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Waste Handling: Difference between revisions
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Biohazard waste (infectious waste) is defined as material of biological origin capable of producing an infectious disease in humans or animals and includes at a minimum blood, body fluids, discarded sharps and inoculated culture media.<br /> | Biohazard waste (infectious waste) is defined as material of biological origin capable of producing an infectious disease in humans or animals and includes at a minimum blood, body fluids, discarded sharps and inoculated culture media.<br /> | ||
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Biohazard waste is composed of two broad categories to include sharps and nonsharps, and can be further subdivided by type. See the definitions outlined in [ | Biohazard waste is composed of two broad categories to include sharps and nonsharps, and can be further subdivided by type. See the definitions outlined in [https://info.unmc.edu/safety/safety-office/lab-safety/biohazard-waste/index.html Biohazardous Waste Information] for further details.<br /> | ||
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Biohazard waste is handled by Environmental Services (EVS) and is disposed through a licensed biohazard waste contractor. Final disposition of biohazardous waste is in accordance with all applicable local, state and federal regulations and applies a process which renders the biohazard waste non-infectious. For further questions, please contact UNMC Safety Office.<br /> | Biohazard waste is handled by Environmental Services (EVS) and is disposed through a licensed biohazard waste contractor. Final disposition of biohazardous waste is in accordance with all applicable local, state and federal regulations and applies a process which renders the biohazard waste non-infectious. For further questions, please contact UNMC Safety Office.<br /> | ||
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#Biohazard waste will be transported in covered containers designated for biohazardous waste. | #Biohazard waste will be transported in covered containers designated for biohazardous waste. | ||
#Bags will meet current tear and impact resistance requirements, will conform to current maximum size and weight restrictions, and will be labeled as biohazardous (reference requirements in 49 CFR 173.134, 49 CFR 173.197, 49 CFR 173.24, 49 CFR 173.24a). The top of the inner bag must be closed by twisting it closed and tying in a single knot. It is preferred that the infectious waste bags be placed directly into rigid reusable containers supplied by the waste contractor at the site of origin. | #Bags will meet current tear and impact resistance requirements, will conform to current maximum size and weight restrictions, and will be labeled as biohazardous (reference requirements in 49 CFR 173.134, 49 CFR 173.197, 49 CFR 173.24, 49 CFR 173.24a). The top of the inner bag must be closed by twisting it closed and tying in a single knot. It is preferred that the infectious waste bags be placed directly into rigid reusable containers supplied by the waste contractor at the site of origin. | ||
#Prior to transport off campus, all biohazardous waste will be placed in an approved leak-proof container such as disposable or reusable pails, disposable or reusable sharps containers, cartons, boxes, drums, or portable bins. These containers will be clearly marked and labeled in accordance with DOT and OSHA regulatory requirements. All containers will be closed and completely sealed. See [ | #Prior to transport off campus, all biohazardous waste will be placed in an approved leak-proof container such as disposable or reusable pails, disposable or reusable sharps containers, cartons, boxes, drums, or portable bins. These containers will be clearly marked and labeled in accordance with DOT and OSHA regulatory requirements. All containers will be closed and completely sealed. See [https://info.unmc.edu/safety/safety-office/lab-safety/biohazard-waste/index.html Biohazardous Waste Information] for details on meeting DOT and OSHA requirements. | ||
#Suction canisters containing blood or other body fluids must be carefully emptied or contents may be sealed and placed in rigid reusable biohazardous waste containers with absorbent material. Personnel must wear appropriate protective equipment to minimize exposure to potential pathogens if contents are emptied. The contents may be solidified and discarded using approved methods if emptying the contents is not practical. The empty suction canisters must be handled and discarded as biohazard waste. | #Suction canisters containing blood or other body fluids must be carefully emptied or contents may be sealed and placed in rigid reusable biohazardous waste containers with absorbent material. Personnel must wear appropriate protective equipment to minimize exposure to potential pathogens if contents are emptied. The contents may be solidified and discarded using approved methods if emptying the contents is not practical. The empty suction canisters must be handled and discarded as biohazard waste. | ||
#Equipment and linen contaminated with biohazard material or biological agents must be handled and decontaminated in accordance with the guidelines established in the Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan (See UNMC Policy No. 2004, [[Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure]]). Equipment and linen are not thrown away as a biohazard. Items are cleaned first and personnel will refer questions to managers or leads to determine if an item must be discarded due to contamination. | #Equipment and linen contaminated with biohazard material or biological agents must be handled and decontaminated in accordance with the guidelines established in the Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan (See UNMC Policy No. 2004, [[Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure]]). Equipment and linen are not thrown away as a biohazard. Items are cleaned first and personnel will refer questions to managers or leads to determine if an item must be discarded due to contamination. | ||