Lab Decommissioning: Researcher’s Checklist for Lab Decommissioning

Starting two months out, the researcher should begin preparations. They should prepare a chemical inventory and disclose if any lab space or storage areas have been contaminated to a safety officer. Getting closer to the time of decommissioning, any hazardous materials should be consolidated. Dangerous chemicals and waste should be properly disposed of. Biological waste and hazardous items should be marked for incineration, and sharps should be sealed for disposal. A radiation safety team should be called for any radiation waste or contamination. The researcher and laboratory staff will need to decontaminate the laboratory. This includes equipment, benches, any surfaces, safety cabinets, refrigerators, and any other areas. They will need to complete any additional paperwork and request an inspection from the safety officer or principal investigator.