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Extended Closure of Research and Laboratory Activities: Ramp-down and Start-up

Extended closures of laboratories can occur throughout the course of a year due to many instances (e.g. Christmas/Summer break, transfer of rooms, renovations, emergency/incident response, etc.).  Each time a lab is not in use for an extended period of time, the lab should be placed in "ramp-down conditions" to ensure the health and safety of the Ontario Tech community.  This is done by following the ramp-down procedures below. 

Ramp-down Procedures

If decided that your research lab should go into ramp down conditions, researchers should:

  1. Stop Work: Cease all on-going active experiments so that the hazards will not present a danger.
  2. Communicate: Inform all Research Lab Personnel with access to the research lab that the ramp down procedures are being performed and not to report to the lab. 
  3. Take Action: Complete the Laboratory Ramp Down checklist.  
  4. Final Exit: Perform a final walkthrough of the lab. Ensure all personal belongings are collected before exiting your lab.  Once the door is closed, ensure it is locked and unable to open without a key/proxy card.
  5. Vacate: Leave campus immediately as safely as possible if an emergency is occurring.
  6. Follow-up: Follow-up with others to inform them of the closure status of your laboratory area(s):
    1. Other researchers of the lab off-campus at the time
    2. PBO and your Supervisor
    3. Health and Safety Officer
    4. Bio/Rad/X-Ray/Laser Permitted Labs: Biosafety and Radiation Safety Officer
    5. Animal Care/Human Ethics Approved Labs: Research Ethics Officer
  7. Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date on the current events and follow Ontario Tech recommendations through the Ontario Tech University page.
 

Return To Normal Operations: Pre-Start Lab Checklist

Once the lab is ready to be used again, the pre-start lab checklist must be completed.