Delivering Optimization That Works
Delivering Legacy That WorksNew Jersey Public Health Environmental and Agriculture Laboratory
Trenton, New Jersey
Size: 200,000
The New Jersey Public Health, Environmental and Agricultural Laboratory (NJPHEAL) is a consolidated diagnostic facility with an ongoing mission to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of New Jersey’s population. The new 200,000 GSF facility is located on the New Jersey State Police Campus and is part of the CDC and USDA Laboratory Response Networks that provide emergency response to national infectious disease outbreaks, terrorist threats and agricultural safety efforts.
WorkingBuildings is an integral part of New Jersey’s effort to provide the highest level of services to its citizens. We are ensuring that the construction of the new laboratory meets with regulatory requirements and operates as safely and as efficiently as possible. Our involvement as the Owner’s Representative extends the traditional commissioning services beyond the construction schedule and allows for a manageable transition from existing facilities into the new laboratory. We provide oversight and consultation during the complex transition process to help users and administrators plan and implement the move process while maintaining the newly operational laboratory so that the final transition is truly a ‘turnkey’ process.
Our Operations Team began to observe building operations before the contractor, commissioning agent and design team finished the closeout process. We confirmed that the building systems functioned as designed and that they responded to operational conditions according to the design intent.
Once substantial completion was declared, a simultaneous review of the equipment O&M manuals, design intent document, warranty information, and routine operational protocols was coordinated with trending data received from the Building Automation System (BAS).
The existing facility staff began training alongside our Operations Staff on the daily operations and maintenance of each piece of equipment and major system. The staff will have a thorough understanding of the new facility before the certificate of occupancy is provided. The training continues throughout the move process to the new facility and concludes either once regulatory authorities have provided certification of laboratory spaces or for a designated period of time. This continuation of training is crucial as it allows the existing facility staff the flexibility to begin learning the complexities of the new building systems while also finalizing the move process and decommissioning any existing facilities.
Construction Specialists bring their technical expertise in the construction process to assist the Owner with verifying subcontractors’ Application for Payment. They perform thorough inspections of the facility to ensure compliance with Building Life Safety Codes and the proper installation of finishes and equipment and work as part of the Design Team’s Quality Assurance services. They verify attic stock and maintenance protocols for all materials confirming that warranties have not been voided and proper replacement and maintenance parts are available for future operations.
Our Laboratory Specialists are working with the Users to introduce them to their new laboratory environment and assist with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) revision and development so that all protocols are aligned with the operations of the new facility. We provide documentation assistance for regulatory licenses and move coordination assistance to ensure that building utilities are available for existing and new equipment that will be used in the new facility. We will also be coordinating emergency drills and training with first responders and local authorities. Additionally, we will be providing support for outreach programs that educate the community about the new laboratory and the important role it will play in their health and safety.