How to get help in an emergency
In fairness to those who must move these items, we ask that you exercise care and good judgment by taking the time to carefully survey and decontaminate equipment that may have been in contact with potentially hazardous biological, chemical or radioactive materials. A completed Procurement tag-- Certification that Property is Free from Hazards -- must be attached to each piece of equipment to be moved after it has been surveyed and decontaminated (if needed). This responsibility rests with the owner/user(s) of the equipment. No equipment is to be moved unless it has been thoroughly cleaned and certified by the owner/user.
1. Clean the equipment based on the potential hazards as outlined below
2. Fill out and attach a Certification that Property is Free from Hazards tag
3. Email Materials Management: materials.management@dartmouth.edu
4. Include the following equipment information in your message:
a. Building and room number where item(s) is located
b. Description of item(s)
c. Asset tag number and/or serial number if applicable
d. Chart string to charge for removal
Visit the Materials Management website here
Wear a lab coat, appropriate gloves and eye protection.
Disconnect all electrically powered equipment before cleaning or servicing.
Drain and collect pump oils or similar fluids for disposal by EHS. Remove replaceable batteries. In water baths, incubators and other temperature regulated devices--remove and set aside all mercury thermometers. EHS strongly encourages the minimization of mercury and will accept all mercury and mercury thermometers for disposal free of charge.
Examples include: Equipment that has had direct or potential contact with human or animal materials (including cells, tissues, blood, or other body fluids), microorganisms or other potentially infectious agents, recombinant or synthetic nucleic acids, and biotoxins. Prepare a fresh 1:10 solution of bleach and water, and then wipe down all exposed surfaces. If there are soiled areas or deposits, clean with mild soap water prior to the bleach solution. If select agent biotoxins were used, please contact the Biosafety Officer.
Examples include: Ethidium bromide residue spilled phenol/chloroform, powders, acidic or caustic material, etc. Wipe down all exposed surfaces with mild soap and water. Repeat or soak, as necessary. Do not use bleach or other corrosive-cleaning agents. Special chemical hazards may require specific precautions--contact EHS first.
All equipment/items that have a radioactive label or sticker attached must be cleared by the Radiation Safety Officer. This includes refrigerators, freezers, centrifuges and incubators. Any radiation counting equipment must be cleared. This includes counters (beta scintillation and gamma). All x-ray producing equipment and lasers must be cleared by the RSO as well.
