Illinois Administrative Code › Title 77 - PUBLIC HEALTH › Part 465 - CERTIFICATION AND OPERATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL LABORATORIES › Subpart B - MICROBIOLOGICAL ANALYSES OF PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY SAMPLES › Section 465.320 - Laboratory Facilities

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 28, July 12, 2024
The laboratory's physical facilities shall meet the following
				  specifications:
a) A minimum of 150
				square feet of floor space shall be provided for each analyst.
b) Floors shall be covered with asphalt tile,
				vinyl, concrete, or other impervious, washable surface that can be easily
				maintained.
c) Floor space shall be
				available for stationary equipment such as autoclaves, incubators, and hot-air
				sterilization ovens. Storage space that is free of dust and insects shall be
				provided for the protection of glassware, media, and portable
				equipment.
d) Laboratories
				analyzing potable water, non-potable source water and recreation water, and
				sewage by microbiological methods shall have at least two separate rooms (a
				room for potable water, non-potable source water and recreation water, and a
				room for sewage).
e) A separate
				bench for preparation and sterilization of media, glassware, and equipment
				shall be provided.
f) Walls shall
				be covered with waterproof paint, enamel, ceramic tile, or other surface
				material that provides a smooth finish that is easily cleaned and disinfected.
				Ceilings shall be maintained in good condition.
g) A minimum of 6 linear feet of useable
				bench space, free of equipment, shall be provided for each analyst.
h) Bench tops shall be stainless steel, epoxy
				plastic, or other smooth, impervious material that is inert, is corrosion
				resistant, has a minimum number of seams, and is level.
i) Laboratory lighting shall be even and
				provide a minimum of 100 footcandle light intensity at all working
				surfaces.
j) The laboratory shall
				include a sink with hot and cold running water. All water supply outlets shall
				be protected by a backflow prevention device as specified in the Illinois
				Plumbing Code (77 Ill. Adm. Code 890).
k) Laboratories shall be well ventilated and
				free of dusts, drafts, and extreme temperature changes. Central
				air-conditioning is recommended to reduce contamination, permit more stable
				operation of incubators, and decrease moisture problems with media and
				analytical balances. The temperature within the laboratory shall be maintained
				at between 60° and 80° F.
l) An adequate electrical supply for
				operation of instruments and mechanical needs shall be provided. The
				certification officer may require verification from an official inspector or
				other qualified person that the laboratory meets local and national electrical
				codes.
m) All electrical outlets
				shall be properly grounded.
n)
				Instruments shall be properly grounded with an internal or external regulated
				power supply available to each instrument.
o) All plumbing shall comply with the
				Illinois Plumbing Code or any local plumbing code that is more stringent than
				the Illinois Plumbing Code. The certification officer may require verification
				from an official inspector or other qualified person that the laboratory meets
				such codes.
p) The laboratory shall
				include a vacuum source for use in membrane filter procedures.
q) The laboratory shall be located in an area
				sufficiently free from noise and vibrations to prevent interference with its
				functions.
r) The laboratory shall
				have a readily available source of laboratory pure water.
s) The laboratory shall not be located within
				a structure that is used as a residence.
t) No mobile laboratories shall be
				allowed.
u) The laboratory shall
				have provisions for the disposal of microbiological waste in accordance with
				Department standards.
v) No food or
				drink for consumption shall be located in laboratory area, refrigerators,
				freezers or other equipment.