Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute says in a $1 million lawsuit that a cleaner that shut off power to a lab freezer containing cell samples and cultures destroyed more than 20 years of research.
Troy, NY — Cell cultures and other samples stored at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for more than 20 years were destroyed when a cleaner turned off the power to a lab freezer, according to a lawsuit filed by the school.
RPI is seeking $1 million from Degel Cleaning Systems, according to the lawsuit filed this month, which claims a company employee turned off the circuit breaker for a freezer that is supposed to store samples at minus 112 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 112 degrees Fahrenheit). 80 °C).
The freezer was used by researchers to study how plants use photosynthesis to create energy. A notice was posted on the door of the unit that read in part, “This freezer is beeping because it is under repair. Please don’t move or unplug it,” on September 17, 2020, shortly before the cleaners arrive at the lab.
The cleaner heard the “annoying” alarm that evening and tried to help by turning on the circuit breaker. But the cleaner actually moved the breakers from the “on” to the “off” position. The temperature inside the freezer soared to minus 26 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 32 degrees Celsius), the lawsuit said.
Graduate researchers discovered the next day that the freezer was locked and tried to minimize the damage, but “most of the specimens were damaged, destroyed,” according to the complaint, collapsing more than 20 years of research. And they could not be saved”.
A call was placed to the cleaning company seeking comment.
The lawsuit was first reported by the Times Union of Albany.
The filing states that the sweeper is a “special needs” person. Michael Ginsberg, an attorney representing RPI, said he could not elaborate. The lawsuit alleges that the company is at fault for failing to properly train and supervise its employees.
