Biological Contaminated Equipment and Surfaces

Equipment (including centrifuges, incubators, refrigerators, and freezers) that has been contaminated with blood or body fluids or other biohazardous materials must be decontaminated prior to removal from the lab.

• In addition to proper street clothing (long pants or equivalent that cover legs and ankles, close-toed non-perforated shoes that completely cover the feet), wear a lab coat, safety glasses or goggles, and gloves when decontaminating equipment and surfaces.
• A common disinfectant for decontamination is a freshly made solution of 1:10 bleach and water (10% bleach), used with a minimum contact time of 30 minutes. Note, 10% bleach can corrode or damage some surfaces (such as stainless steel), materials (such as rubber), and equipment. Information about other types of disinfectants can be found at Disinfectants - what's available? and Laboratories - Disinfectant Selection. Be sure to review manufacturer’s information specific to the disinfectant to understand appropriate use and minimum contact times. Avoid using alcohol (ethanol, methanol, isopropanol) as they evaporate too quickly and will not decontaminate surfaces effectively. Perform a final rinse with water, or soapy water, to remove disinfectant residue. If there is any doubt how to decontaminate your equipment, contact the manufacturer or OEHS.
• Complete and place Laboratory Equipment Decontamination Form on equipment to verify it has been decontaminated.

Biological Safety Cabinets

Biological safety cabinets must be decontaminated by OEHS prior to removing from a lab. The decontaminations process (using formaldehyde gas and a neutralizer) takes 4 to 6 hours to complete and needs to be scheduled at least 1 week prior to the move. Exceptions to this will only be allowed if you consult with OEHS. Contact OEHS if you have any questions. OEHS will complete and place a Laboratory Equipment Decontamination Form on the biosafety cabinet to verify it has been decontaminated.

Chemical Contaminated Equipment

Lab equipment (including refrigerators, freezers, and centrifuges) that contained hazardous chemicals must have their contents removed and decontaminated prior to transport. This includes removing any internal compressed gas cylinders. Chemical decontamination of lines and hoses should follow manufacturer guidelines to prevent damage to delicate components. For example, fluid must be drained prior to moving the equipment and lines flushed with water or equipment buffer solution. Any chemical reservoir must be drained to prevent spillage. Any surface contamination must be cleaned up. Clean-up can be done with a damp rag with mild soapy water. Complete and place the Laboratory Equipment Decontamination Form on equipment to verify it has been decontaminated.

Contact OEHS at 313-577-1200 if you have questions regarding specific equipment disposal requirements, or if any components of the equipment contain regulated or hazardous materials (e.g., liquid mercury or oil).

Gas Cylinders

Gas cylinders should be returned to the supplier. For single use cylinders (calibration gas or lecture bottles), contact OEHS for disposal.