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The users are ultimately responsible for keeping this area clean.
Here are some basic steps for the labs to follow:
- Remove and dispose of properly anything that is not labeled, unneeded or no longer usable.
-EHS can help with any questions about hazardous material disposal.
-EHS can recommend an outside vendor that can perform cleaning / mold remediation for you. (The Center is responsible for the costs of outside services.)
- Remove all paper, fiber, cardboard or Styrofoam materials and use either plastic or metal containers. (everything in the cold room should be non porous so that it is more difficult for mold to grow)
- Make sure that all containers are labeled with: what it is, date, responsible PI. (if hazardous material make sure to include hazard information)
- Wipe down all surfaces with appropriate disinfectants. (be careful with volatile / hazardous cleaning solutions, see note below)
-The ResearchEHS webpage has Decontamination and Disinfection information in the section on biological safety. (The EPA has a disinfectant page: http://www.epa.gov/oppad001/chemregindex.htm )
- All surfaces including the bottoms of tables and shelves should be wiped down with disinfectant.
Regarding how to clean without passing out (!):
Keep in mind that the air in the cold room is recirculated, it will take longer for the smell from cleaning/sanitizing solutions to dissipate.
- don't store paper, cardboard or Styrofoam in the cold room.
- don't store materials on the floor.
- set a regular cleaning schedule for the cold room, use appropriate disinfectants.
- immediately remove or decontaminate items that show mold.
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Hope this helps.
Regards,
Daniel Brock
Happy Monday to you all,
For those of you that have cold rooms, do you have an SOP that you do for them as far as general guidelines? We have had a moisture problem here that is mostly resolved, but now we need to sanitize the rooms. If you have a best practices or guidelines that you have followed, would you be willing to share?
Even something that I can share with the scientists to help with keeping the rooms in best condition would be very helpful.
Thank you,
Margaret Smallbrock
Campus Environmental Health and Safety Manager
Environmental Health & Safety
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
501 East St. Joseph Street
Rapid City, SD 57701-3995
605-394-5837 FAX
Margaret.Smallbrock**At_Symbol_Here**sdsmt.edu
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