Critical Freezer Management and Guidelines

The State of Tennessee and the UT System Office of Risk Management require freezers containing research specimens be included in an annually audited inventory.

The UTHSC Freezer Management Procedure describes the requirements for freezer owners. New freezers must be added to the inventory when they are received or stocked with specimens using the Critical Freezer Registration Form. Freezers not included in this inventory are not covered by insurance in case of damage or loss of contents. Owners must notify Research Safety Affairs of freezers removed from service by completing the Critical Freezer Deletion Form.

Freezer owners must implement a risk plan to reduce potential loss or damage to freezers or their contents. The UTHSC Critical Freezer Guidelines has additional information on adding freezers to the inventory, maintaining freezers, and submitting loss claims.