Department Responsibility
Each department head has the responsibility for ensuring that space allocated to his/her department is used safely and in compliance with occupational and environmental health and safety standards. This responsibility includes compliance with life safety codes and regulations involving the use, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials.

Faculty Responsibility
Individual faculty members are responsible to the department head for the safe use of assigned spaces. This includes supervision of post-doctorals, research faculty, graduate students, staff, and students working under the direction or authorization of faculty.

Exit Inspection
Problems may occur if a faculty member ceases employment with the University and leaves behind a laboratory containing hazardous materials. To prevent such problems, the Environment, Health and Safety Office must be notified prior to vacating a lab. An exit inspection will then be performed to identify actions needed to ensure the space is ready for the next occupant.

Notification
When any move from a laboratory is planned, the faculty member or department to whom the space has been assigned is to inform the Environment, Health and Safety Office as early as practicable. A minimum notice of thirty days is recommended. Clearance for the next occupant or renovations may be delayed if sufficient notice is not given.

Clearance Procedures
The procedures for obtaining clearance of a laboratory are as follows:

1. Notify the Environment, Health and Safety Office, in writing, by completing the Request for Clearance form, Appendix A.
2. Request pick up of radioactive and hazardous wastes (see UNC Environment, Health & Safety Manual, Section 4-7 or UNC Lab Safety Manual, Chapter VIII).
   1. Submit list of unused chemicals to be removed.
   2. Submit waste forms for hazardous waste pick up.
   3. If containers of unknowns are present, indicate the number and fund source available to pay for analytical services (approximately $60 per unknown).
3. Clean the space in a manner appropriate to adequately remove, neutralize, disinfect, and decontaminate any residual materials on surfaces. This includes floors, walls, benches, cabinets and equipment that will remain.
4. Do not remove any warning signs. Signs must be left in place until the space has passed the final exit inspection by the Environment, Health and Safety Office.
5. Conduct a safety inspection and radiation survey, if appropriate, of the space sufficient to assure safe, unrestricted use by other persons. Complete a Safety Clearance Form, EHS Form 401 (see Appendix III - A, Laboratory Safety Manual), and send it to the Environment, Health and Safety Office.
6. Upon receipt of the Safety Clearance Form, the Environment, Health and Safety Office will schedule final independent exit inspection.