What Are the Rules for Cold Room Storage?

Cold Room Management Guidelines

1. Each laboratory using shared cold rooms is responsible for ensuring that items stored in designated storage spaces do not develop mold.

2. All items in the cold room must be labeled with the Principal Investigator (PI) name. Unlabeled items will be removed and discarded.

3. Do not store cardboard or any paper products in the cold room. Metal or plastic containers may be used. If certain paper products (e.g., Kimwipes) are required, keep them in a sealed plastic container before and after each use. If visible mold is found on paper products, discard them immediately.

4. Dry ice is prohibited in the cold room. Cold rooms have limited ventilation or no fresh air exchange; storing dry ice may cause suffocation.

5. Glassware, boxes, and equipment should be placed on open shelves or on steel or plastic carts. Any items used for storage that do not meet the requirements outlined above must be removed and discarded.

6. Do not store items on the floor. Items left on the floor may be removed and discarded.

7. Do not leave any items in the sink. Items left in the sink may be removed and discarded.

8. All trash (tissues, tubes, etc.) should be disposed of outside the cold room.

9. Clean up any spilled liquids immediately (e.g., buffer, culture media). Mold can grow on any organic medium.

10. To prevent condensation in the cold room, close the cold room door and ensure it remains tightly shut.