University of New South Wales - Human Resources

Step 20 - Project Cessation Activities & Facility & Equipment Decommissioning

Action:

At the conclusion of your research project, and specifically if you are ceasing work in a research laboratory, you should complete the following actions:

sort all research materials, solutions and specimens to assess what must be retained for future reference or further research by others;
discard any materials no longer required, ensuring hazardous waste is safely managed;
adequately label and store the materials that are to be retained;
make an accurate record of materials stored and their location to facilitate their future retrieval;
stored materials and the record of their storage location should be managed according to local procedure (seek advice from your School/Centre);
ensure that the laboratory and all equipment used is decontaminated and cleaned;
decommission any potentially hazardous equipment or pass on to new owner.

Tools and Resources:

Containment facility decommissioning template
Laboratory Hazardous Waste Disposal web page
Hazardous waste disposal forms