Decommissioning
If you are decommissioning a lab or lab equipment, take a look at the relevant sections below.
Lab Decommissioning
To ensure that vacated space is cleared for unrestricted future use (i.e. free of all chemical, biological, and radioactive materials), EH&S must be notified before the space is vacated. Failure to properly decommission the space may expose new occupants to hazardous materials.
Research personnel are responsible for the proper removal of hazardous materials and cleaning all chemical, biological, and radioactive contamination before vacating the lab space. EH&S has developed a decommissioning checklist to assist researchers and departments in this process.
Procedure
- Before planning to vacate a lab space or relocate a lab, notify EH&S using this form. This form can be completed by the Principal Investigator, Lab Manager, Department Coordinator, or any other knowledgeable party. If you’re unsure if EH&S has been notified, fill out the Intention to vacate a lab space or relocate a lab.
- Complete the Decommissioning Checklist
- Contact [email protected] to schedule a decommissioning inspection.
Lab Equipment Clearance
To ensure that laboratory equipment is free from hazards, please follow proper procedures before removing it from a laboratory space. Equipment needs to be cleaned, decontaminated and assessed before its removal. Laboratory personnel are responsible for the following procedures:
- Identify the hazards associated with the equipment that you wish to remove.
- Follow the Lab Equipment Clearance Procedures for each hazard you have identified.
- Fill out the Lab Equipment Clearance and Decontamination Form to inform EH&S that the decontamination is complete.
- Once EH&S has notified you of its verification, contact your department’s equipment manager for removal.
