Construction is booming on campus. New buildings are going up and older spaces are being renovated. This has resulted in a number of laboratories relocating or planning for relocation. Just as moving a home requires advance planning for a smooth transition, moving an active lab involves a coordinated effort to safely and efficiently empty the old space and occupy the new one.

Because some of the materials and equipment in these laboratories are hazardous or regulated, the Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) has designed a series of forms and guides to streamline the process. Information can be found here. Please contact us as soon as you know the approximate date of your lab move so that we can assist in the closeout of the lab. It is especially important that radioactive materials, controlled drugs used in research, and chemical and biological hazards be moved according to state and federal requirements. The lab closeout checklist can provide guidance.

Most movers are not licensed to transport hazardous materials, so arrangements should be made for a special carrier or EHS personnel to move chemicals and other regulated materials to the new location. The vacated space must also be free from contamination with chemicals, biological, and radioactive agents. The occupants of the laboratory are responsible for packing chemicals and supplies to be relocated and appropriately cleaning and decontaminating counters, fume hoods, and other equipment in the lab. EHS staff will inspect and tag out cleaned equipment so that construction can proceed. Call for assistance (934-2487) if you are unsure of how to clean or disinfect your lab.

Lab occupants are also encouraged to discard any equipment and reagents that are no longer needed. Instructions for properly disposing of hazardous materials can be found here.

If you are closing down a laboratory, a similar procedure is followed. Please notify EHS by emailing us or calling us at 934-2487 for additional information.