Cold Room Guidelines
The contained atmosphere in environmental rooms and recirculation of most of the air creates a potential for retaining any aerosols that are formed during research procedures. This can lead to cross-contamination of research projects and personnel exposure. Keep these rooms as clean as possible.
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Each laboratory using a shared cold room is responsible for ensuring that no items stored within the designated storage space are harboring mold.
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All items in the cold room must be labeled with the principal investigator's (PI) name. Any items not labeled, are subject to being removed and discarded.
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DO NOT store cardboard or any paper products in cold rooms. Metal or plastic containers are allowed. If some paper products (e.g. Kim wipes) are required, place the item in a closed plastic container between uses.
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DO NOT store dry ice in cold rooms. Cold rooms have minimal or no fresh air exchanges so storing dry ice can result in asphyxiation.
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Glassware, boxes and equipment should be placed on an open stainless steel shelf or a steel or plastic cart. Open stainless steel shelves permit airflow throughout the entire storage area. Any item being used for storage that is non-compliant is subject to being removed and discarded.
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DO NOT store items on the floor. Items left on the floor are subject to being removed and discarded.
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DO NOT use 100% bleach on stainless steel items. Bleach is a corrosive and can drill a hole through stainless steel. If and when a bleach solution is used as a disinfectant, it is very important that metal surfaces be wiped down with water after being treated with bleach solutions. Always wear rubber gloves during this maintenance process.
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Dispose of all trash (paper towels, tubes, etc.) outside of the cold room.
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Promptly clean up any spilled liquid (e.g. buffers).
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To prevent condensation, close cold room doors and assure the door stays firmly shut.
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Immediately report water leaks or any other mechanical issues to FacilitiesManagement at 202-994-5755.