Because of a lapse in government funding, the information on this website may not be up to date, transactions submitted via the
website may not be processed, and the agency may not be able to respond to inquiries until appropriations are enacted. The NIH
Clinical Center (the research hospital of NIH) is open. For more details about its operating status, please visit
cc.nih.gov.
Updates regarding government operating status and resumption of normal operations can be found at
opm.gov.
Safety
Laboratory Clearance
Page Content
The Division of Occupational Health and Safety (DOHS) routinely performs clearances to check for visible research-related hazards prior to renovations and maintenance of laboratories.
Laboratory clearances are required before the following activities:
Any renovation, whether partial or complete, of a laboratory.
Any maintenance or similar work in a laboratory that requires the entry of maintenance or other staff that is not knowledgeable about laboratory safety and/ or aware of potential hazards in the space.
In addition, for BSL-2 laboratories, work on ventilation equipment, and re-occupancy of newly renovated areas.
In BSL-3 laboratories, all of the above and prior to any housekeeping (i.e. waxing of floors) or routine maintenance of equipment.
Laboratory transitions /closures.
Clearances are not performed or required for the removal or maintenance of Biosafety Cabinets. Instead, place a 
Service Request for gaseous decontamination of a Biosafety Cabinet rather than submitting a clearance. Please note this link is only accessible on the NIH Intranet.
Submit all laboratory clearance requests through myCority. Contact your Safety & Health Specialist for additional information.
Helpful Resources
Lab Clearance and Transition Recommendations.pdf
Moving Your Lab Safely
Health and Safety Application Resources (NIH Only) which provides access to:
· myCority PDF User Guide – Requesting a Lab Clearance
· myCority Video Walkthrough – Submit a New Lab Clearance Request
