Decommissioning of Laboratory Space Prior To Relocation, Demolition or Renovation

The purpose of these procedures is to eliminate, as much as possible, any potential hazards to personnel and the environment prior to the relocation, demolition or renovation of laboratory space. These procedures were established to ensure that hazardous materials are disposed of properly when faculty/researchers/occupants of a laboratory transfer to a different laboratory or leave the University. Procedures also apply to all demolitions, renovations or reassignments of space conducted at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and any of its field stations, and are based in part on information described in the American National Standard for Laboratory Decommissioning ANSI/AIHA Z9.11-2008. This document is designed to reduce the number of unwanted and unknown hazardous materials in laboratories, reduce waste disposal costs, prevent or minimize the risk of exposure to personnel and provide them with a healthy, safe, and clean place to work. Responsibilities of the individual, department, and the institutional administrative areas are addressed. Identified here are the procedures that must be followed for the proper disposition of hazardous materials generated in research and included within building materials.