Laboratory Exit/Relocation Biological Safety

Contact UK Biosafety (biosafety@uky.edu or 859.257.1073) at least one-month prior to moving a BSC to determine need for gas decontamination!

Interior surfaces of BSCs must be thoroughly cleaned and decontaminated with an appropriate disinfectant. Freshly prepared 10% bleach (20 minutes contact time) followed by 70% ethanol is most recommended, but specific recommendations may vary depending on the biohazardous material in use. Consult your current IBC protocol or contact UK Biosafety at biosafety@uky.edu for recommendations. 

BSCs remaining in place – Often, for BSCs remaining in their current location, thorough surface decontamination is sufficient. Depending on the biohazardous materials used in the BSC and other factors, gas decontamination may be necessary. UK Biosafety will determine need for gas decontamination on a case-by-case basis. *

BSCs moving between UK Laboratory Locations - A thorough surface decontamination may be sufficient for BSC(s) that will move between UK laboratory locations. Depending on the biohazardous materials used in the BSC and other factors, gas decontamination may be necessary. UK Biosafety will determine need for gas decontamination on a case-by-case basis. *

BSCs going to Surplus – ALL BSCs must be gas decontaminated prior to being sent to Surplus. *

*Gas decontamination should be scheduled as early as possible to ensure vendor will be available prior to move date. Only UK approved vendors are allowed to certify, repair, or decontaminate BSCs or other laminar flow benches on UK campus. UK approved BSC vendors are - 

SafetyPlus, LLC. 877-821-9822 

Precision Air Technology 919-812-0340

Empty materials from unit, clean and defrost freezer, as needed. Wipe down interior, handles, and any visibly soiled area with disinfectant (ex. 10% bleach for 20 minutes, followed by water or 70% ethanol).

Freezers may be moved between UK laboratory locations without being emptied and defrosted IF the following conditions are met:

1. Freezer contents are packed with packing materials such that items cannot shift during transport.
2. Freezer door may be secured via lock or duct-tape.
3. Freezer has been inspected by UK Research Safety team member and deemed safe for transport between UK laboratory locations. UK Research Safety will tag unit with clearance tag and tamper-evident label.

Empty materials from unit, clean, and drain the water jacket, as needed. Wipe down interior, handles, and any visibly soiled area with disinfectant (ex. 10% bleach for 20 minutes, followed by water or 70% ethanol). 

Empty materials from unit, clean inside and outside with soap and water, and wipe down the inside and outside of equipment with disinfectant (ex. 10% bleach for 20 minutes, followed by water or 70% ethanol).