Life Science and Laboratory Decontamination

Decontamination of your laboratories should be considered multiple times through the life cycle of the laboratory, including post-construction, before commissioning, during the useful life and as part of decommissioning, and finally before demolition.

In normal day-to-day operations, instrument and filter changes for cabinets or HVAC, the need to disinfect before work requires consideration. Australian and New Zealand Standards AS/NZS 2982 Laboratory Design states that people working in or in the laboratory should be made aware of the hazards present in the laboratory and any precautionary decontamination procedure.

For laboratories that have been established for several years, current use may not reflect historical use. In these cases, it is essential to have your laboratory, HVAC, chemical fume cupboards/hoods, liquid waste systems and equipment adequately decontaminated before work is done to ensure appropriate safe access and disposal of contaminated materials.

Laboratory hardware disposed of without decontamination shall be treated as hazardous waste, generally a very costly endeavour. Laboratory and Facility Managers have a duty of care to ensure that laboratories comply with decontaminated standards. Occupational hygienists need to provide pre- and post-decontamination validation.

Biosafety International provides Department of Health and dangerous goods trained technicians to clean and decontaminate laboratories. We have extensive experience in understanding and dealing with biological, chemical, radioactive and physical contamination issues.

Biosafety International can provide decontamination validation reports, occupational hygiene testing and Clearance Certificates.

For more details, please get in touch with Biosafety International on 1300 379 996, email us at info@biosafety.com.au, or visit www.biosafety.com.au/laboratorydecontamination.