Laboratory deactivation, also referred to as decommissioning, is the process whereby all hazardous materials, wastes and contamination are removed from a lab space that is being vacated. Many activities associated with lab moves require a long lead-time and planning is critical to ensure a smooth and successful transition. Not all aspects of preparing a new lab space for move-in are addressed under these guidelines but can significantly impact move schedules so Departments, Construction Project Managers and PIs are encouraged to work together to ensure a new lab space is compliant and ready for occupancy.
For large moves, EH&S recommends that the PI or Department schedule an advisory inspection with the EH&S Laboratory Safety Program at least 60 days in advance of the move. The Laboratory Safety Specialist assigned to the lab can offer advice on deactivation requirements and alert other EH&S programs that provide services referenced in these guidelines.
If lab space is being returned to the Dean’s reserve, full deactivation with supporting documentation is required. If lab space is being exchanged within a Department’s purview of space and the space will not be renovated, the Department bears responsibility for assuring that those leaving the space satisfy all deactivation requirements. If a PI abandons a lab and cannot be contacted or otherwise held accountable, the Department assumes responsibility for assuring all deactivation tasks assigned or required of the PI are completed by other means.
Hazardous material transfer, disposal and decontamination tasks are generally subdivided into three distinct hazard categories (chemical, biological and radiological) due to the specialized protocols, procedures and regulations that govern each of these material types. Decontamination includes the cleaning or disinfection of working surfaces and equipment such as bench tops, sinks, storage cabinets, drawers, shelving, fumehoods, and any other surface or equipment potentially contaminated with hazardous material. Decontamination does not include inaccessible surfaces or non-portable (fixed) equipment that requires demolition to remediate such as fumehood exhaust or lab vacuum systems. If renovation or demolition is planned for the vacated lab space, the assigned Construction Project Manager will coordinate additional evaluation and decontamination of inaccessible areas or installed equipment with EH&S.
