Laboratory Closeout and Decomissioning
The primary responsibility for the proper disposal or transfer of hazardous materials used in laboratories lies with the Principal Investigator or Researcher who must ensure that all substances and equipment are safely moved, or disposed of, and the space has been appropriately decontaminated.
Specifically their responsibilities are as follows:
- Notify the department chair, department safety representative, the building coordinator and Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) of the intent to move or close the lab. Discuss needs, concerns, and timelines of lab decommissioning with your facility coordinator, Department Safety Representative (DSR), and EHS. Several months of notice and work are generally required to properly decommission a laboratory for move out, renovation or re-occupancy.
- Provide area managers and EHS information on historical use of biohazardous materials, radioactive materials, and hazardous chemical usage for decontamination analysis.
- Plan early for the disposal of hazardous materials such as chemicals, microorganisms, tissues, and radioactive materials. Provide chemical inventory to EHS to aid in the relocation or disposal of unwanted chemicals.
- Ensure that materials generated in the conduct of research by individuals working in the lab have been properly identified or disposed of prior to them leaving the University.
- Ensure that research material cleanouts are performed by staff knowledgeable of hazards and appropriately trained in required safety procedures.
- Adhere to established EHS procedures for the safe and compliant disposal and decontamination of research materials and equipment.
- Maintain assigned facilities in clean, safe, and operable conditions during the lab closeout process. Corridors and other egress paths must remain free of trash or hazardous materials. Access to emergency equipment inside or near the lab space (Eyewash, Safety Shower, Fire extinguisher) must remain unimpeded.
- Ensure that contamination resulting from research activities or clean out has been appropriately cleaned and removed prior to vacating assigned spaces.
- Complete Laboratory Decommissioning Checklist and Research Equipment Decommissioning Form and provide them to EHS, the DSR, Facility Coordinator, or other college representatives.
- Negotiate the disposition of laboratory equipment with the Department or Research Center Administrator.
Additional information regarding the decommissioning process is outlined in the Laboratory Decommissioning Process and Checklist. Researchers should consult the University Lab Safety Manual and Chemical Hygiene Plan, Biosafety Manual, Radiation Safety Manual, and the Hazardous Waste Manual, for guidance on the proper disposition of research materials.
Departments are also responsible for ensuring that research spaces are vacated in an organized fashion, which enables the space to turn over to construction crews or the next occupant free from hazards. This guide provides standardized processes, strategies, and validation methods for screening and characterization of hazardous debris, proper decontamination of workspaces, and compliance with hazardous waste regulations. This process is used whether the lab move is within the university or to another off-campus location.
Specifically, Department Chairs and Unit Directors must:
- Allocate space appropriately and match research safety needs with facility capabilities.
- Communicate assigned spaces or changes in assignments to Researchers/Principal Investigators and facilities management staff.
- Inform the Principal Investigator of responsibilities related to management of research spaces and materials.
- Notify Facility Director or Manager/ Building coordinator of pending changes to lab occupancy.
- Assure that vacated spaces have been cleared by EHS, the Safety Manager and/or Facility Manager prior to renovation or reassignment.
- Bear the costs of decontamination and disposal of research materials in instances where there has been a failure by the PI to meet their responsibilities or when costs cannot be recovered from the investigator.