Decommissioning is essential in order to validate the safety of a space when a university laboratory is being closed, vacated, relocated, renovated or demolished. The intent is to ensure the area, furniture and related equipment are free from all physical, chemical, biological or radioactive hazards such that the laboratory is left in a condition which is safe for the next occupant, or for construction/renovation workers.
This same requirement for ensuring hazards are addressed applies to individual pieces of research equipment which are being transferred, disposed or sent for repair, maintenance or calibration.