Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Procedures

Laboratory Renovation/Vacancy Clearance Report

Research, Environmental Health and Safety  |  Approved May 14, 2015

Purpose

Obtain a UMB Laboratory Renovation/Vacancy Clearance report.

Applicability

This instruction applies to laboratory personnel seeking to have equipment repaired, decommissioned, or relocated when work is to be performed in an area which contained hazardous chemicals, biological hazards and/or radioactive materials. 

This applies only to areas that construction workers would be exposed to in the normal course of their work.  For example, laboratory bench tops, fume hoods (inside and out), laboratory bench tops, floors, sinks, centrifuges, and refrigerators/freezers must be decontaminated. 

Additional information regarding the Standard Repair/ Close-out/ Decommissioning Procedures can be found in EHS’s Chemical Hygiene Plan.

Instructions

All clean-up procedures must be performed using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).  In order to ensure a timely clearance procedure, after following these instructions please complete the Laboratory Renovation/Vacancy Clearance Instructions and Form and return to EHS via Fax 410-706-8212.

If permanently vacating laboratory space:

1. Unwanted chemicals and/or chemical waste, all biological materials including biohazardous waste, sharps and sharps containers, radioactive material and or radioactive waste shall be removed from the laboratory.
2. Equipment is decontaminated and any hazard stickers are removed or demarcated.  See Laboratory Equipment Clearance Certification procedure.

If clearing lab space for renovation:

Chemical Hazards: Chemical containers must be moved and stored properly away from the area where the renovation work is to be performed in the laboratory.

1. Wipe surfaces and equipment that may have come in contact with toxic/hazardous chemicals with a warm solution of soap and water.  This may include fume hoods (inside and out), bench tops, floors, refrigerators and sinks.

Biological Hazards:  Any surface with which a biological hazard has come in contact with must be decontaminated.

1. Decontamination includes utilizing a solution of warm soap and water, then a solution of 1:10 household bleach. (5.25% sodium hypochlorite) or Wescodyne.
   1. The principal investigator is responsible for verifying that sodium hypochlorite or Wescodyne is the appropriate substance to inactivate the hazard.
2. Horizontal surfaces (floors, bench tops, etc.) and equipment (centrifuges, incubators, refrigerators/freezers, etc,) shall be decontaminated.
3. Submit pick-up for biohazard waste containers or relocate to area not affected by renovation.
4. Biosafety cabinets must be decontaminated by an outside contractor if relocating, servicing or removing.
   1. See Certification of Biosafety Cabinet and Relocation of Biosafety Cabinet procedure.
5. Sanitary drains must be flushed with bleach solution if they are to be disturbed.

Radioactive Materials:  Contact EHS at 410-706-7055 for proper instructions.

1. If vacating the laboratory a termination survey shall be performed; or if renovating, then a facility closeout survey shall be performed.  See Vacate Radioactive Materials Laboratory  procedure.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact EHS at 410-706-7055 or by fax at 410-706-8212.