Share thisFrom incorrect HVAC control sequences to missing, paid-for equipment, commissioning or retrocommissioning a facility is an important process for optimum operation and efficiency.
In response to these questions, it is important to note that a biocontainment laboratory is composed of many systems and subsystems bound together in complex ways. These systems are in turn made up of many components that are each required to function properly for the entire system to operate properly. While each piece of equipment or system component may have been checked at its respective factory prior to shipment and then perhaps rechecked after installation, even a small failure rate can have a significant impact on total system operation. In addition, the set up and programming required for getting all of these components to act in unison with each other often takes numerous attempts through trial and error. Even after these components are made to work together, more effort is required to get these systems optimized for peak performance. Commissioning entails ensuring and documenting that all of these tasks have been completed. The persons responsible for commissioning will “test drive” your facility so that any latent defects can be identified and fixed before the keys are turned over.
Commissioning Approaches
There are several different ways to approach commissioning your biocontainment laboratory facility starting with what could be termed “contractor” commissioning. This is little more than having your architect and engineer specify in more detail what is to be tested and demonstrated by the various contractors prior to acceptance. In other words, “putting some teeth” into the documents. This approach should be acceptable on small projects, renovation work where existing systems are being modified or simply extended, and where the contractors are known and trusted entities. The documents could also specify that the contractor hire a commissioning agent (CA) as is often done with air and water balance contractors. However, this could present a conflict if there are significant installation issues that the commissioning agent must report causing him to “tattle” on his or her client.
Another approach would have the design firm commission the systems. Again, a conflict could emerge if there are major design issues that must be addressed requiring the commissioning agent to report against his or her employer. However, if you have a good relationship with the design firm they can usually provide great service at reduced cost due to their familiarity with the systems involved.
A popular approach is to hire an independent, or third party commissioning agent who could also be a contractor or design professional, but who is often an employee of a company whose sole business is to provide commissioning services. This method would be recommended on large or complex projects and on projects where the design services may have been competitively bid and the successful bidder may not have a prior relationship with you. The approach chosen will impact how and when the commissioning agent gets involved in the project.