Section 465.320  Laboratory Facilities

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 60º and 80º 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.

(Source:  Amended at 46 Ill. Reg. 19150, effective November 17, 2022)