Principal Investigators at the University of Arizona are responsible for the safe operation of their laboratories. This includes leaving all assigned areas in safe condition when vacated.

The Laboratory Close-Out process is divided into three stages that will provide researchers and other departments involved in the Close-Out time to assess and resolve potential problems.

• Three Months/90 Days Before Moving

  • Review and complete a Laboratory Close-Out Notification (Contact Risk Management & Safety for this form). Mail, fax or e-mail the form to the Hazardous Waste Supervisor at Risk Management & Safety (RM&S). A copy also needs to be sent to the researcher's department administrator.
  • Upon receipt of the Close-Out Notification the Hazardous Waste Supervisor will arrange with the researcher, the department administrative representative and/or the laboratory manager and other involved departments for a tour of the areas to be vacated.
  • All departments necessary for a successful close-out will develop a close-out plan designed to fit the areas being vacated

• Thirty Days Before Moving

  • Walk through the area to be vacated to ensure all unknown materials have been identified and no new unknowns have been generated during preparation for moving.
  • The Hazardous Waste Supervisor will assist in planning the relocation of any high hazard materials that have been identified during the chemical disposal process.
  • Follow up on the status of time critical close out plan steps such as: radioactive and chemical waste removal, special equipment moving arrangements, issues in newly assigned space.
  • If applicable, visit new lab space to ensure that previous occupants have not abandoned any equipment of materials.
  • Verify that all required modifications in the new space will be completed before the move.
  • No equipment used for radioactive material should be moved with external removable contamination present. Lab personnel must perform wipe and meter surveys to assure this for smaller items. The Radiaion Control Office will provide this service for major pieces of equipment including freezers and refrigerators.

• Moving Time

  • Pack and move lab items during normal business hours (8:00 AM - 4:00 PM) so Risk Management & Safeety staff will be on campus to provide assistance in case of a spill or a release.
  • All hazardous material must be in sound secondary containment during transport
  • Never transport hazardous materials alone
  • Always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment for the materials being handled. (Goggles, lab coat, gloves, closed-toed shoes)
  • Arrange to have boxes, plastic bags and other containers on hand prior to packing lab items.
  • Make a final walk through of the vacated areas. Determine if any hazardous materials have been left. Notify the Hazadous Waste Supervisor of any hazardous materials left in the lab.

IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Risk Management & Safety

621-1790

FAX 621-3706

Hazardous Waste Supervisor

621-5861

FAX 626-4925

Radiation Control Office

626-6850

FAX 626-2583

University Biosafety Officer

621-5279

FAX 621-6159

Surplus Property

621-1754

FAX 798-0719