Relocating Biological Materials

  1. Inventory the biological materials (recombinant DNA materials, microorganisms, cells and cell lines, tissues, organs, body fluids, biologically-derived or -contaminated media, and any toxins or venoms of biological origin) and deter-mine which materials will be transferred to your new laboratory or to another Vanderbilt investigator. A list of biological materials to be relocated or transferred must be provided to the OCRS Laboratory Closeout Coordinator. This list must include ALL materials to be relocated found in freezers, refrigerators, etc.  
  2. Dispose of the remaining materials as you would have during the course of experimentation. For example, solid materials (including petri dishes and microfuge tubes) should be autoclaved and disposed as regular trash (preferred method) or they should be collected (in VUMC) by Environmental Services for autoclaving. Liquid materials may be decontaminated by preparing a solution of 1 part house-hold bleach to 9 parts liquid waste. Mix the contents gently and let sit for at least 30 minutes. This decontaminated solution may now be disposed in the sink. Liquid waste may alternatively be autoclaved in vented containers on the liquid cycle of the autoclave. Once cool, the liquid may be flushed down the sink. Laboratories without the use of an autoclave or those outside of VUMC should consult with the OCRS Laboratory Closeout Coordinator to determine the appropriate method of disposal.
  3. No biological materials may remain that are not disposed or inventoried. If some remain, please consult with the OCRS Laboratory Closeout Coordinator to determine appropriate actions for these materials.
  4. All biological safety cabinets require OCRS Biological Safety Section evaluation to determine required decontamination, even if they are not moved. The equipment must be certified again after the move to ensure filter integrity. Make arrangements for this work in advance to allow contractors to meet your schedule.
  5. Equipment such as incubators, refrigerators, freezers, etc. containing or potentially contaminated with biological materials must be decontaminated prior to moving. If this equipment is not to be moved, it still must be decontaminated. If equipment cannot be decontaminated, it must be labeled with the international bio-hazard symbol and be appropriately contained during the move. No equipment contaminated with biological material must be left in the vacated laboratory.
  6. Inform the Vanderbilt Institutional Biosafety Committee of your upcoming move and complete all registration documents so that approvals will be in place at the time you relocate.
  7. During the move, all biological materials to be relocated must be transported using secondary containment. For example, place bottles of media in a plastic tub. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment for the materials being handled (safety glasses or goggles, lab coat, gloves, closed-toe shoes, etc.). Use a cart to transport materials. Do not stack materials and avoid overcrowding of the cart. Use tunnels or indoor hallways to transport materials, avoiding busy, public corridors.
  8. In your new lab, verify that biological safety cabinets have been re-certified (if moved) or certified within the past year before beginning any work. 
  9. Be sure that any personal protective equipment (gloves, lab coats, face shields, etc.) necessary for your work is available in your new lab before you begin experimentation.
  10. Ensure that no materials from another lab occupant are left behind in your new space. If you are acquiring biological materials from the previous occupant for your research program, add them to your inventory.