Does lab equipment need to be decontaminated prior to disposal, repair or servicing?

Yes. Equipment must be decontaminated with a tuberculocidal disinfectant such as 10 percent bleach solution (allow at least 15 minutes contact time). A Biological Safety Equipment Notice Tag must be completed and affixed to the equipment prior to it being discarded or serviced.

NOTE: Bleach is very corrosive to most metal surfaces, including stainless steel. Equipment should be wiped down with water or 70 percent ethanol to prevent pitting of the surface after decontaminating with bleach.