When labs close down, such as when a researcher leaves or a project ends, a broader scope clean out than done at other times is required.   In this case it is the School Chair’s responsibility to ensure that all phases of material or equipment transfers or disposal are appropriately managed.  This would include but not be limited to: equipment decontamination prior to moving, transfer of useful chemicals to other labs being reflected in the EHSA application, identification and appropriate labeling of unwanted chemicals and samples, and finally, calling EHS to remove the unwanted materials.

EHS will not remove any chemical from a lab without the permission of the owner (in this case the School Chair or Chair’s designee) unless the material is inherently dangerous and presents a hazard to people or property by being left in place.

Other concerns in lab closings are that energized equipment be de-energized (electricity, hydraulic systems, pressurized gas systems).  Toxic and flammable gas systems must be purged, depressurized, with regulators removed and cylinders capped. It is the responsibility of the Department Chair (or designee) to arrange for and oversee the return of gas cylinders to the appropriate vendor.

The Lab Move Procedures document details how to commission a lab, prepare for intra-campus moves, and decommission a lab is available on EHS website. This document was prepared with the input and feedback from several faculty nd staff colleagues across the Institute, and approval from the Institute Council.