Any time a lab director (faculty/lab manager/supervisor) is relocating to new laboratory space (whether laboratory work is currently underway or just starting), University of Michigan (U-M) requires a laboratory commissioning visit by EHS staff. EHS staff will consult with the research team regarding potential hazards, methods to reduce risk, training requirements, and proper use of protective equipment.
Relocating to a new laboratory space includes:
- Relocating between buildings on campus or to another laboratory within the same building
- Adding new rooms to a current lab, repurposing non-laboratory space as laboratory space, or both
NOTE: When renovating any space, laboratory or non-laboratory space, complete the Laboratory Space Modification Form prior to starting the renovation project. - Activating a laboratory space with a newly hired lab director
The Checklist for Relocating a Laboratory identifies the tasks that must be completed as part of the laboratory space relocation process. Please download and use it to guide your process. In addition to the information on this page, the EHS guidelines provide the processes and procedures for lab directors and personnel to follow when relocating to a new laboratory space.
Hazardous Materials Management
Hazardous Materials Management (HMM) can assist with transferring chemicals to another laboratory space located outside the building or building complex. HMM will complete the following tasks as part of the transfer process:
- Pack the chemicals in vermiculite to prevent breakage in transit. NOTE: Though the chemicals will be placed in plastic bags to keep them clean, some vermiculite dust will likely be deposited on the bottles. This dust is not hazardous and will not affect the chemicals.
- Pack chemicals that require refrigeration in coolers. NOTE: HMM cannot guarantee specific temperatures will be maintained during the move.
- Unpack the chemicals and place them on a bench top. NOTE: Lab directors have the option to unpack the shipping containers at their leisure. However, lab directors electing to unpack the chemicals must arrange with HMM a time to pick up the empty shipping containers.
Radiation Safety Service
Radiation Safety Services will complete the following tasks as part of the relocation process:
- Notify the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs that a radiation-generating machine is being moved
- Inspect and approve laboratory space
- Transfer stock radioactive material to new location
