Laboratory Commissioning

All Memorial laboratories must be commissioned through EHS prior to the commencement of work as well as before any changes to the scope of work conducted within the laboratory (e.g. addition of an x-ray emitting device (XED) or commencing work with biohazardous or radioactive materials).

Complete the laboratory commissioning form and submit to unit chair / head and to initiate the commissioning process. After EHS approval, you will be issued a Laboratory Safety Permit for your lab.

Laboratory Relocation

Relocating labs presents an excellent opportunity to dispose of unwanted materials and equipment. Principal Investigator (PIs) and/or laboratory supervisors who are relocating must remove all chemical, radioactive, and biological materials, and certify that any items moved or left behind are free of surface contamination.

1. Prior to the move, determine storage capacity of new space, compare against existing inventory and determine which inventory items are being relocated.

2. Chemical, radioactive, and biological materials, including gas cylinders, that will be transported on public roads must be packaged, labeled and documented according to Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) regulations.

3. Only hazardous products with WHMIS 2015 compliant labels can be relocated.

4. Any damaged or illegible labels must be replaced.

5. For movement of radioactive or biohazardous materials, coordinate with the RSO/BSO.

6. Chemical, radioactive, and biological materials that are moving as well as those that are not being relocated must be accurately reflected in EHS Assistant.

7. All expired, outdated, or unwanted products must be disposed of through the university’s hazardous waste disposal program.

8. Unknown containers of materials (liquid or solid) cannot be disposed of until the contents are identified. The PI is responsible for identifying all materials.

9. Products that are stored in corroded or poor condition containers must be disposed of or contents transferred to a compatible container and labelled properly.

10. Segregate chemicals using Memorial's chemical compatibility chart and recommended storage groups for common chemicals.

a. Refer to the products Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

b. Package each chemical storage group into separate, sturdy cardboard boxes. If layering, a sturdy support shall be used between layers.

c. Use paper or other cushioning material between bottles to prevent breakage during handling and transportation.

d. Do not pack boxes too heavy; maximum 25 pounds total weight per box.

Laboratory Decommissioning

1. PIs / Lab Supervisor must ensure that a Laboratory Equipment Release Form is completed and that all chemical, radioactive and biological contamination has been removed from equipment surfaces, including; centrifuges, incubators, refrigerators and freezers, prior to removal from the lab. If potential of contamination still exists it must be noted on the form.

2. Final lab decommissioning must be completed no later then 1 month after the relocation occurs. Contact for guidance with decommissioning. For decommissioning of radioactive or biohazardous laboratories, coordinate with the RSO/BSO .