clinton Pile was the world’s first continuously operated nuclear reactor

Oak Ridge National Laboratory evolved from the Manhattan Project

In the late 1940s the Laboratory built only temporary structures,

such as these Quonset huts. 

4 Managed by UT-Battellefor the U.S. Department of Energy Tradeline - Research Facilities

ORNL in early 1950s4500-N building in foreground

Graphite Reactor and Quonset huts in the upper right corner.

Post War Years

• Transitions in Management and Mission lead to period of growth

• Facilities built (4500 complex) to support expanding research activities

• Research labs are uniform• Designed for chemistry, biology

and radiochemistry

• Hood, sink, utilities and fixed casework on side walls

• Fixed casework, fixed utilities as center bench

• Shared utility chase (3’ wide) between adjacent labs

• Individual fan units for each hood

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ORNL’s Strategic Plan recognized need for modern facilities

Solution- Modernization of Laboratory Facilities Project: ORNL’s strategy to provide facilities for the Next Generation of Science

Project Plan Includes:• Design and Build • Move and Hook-up• Existing Lab Cleanout• Transition to Operations

(Existing) 4500 Complex

Timeline2009- (June) Break Ground- (Sept) Confirm Groups- (Nov) Fit out and Initial Move

Planning2010 - (Mar) Initial Cleanout Begins- (May) Casework Planning2011- (June) Occupancy, Move Begins- (Oct) Physical Move Complete- (Dec) Capital Project Complete2012- (Spring) Hook-ups Complete- (Summer) Cleanout Complete

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Design/Project Team• Base Building Design Completed Early 2009

– Distribution of Synthesis, Light and Heavy Instrument Labs through out facility- Common Design to Maintain Flexibility

– High Level Research Organization Involvement• Fit Out Planning started Fall 2009

– Identify Special Requirements: Power, Laser Interlocks, Chilled Water Needs

– Involve all research personnel

Role of the Research Interface• Listen

To what the researchers want• Balance and Pursue

What the researchers need• Negotiate and Communicate

Everything in between

7 Managed by UT-Battellefor the U.S. Department of Energy Tradeline - Research Facilities

Managing the Interface

Opportunities• Customize laboratories to research

activities

• Include features in order to facilitate cultural change in research:

– Service corridors

– Chemical Storage Rooms

– Equipment Cooling Water Loops

Challenges• Fit out planning required early

enough to allow on-time/on-budget completion (1.5+ years prior to occupancy)

• Attempt to maintain balance between research needs and future flexibility

Between the Researchers and Design/Construction teams

Quick Facts:

~150,000 s.f. building

$95M Project

LEED Gold Certified Facility

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Move PlanningDevelop Plans and Schedules for:• Office and Laboratory Moves

– Including disconnect/reconnect– Office furniture/amenities

• Chemical Moves• Vendor-supported moves of analytical

equipment

Role of the Research Interface• Communicate schedule and move

requirements• Promote readiness activities• Execute chemical move

9 Managed by UT-Battellefor the U.S. Department of Energy Tradeline - Research Facilities

Managing the Interface

Opportunities• Dedicated Resources (Riggers,

Laborers, Pipefitters, Electricians) to safely disconnect, move, and reconnect equipment

• Make it Right attitude

Challenges• Aggressive schedule requires

significant research cooperation

• Research Programs down 1-3 months

Between the Researchers and Move Team

Quick Facts:

90 Labs in Existing Facility

15 Research Groups

57 Labs in new facility

~200 Personnel Moves

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Laboratory Cleanout TeamResponsible for• Survey and Release Plans• Equipment Salvage or Disposal• Chemical Reuse or disposal• Legacy Sample and Waste removal

Role of the Research Interface• Promote readiness activities• Communicate cleanout goals and rules• Coordinate initial and final walkthroughs

and space hand-overs

11 Managed by UT-Battellefor the U.S. Department of Energy Tradeline - Research Facilities

Managing the Interface

Opportunities• Remove decades of legacy

materials that researchers forgot was in lab or was difficult to dispose

• Develop team and strategy for addressing legacy issues beyond this project

Challenges• Initial assignment of

responsibilities

• Procrastination

• Surprise finds

Between the Researchers and Cleanout Team

Pre-Move numbers

1800 Chemicals

30,000 Samples

1091 items salvaged

38 tons metal/glass removed

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Transition to Operations TeamResponsible for• Development of occupancy plans

including Facility Use Agreement and initial Fire Zone Configuration

• Environmental permits• Establishment of chemical storage and

waste collection area

Role of the Research Interface• Establish protocols for working in new

facility• Develop orientation programs• Coordinate transition from Move to

Research activities

13 Managed by UT-Battellefor the U.S. Department of Energy Tradeline - Research Facilities

Managing the Interface

Opportunities• Utilize Transition to implement

changes in policy and culture– Inventory Control (RFID)

– Alignment of Systems (waste and inventory)

– Waste collection, labeling and disposition procedures

• Implement changes in Operations Structure

Challenges• Renew, Transition or modify all

safety documents, procedures and systems

• More opportunities for change than time to implement

– Sample management

– Full review of equipment configuration

Between the Researchers and Transition to Operations Team

5 Local Exhaust Fans (2 HEPA)

Waste hoods in Synth Labs

Combination sashes on hoods

Internal LN2 fill station

Shared cylinder storage area

Local access control system

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Questions