Laboratory Clearance

Biological Clearance

All laboratories (chemical, biological, and radiological) must undergo a LABORATORY CLEARANCE prior to being retired, remodeled, renovated, cleaned, or relocated*.

When performing a LABORATORY CLEARANCE involving biological materials, the following procedures must be followed. For additional information, refer to the UCSF Biological Safety Manual (BSM):

  1. Disposal: Dispose of biohazardous waste (dry, liquid, sharps, pathological, etc.) as outlined in BSM.  EH&S will pick up biohazardous waste.
  2. Transfers: Complete Biological Usage Authorization (BUA) Transfer Form to transfer biomaterials to another Principal Investigator (PI). Contact Biosafety Officer (BSO) for the BUA Transfer Form and additional information.
  3. Usage Areas/Equipment: Decontaminate all usage areas, furniture, storage areas, freezers, refrigerators, etc., with 0.5% sodium hypochlorite (1:10 dilution of household bleach), Wescodyne, or other suitable disinfectant.
  4. Defrosting: Unplug and defrost freezers and refrigerators. Collect frost melt fluid and decontaminate by bringing to a final concentration of 0.5% sodium hypochlorite (bleach). Allow fluid to stand for 30 minutes after mixing; pour fluid down the sink.  Wipe inner and outer surfaces with 0.5% sodium hypochlorite.

Biosafety Cabinets: Decontaminate using EH&S authorized vendor.

LABORATORY CLEARANCES may be accomplished via 3 possible mechanisms:

  1. Laboratory personnel may perform the above procedures. 
  2. Laboratory may request service from EH&S. A cost estimate will be provided and the service will be recharged.
  3. Laboratory may contract with an EH&S approved vendor.

EH&S must confirm clearance is complete in all cases prior to retiring or modification of BUA.