Laboratory Close-Out Checklist

This Laboratory Close-Out Checklist app contains a comprehensive step by step checklist that should be completed when an employee leaves a lab or transfers to a different lab. Chemicals and containers should be labeled and secured, and controlled substances should be checked to see whether they are still usable. All other chemicals should be prepared for disposal. Chemicals and hazardous waste pickup must be completed before the laboratory space is vacated. Waste disposal and collection will take at least a week after submitting forms to chemical waste. All aspects of controlled substances use in lab research must comply with the appropriate health and safety and environmental health regulations and procedures. Compressed gas cylinders in a lab space should be turned off, and cylinders need to be correctly stored. If laboratory equipment is to be left for the next occupant, the equipment should be cleaned or decontaminated first. One of the most problematic situations in a department is the sharing of storage units such as refrigerators, freezers, cold rooms, stock rooms, storage cabinets, waste collection areas, etc. Mishandling of hazardous material can result in fines and/or loss of the right to use that material. Maintaining biological safety in a lab is crucial. If a lab or department head insists on a checklist app, it can lead to improved lab safety, a more productive lab, and assist an external biological safety or health and safety investigator.