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​Decommissioning Tips for Lab Moves​​

​​​At the NIH, research is always changing and improving. This constant state of improvement is why it is critically important to understand what is required for the decommissioning process.

Decommissioning is the process by which the NIH properly vacates, surveys and decontaminates facilities targeted for closure or renovation. In most cases, the decommissioning process begins with an assessment of potential contaminants for the designated space. The occupant knowledge of previous activities is a crucial piece of this assessment, and their cooperation is a necessary aspect of the decommissioning. Following these five tips will make the decommissioning process as smooth as possible for your vacated space.

Tip #1 – Wipe the slate clean. Clean out the space of all equipment, material, and moveable furniture. This includes emptying drawers, casework, shelving and storage areas under sinks.

Tip #2 – Get clear for clearance. Request a clearance from your institute/office’s DOHS Safety Operations and Support Branch point of contact​​. 

Tip #3 – Reach out to Radiation. Request guidance for any long-lived radionuclides or beta-emitters that may have been used in the space from the Division of Radiation Safety.

Tip #4 – Consider the environment. Request an environmental hazardous material survey from the Division of Environmental Protection (DEPDecom@mail.nih.gov).

Tip #5 – Plot out the next steps. Have a well-defined scope of work outlining what a renovation to the space will achieve; design and demolition drawings are extremely helpful so material sampling surveys can be targeted and expeditious. 

Preparing for the decommissioning process is always important as we continue to innovate and discover. For more in-depth instructions, visit the Decommissioning NEMS Page.

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​How Does the Decommissioning Program Protect the NIH?​​​​ ​Decommissioning is the process by which the NIH properly vacates, surveys and decontaminates facilities targeted for closure or renovation. Completing the decommissioning process is a vital preventative measure to protect against human exposure to hazardous substances, environmental contamination and regulatory violations. Read the full article to learn more!​​ ​ LEA​RN MORE​​​​

​​Spotlight                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

​Decommissioning with Jake Deal​​ ​ ​Jake Deal is the Remediation Team Lead in the Environmental Compliance Branch of the Division of Environmental Protection. He specializes in decommissioning projects, which aim to properly prepare NIH facilities targeted for closure or renovation.​​​ LEARN MORE

NEMS Training                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
Did you know? ​​Decommissioning projects can range in size from a single room to an entire building. To learn more about decommissioning at the NIH, please visit the NEMS T​raining webpage to view a short (20 minute) NIH environmental awareness training video.​

​​​​​​​​The NIH Green Zone Newsletter is a publication intended to inform NIH staff about the Division of Environmental Protection and NIH Green Teams projects and initiatives. The text contained in this newsletter is not copyrighted and can be reprinted without permission. If you use portions of this newsletter in your own publication, we ask that you please credit the source. We welcome your ​comments and suggestions. Thank you.​​

​​ ​Division of Environmental Protection | Office of Research Facilities | Office of Management National Institutes of Health | U.S. Department of Health and Human Services​

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