1.1 This guide covers architectural design considerations for buildings and facilities used in the biological processing industry to make drugs, chemicals, and other products.

1.2 These designs are intended to meet current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) criteria and guidelines published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for processes and products manufactured under CFR Title 21.

1.3 While the guidelines described are general in nature, they are not expected to apply to all of the possible biotechnical processes used in the industry today. Accordingly, the user of this guide must exercise good engineering judgment in specific design applications to select the proper guidelines that apply.

1.4 In addition to the cGMP guidelines provided herein, other regulations and guides should be considered that are promulgated by other federal agencies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Drug Administration (USDA), the National Institute of Health (NIH), and so forth.

1.5 While the buildings will be designed to meet specific functional requirements and comply with local zoning ordinances, building codes, handicapped employee standards, and so forth, these considerations are not included in this guide.

1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.