Decommissioning Lab Spaces and Equipment
During a researcher’s time at the University of Manitoba, moving laboratory spaces or having your space undergo a major renovation may occur. Environmental Health and Safety is here to help facilitate the decommissioning of spaces where hazardous materials were used (chemical, biological or radiological) and to ensure that the process has been done properly. This is essential for the safety of non-lab workers entering the space in the case of renovations and to prepare a space for the next occupant. The decommissioning procedure involves safely disposing of or transferring inventory, ensuring appropriate decontamination has been conducted as well as updating/terminating internal permits. It is important to consider that abandoning a room without proper decommissioning may result in the department being charged to have this done by an outside contractor.
In the event that a lab space is having maintenance or service requests (such as plumbing fixes, equipment repairs etc.) or if lab equipment is being moved, a lab hazard clearance form is required. This is to ensure that the lab is free of hazards for non-lab staff to conduct their work safely.
More information regarding whole room decommissioning, lab hazard clearance and disposing of equipment can be found here or contact us at ehso [at] umanitoba [dot] ca.