New Anatomy Facility Project, School of Biomedical Sciences

The University of Melbourne’s Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience is at the forefront of scientific research on the human body in health and disease.  Recognised for its innovation in teaching and medical research of neuroscience, metabolism and diabetes and cell biology, the department’s facilities are integral to the employment of novel and innovative research methods.

With recent advice published by Safe Work Australia (SWA), recommending a significant reduction in the airborne concentration of formaldehyde that building occupants are exposed to, the University commissioned an upgrade of the Anatomy Teaching & Research facilities (Building 181).

The project, one of the first nationally to address the new SWA requirements, involves:

• Refurbishment of Level 4 West (former Biochemistry Teaching Lab) replaces the existing dissection facilities on Level 4 East.
• Incorporation of a raised floor to provide exhaust from below connected into new bespoke ventilated dissection tables.
• Modification to existing HVAC systems considering single pass, air change rates, odour control and ventilation effectiveness (high-level supply, low-level exhaust, filtration).
• Extensive CFD simulation modelling to assess the expected formaldehyde exposure rates based on various room and environment conditions and mechanical services arrangements.
• Establishment of a fully functional Prototype Cell to simulate and test the formaldehyde exposure rates based on various mechanical supply and exhaust configurations, working procedures and room conditions.
• Upgrading of ventilation to the existing Embalming Room and Cold Room in the Level 1 East Mortuary.