Change in Use Requests for VCU Spaces with Hazardous Materials

VCU Safety and Risk Management (SRM) must be involved during the design and scoping phase for all construction and renovation projects as well as laboratory relocations at VCU that involve hazardous materials. 

Project managers or department leadership are required to submit a change-in-use request for all laboratory relocations as well as new construction and renovations in spaces with hazardous materials via e-Builder. Examples of these types of spaces include laboratories, shops and maker spaces. This ensures that the engineer of record, responsible for adhering to codes and standards, receives an accurate hazard inventory and can facilitate the design and construction of areas with the necessary safety features for both current and future use. 

Examples of when a change-in-use request for spaces with hazardous materials must be submitted include:

• An assessment of the suitability of a laboratory space for new principal investigators 
• Laboratory moves and renovations
• Any project with substantial changes to the hazards (pyrophoric chemicals, BSL2 materials) that will be utilized in the space 

Review Process

A change-in-use request follows the steps below.

1. The project manager or department leadership submits a request in e-Builder
2. VCU Space Management confirms that the space data on file matches the requested use.
3. VCU Engineering and Utilities verifies the space’s ventilation capabilities.
4. SRM works with the requestor to compile and verify an inventory of hazards in the space for compliance with safety requirements. 
5. SRM shares the change-in-use report with the requestor. This report provides information about the space’s capabilities or necessary changes needed in order to accommodate the request.