Lease requirements can be vague when it comes to stipulating the level of decontamination or decommissioning necessary upon exiting a space. Some leases are very clear that a full decommissioning must be completed in compliance with the ANSI standard, but other times there is room for interpretation. When vacating lab space, it is necessary to determine the level of decontamination or decommissioning necessary far in advance of the relocation date.
There are many factors to consider when relocating, but the overall level of detail required for leaving the space in compliance with lease requirements is one of the initial questions that needs to be answered. Some companies opt to complete a full decommissioning even when lease conditions do not require it. When a full decommissioning is conducted, a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) is involved in the process. The CIH develops a sampling plan and decontamination protocol based on a review of the hazardous materials used and hazardous processes utilized in the laboratories. The sampling results are reviewed by the CIH, and a certified report declaring the space clean is delivered by the CIH. When a decontamination is conducted, a review of the hazardous materials used and hazardous processes utilized in the laboratories is still conducted, however no official stamped report is delivered. The level of detail needed will impact the timeline, so it is important to determine this early on in the process.
Reviewing the lease requirements for the new space is equally important. If there are any clauses that will impact the hazardous materials permitted in the new space, this must addressed early on as well.