If you are partially or completely vacating your laboratory for remodeling, relocation or closure, you are required to leave it clean and safe. By following safe practices, we can help prevent exposures and maintain the health and safety of everyone in our workspaces.
Moveout notice
The Notice of Laboratory Moveout form has step-by-step instructions to help you complete all necessary steps to reduce the risk of exposure to facilities personnel and future occupants of the space.
- The form is completed by personnel who are trained to handle hazardous materials to prevent injuries and exposures to any individuals who handle the items for surplus, cleaning, and/or disposal.
- Complete all decontamination and cleaning requirements (described below).
- The Responsible Party or Laboratory Manager signs the form to verify that all instructions were followed.
- Post the completed form inside the laboratory door near one or more exits for UW Facilities (or the next occupants) to view.
Cleaning and decontamination
The Responsible Party is required to ensure the decontamination of equipment and lab surfaces where chemicals, biohazards, radioactive materials, sharps, and other hazardous materials were used; and for proper disposal of hazardous waste prior to vacating the space.
- Follow instructions listed on the Notice of Cleaning and/or Decontamination form. This form must be filled out and signed by personnel who are trained to handle hazardous materials.
- Attach a copy of the form to each piece of equipment for disposal, reuse, or surplus.
Surplus
All unwanted University property is sent to UW Surplus, except for prohibited items.
- Check the list of prohibited and conditionally accepted items before requesting pickup from UW Surplus.
- All laboratory and patient care items must be cleaned and decontaminated regardless of whether or not they came into contact with any biological, chemical, and/or radioactive material.
- Any spaces or equipment where radiation was used must be cleared by EH&S prior to sending it to UW Surplus.
UW Moving & Surplus (or their vendor) has the right to refuse an item if the cleaning and decontamination procedures have not been properly followed.
More information
Refer to the Laboratory Safety Manual Section 10 – Moving In/Moving Out for additional guidance.
Your department may have additional requirements for relocation and closure, so check with your administrator.
Please contact the EH&S Laboratory Safety team for questions or additional guidance.