Lab Close-Out Procedures for Laboratory Operations Using Hazardous Materials

Hazardous materials such as chemicals, microorganisms, tissues, and radioactive materials can injure faculty, students, staff, contractors and visitors if handled inappropriately. Proper disposal of hazardous materials is required whenever a responsible individual leaves the University or transfers to a different laboratory. "Responsible individuals" can include, faculty, staff, post-doctoral, and graduate students. While the primary responsibility for the proper disposal of all hazardous materials used in laboratories lies with the principal investigator or researcher, the ultimate responsibility for hazardous materials management lies with each department.

Plan the disposal of hazardous materials carefully. Hazardous materials such as chemicals, microorganisms, tissues, and radioactive materials can injure faculty, students, staff, contractors and visitors if handled inappropriately. Any regulatory action or fines resulting from improper management or disposal of hazardous materials will be charged to the responsible department.

Please consult the Chemical Hygiene Plan and the Hazardous Waste Management Plan for guidance on University procedures regarding the transport and storage of potentially hazardous materials. Coordinate any lab clean-out or close-out with the Office of Risk Management.