Inspections and documentation help ensure that all lab deactivation tasks have been successfully completed and may serve as evidence during regulatory inspections. In addition, some documentation, such as BSC disinfection certification, is mandatory.

• Lab Deactivation Checklist: EH&S has developed a standard checklist to aid Departments and PIs with deactivation completion inspections. The checklist should be used during a final joint walk-though inspection attended by the Department and PI or PI’s representative after all deactivation tasks have been completed and the lab space is ready for turnover. The Department should maintain the completed checklists and provide copies to EH&S prior to any renovation or demolition of the vacated space.
• Postings and stickers: These are useful ways to identify equipment and lab areas that have been decontaminated. A sticker attached to a piece of portable equipment lets the mover know that it has been cleaned and is ready to go. A posting on equipment that will remain in the lab, such as a fumehood, or a posting on a lab door indicating general cleaning of the area is done, is recommended.
• Certificates: A certificate is a formal posting or document that is required by regulation or policy and can only be provided by vendors or faculty/staff uniquely qualified to provide such certification. Vendors typically issue a standardized certification form. If a PI or PI’s representative provides such certification it must be on Department letterhead with signature and date. See Laboratory Equipment Decontamination Template. Certificates are mandatory for Biosafety Cabinets and lab equipment that will be resold.