# Presentation: 214583

## LABORATORY SAFETY

***Module 3: Waste Management***
**Veterans Health Administration**
**Occupational Safety and Health*** *

**S 3-1**

**Notes:**
Slide #26/Laboratory Safety
Slide Code: S 3-1
Module:  3
Title: Waste Management
Presentation Time: 45 minutes
Module 3 Title Slide

## Waste Management Program

**Purpose**
**Target Audience**

**S 3-2**

**Notes:**
Slide #27/Laboratory Safety/Module 3: Waste Management
Slide Code: S 3-2
Slide Title: Waste Management Program
PURPOSE 
The purpose of this training session is to provide information that leads to a better understanding of the facility waste management program for the proper disposal of waste.
TARGET AUDIENCE 
Personnel from all labs should participate in this training.  
Training sessions should be held annually for all employees and at the orientation of new employees. 
Training in waste management should be provided on the basis of waste type(s) encountered in the performance of job.
This approach will allow for interaction among all those who handle a particular type of waste even though in different capacities.

## ObjectivesEmployees will be able to:

**Identify types of regulated waste**
**Identify disposal methods for biomedical wastes**
**Name the responsible official for local waste management**
**Participate in waste minimization**
**State the facility Waste Management Policy**

**S 3-3**

**Notes:**
Slide #28/Laboratory Safety/Module 3: Waste Management
Slide Code: S 3-3
Slide Title: Objectives
Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to:
Identify the correct type of waste container for the disposal of regulated wastes.
Identify the waste types produced by biomedical laboratories.
Identify disposal methods for categories of biomedical waste.
Give the name and telephone number of the person responsible for the waste management program of the facility.
Participate in the waste minimization program of the facility.
Demonstrate familiarity with the facility Waste Management Policy.

## Waste Types

**SOLIDS **
***gloves, paper, plastics***
**LIQUIDS***** ***
***cultures, supernatants, media***
**SHARPS **
***all needles, syringes, razors, scalpel blades, and***
***unbroken glass, including glass slides***

**S 3-4**

**Notes:**
Slide #29/Laboratory Safety/Module 3: Waste Management
Slide Code: S 3-4
Slide Title: Waste Types
This slide introduces the next 3 slides that provide the treatment and disposal methods for biologically contaminated solid and liquid wastes.

## Disposal of Biologically Contaminated Solids

**Separate **_**Pathological**_** from **_**Infectious **_**waste **
***Label Pathologics “Burn Only”***
***Autoclave Infectious Waste***
**In loosely closed biohazard waste bag**
**Label when cool**
**Place into appropriate waste container**

**S 3-5**

**Notes:**
Slide #30/Laboratory Safety/Module 3: Waste Management
Slide Code: S 3-5
Slide Title: Disposal of Biologically Contaminated Solids
Summary of Treatment and Disposal Methods For Biologically Contaminated Solid Wastes:  
All employees who handle infectious or potentially infectious waste must use proper personal protective equipment. 
1.	All potentially infectious waste will be placed in leak-proof containers lined with red plastic bags.  Waste will be double bagged as required to prevent leakage.
2.	Pathological waste will be identified as “Burn Only” and separated from other infectious waste.
All infectious waste is placed into leak-proof transportable carts and removed from the facility by a licensed carrier.  Pathological waste is incinerated or removed by contracted licensed carrier.  Infectious waste is tracked by means of a state approved waste manifest.  The medical center and the carrier each maintain copies of the manifest.
The remainder of the infectious waste is is autoclaved and buried; or removed by a contracted licensed carrier.  (Described in detail on the slide, Biomedical Wastes.)
3.	Autoclaving Infectious Waste
Place waste in autoclavable biohazard waste bag and autoclave with the bag loosely closed to allow steam to penetrate.  NOTE:  Routinely monitor the autoclave for proper temperatures.
When cool, label the bag appropriately and tie it securely.  Place it into the waste receptacles used at your facility as described in your Waste Management Program.

