Texas A&M University Environmental Health & Safety

Laboratory Registration Procedure

If you are a new researcher at the University or are moving your existing laboratory to a new campus location, it is essential to register your lab with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS). To initiate this process, please email the EHS Laboratory Safety team to request the creation of a lab group within SciSure (BioRAFT).

Email Lab Safety

Once your lab group profile is established, EHS Laboratory Safety will provide further instructions to guide you through the subsequent steps of the lab registration process.

To register your lab, visit the Bioraft website and log in using your Texas A&M University System ID and password. After logging in, follow the instructions found on the SciShield Knowledgebase to establish your lab group and verify your lab spaces.

Important Information for Users

First-Time Users: Principal Investigators (PIs) logging into SciSure (BioRAFT) for the first time will be prompted to complete the General Lab Setup Wizard. 

An EHS Laboratory Safety Commissioning Inspection is required for new researchers. Please email the Lab Safety team to schedule an inspection. 

Returning Users: PIs who have previously completed the initial setup can access their lab profile within SciSure (BioRAFT) to verify their lab spaces.

 

SciSure Knowledgebase

Lab Decommissioning Procedure

Laboratory decommissioning is the formal process of removing all hazardous materials, such as chemical, radiological, and biological substances. It also includes removing equipment and consumables from a laboratory space before renovation, relocation, or closure. This thorough procedure ensures hazards are eliminated, surfaces are decontaminated, and the environment is safe for future use.
To allow adequate time for safe disposal, transfer, and clearance, begin the decommissioning process as soon as a decision to vacate the space is made. At a minimum, the Notice of Laboratory Decommissioning must be submitted at least 30 days before closure activities begin, though some procedures may require up to three months for full completion.

The Laboratory and Laboratory Equipment Decommissioning SAP (24.01.01.M4.04) outlines the responsibilities of all parties involved in the decommissioning process and specifies the necessary steps for successful completion.

Decommissioning 5-Step Process

Step 1 – Notification and Routing
  • The Notice of Laboratory Decommissioning must be submitted by the PI or designee at least 30 days before renovation, relocation, or closure.
  • Once the Notice is submitted, it automatically routes to EHS Laboratory Safety, EHS Radiological Safety, and the Office of Biosafety. Laboratories with IBC registrations, radioactive materials (RAM), or laser permits will be contacted by the appropriate oversight office.
  • EHS Lab Safety will contact the PI or designee to provide the required decommissioning documents and coordinate the final decommissioning inspection.
Step 2 – Required Documents
After notification, EHS Lab Safety will send:
  • Laboratory Decommissioning Checklist
  • Equipment/Chemical Transfer Form (if applicable)

The PI or designee must complete and return all documents via email to the Lab Safety team. 

Email Lab Safety

We will confirm receipt and notify you if additional information is needed.

Step 3 – Walk‑Through & Closeout Activities
  • EHS Radiological Safety and the Office of Biosafety closeouts, if applicable, must be completed first.
  • EHS will then coordinate a final EHS Laboratory Safety Decommissioning inspection.
  • Decommissioning inspections should be scheduled at least two weeks in advance and will occur within 30 days of the actual lab closing.
  • If nonconformances are identified, the PI must correct them and schedule a follow-up inspection.
Step 4 – Decommissioning Notice
Upon successful completion of the final EHS Lab Safety Decommissioning Inspection, a Decommissioning Completion Notice will be posted at the laboratory entrances.
Step 5 – Final Documentation
EHS will issue the EHS Laboratory Safety Decommissioning Inspection Report through SciSure (BioRAFT).

Notice of Laboratory Decommissioning

This notice is also required for laboratory spaces undergoing renovation or if an alternate PI/Researcher is taking over the space.

Laboratory Decommissioning Checklist
Reference Documents and Forms

Laboratory Waste and Glassware

Proper disposal of laboratory waste is critical for maintaining safety and meeting environmental regulations. At Texas A&M University, laboratory waste is classified into specific categories, each requiring its own disposal method.

The Laboratory Waste and Glassware Disposal Guidance flyers serve as quick-reference tools to help laboratory personnel correctly sort, handle, and dispose of different types of waste. By following these guidelines, labs can protect personnel, maintain a safe working environment, and ensure compliance with environmental and regulatory standards. The guidance covers procedures for regular trash, chemical waste, biohazardous waste, and radiological waste, as well as detailed instructions for proper glassware disposal.

Laboratory Waste Flyer

Glassware Disposal Guidance

Equipment Decontamination

All equipment must be fully decontaminated before relocation, storage, or disposal, whether as part of laboratory decommissioning or a separate activity. Decontamination must be completed promptly beforehand.

Before transferring equipment to Surplus, the Equipment Decontamination Form must be completed. All hazardous materials must be disposed of in accordance with applicable procedures and regulations. Once decontamination is done, the form must be signed, attached to the equipment, and a copy kept by the releasing party.

If equipment falls under export control regulations, consult the Export Control Office before relocation or disposal (exportcontrols@tamu.edu, 979‑862‑6419).

EHS Lab Safety and the Office of Biosafety (OBS) can advise on proper decontamination methods. For help, contact EHS Lab Safety (labsafety@tamu.edu) or OBS (biosafety@tamu.edu).

Equipment Decontamination Form

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? If so, please visit our FAQ page to find answers to some of our most common questions about Lab Safety.

Visit Our FAQ Page