## Disposal of Biologically Contaminated Liquids

**Chemically decontaminate or autoclave***** ***
**Some chemicals can be safely discarded in the sanitary sewer if they:**
***are water soluble***
***have low toxicity***
***meet the correct pH requirement ***
***are approved by your facility***

**S 3-6**

**Notes:**
Slide #31/Laboratory Safety/Module 3: Waste Management
Slide Code: S 3-6
Slide Title: Disposal of Biologically Contaminated Liquids
Summary of Treatment and Disposal Methods for Biologically Contaminated Liquid Wastes:
1. Chemically decontaminate or autoclave
2. Discard as described by your
Facility, and 
Waste Management Program

## Disposal of Biologically Contaminated Sharps

**All needles, syringes, razors, scalpel blades, glass slides**
***Collect in puncture-resistant commercial sharps container/Autoclave/Label***
***Discard as specified***
**Rigid plastic pipettes, tips, glass**
***Collect in puncture-resistant, leakproof container/Autoclave/Label***
***Discard as specified***

**S 3-7**

**Notes:**
Slide #32/Laboratory Safety/Module 3: Waste Management
Slide Code: S 3-7
Slide Title: Disposal of Biologically Contaminated Sharps
Summary of Treatment and Disposal Methods For Biologically Contaminated Sharps:  
1.  Needles, syringes, razors, scalpel blades and glass slides must be collected in easily accessible, puncture-resistant commercial sharps container. 
Autoclave, if biocontaminated
Label appropriately.  
Discard as specified by your facility and your Waste Management Program. 
2.  Rigid plastic pipettes, tips, glass, including unbroken glass must be collected in easily accessible, puncture-resistant, leakproof container (e.g., cardboard boxes).
Autoclave, if biocontaminated 
Label appropriately.  
Discard as specified by your facility and your Waste Management Program.

## Biomedical Wastes:Treatment and Disposal

**Animals and bedding**
**Human tissue, blood, body fluids**
**Mixed chemicals**
***Biological and Hazardous ***
**Mixed materials**
***Biological and Radioactive ***
**Recombinant plant matter**

**S 3-8**

**Notes:**
Slide #33/Laboratory Safety/Module 3: Waste Management
Slide Code: S 3-8
Slide Title: Biomedical Wastes/Treatment and Disposal
Summary of Treatment and Disposal Methods for Special Lab Wastes:
1.  Animals and animal bedding:  Decontaminate.  Contact the Safety Officer for specifics.
2.  Human tissue, blood and body fluids:  Incinerate tissues, organs.  Other materials (blood, etc.) may be autoclaved or incinerated.  Solid waste which has come in contact with these materials must be autoclaved or incinerated.  Liquid materials may be chemically disinfected and poured down the drain.  Contact the Safety Officer for specifics.
3.  Mixed biological - hazardous chemicals:  Inactivate biological component with a treatment which will not increase the chemical hazard associated with the waste.  Package for shipment as chemical waste.  Autoclaving is not recommended since under heat/pressure some chemicals may explode or volatilize.  Contact the Safety Officer and check the MSDS and chemical waste packaging information.
4.  Mixed biological - radioactive materials:  Inactivate biological component with a treatment which will not volatilize the radioactive component, and package for shipment as radioactive waste.  Autoclaving radioactive waste is recommended on case by case basis.  Autoclaving is not recommended in those instances where radioactive off gases may be released.  Disinfectant used must be compatible with radiation waste storage and packaging rules (pH etc.).  Package for shipment as radioactive waste.  Contact the Safety Officer for specifics.
5.  Recombinant plant matter:  Incinerate or autoclave all plant materials, soil, and pots.  Establish temperature and time necessary to kill seeds.  Contact the Safety Officer for specifics.
6.	See also sample handout, H 4, in the Handouts section.

## Waste Management: Chemicals

**Contact Chemical Hygiene Officer**
**Complete required forms**
***Give the chemical name and***
**in a mixture, list the chemical names of all substances in the mixture**
_***Do Not Use Abbreviations or Formulas***_
***Use only one language - English***
***List quantities and percentages***
***Add any other important information***

**S 3-9**

**Notes:**
Slide #34/Laboratory Safety/Module 3: Waste Management
Slide Code: S 3-9
Slide Title: Waste Management: Chemicals
1.  When the accumulated chemical waste is ready for disposal, the generator will fill out a Chemical Waste Form that is obtained from the Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO).  The CHO will notify the Industrial Hygienist for chemical disposition.
2.  Remember the following when completing the form:
Give complete information that is required by the form.
Give the chemical name or names (if it is a mixture) of whatever is in the waste.
Do Not Use Abbreviations Or Formulas.
Use only one language - English.
Be as accurate as possible with the quantities and percentages in  describing the composition of the waste.
Add any other information you think is important.
3.  See also sample handout, H 4, in the Handouts section.

## Waste Reduction Techniques

**Substitute**
**Order only what is needed**
**Discard chemicals in normal ways when possible**
**Segregate wastes:**
***hazardous from non-hazardous***
***hazardous by Hazard Class***
**Recycle**

**S 3-10**

**Notes:**
Slide #35/Laboratory Safety/Module 3: Waste Management
Slide Code: S 3-10
Slide Title: Waste Reduction Techniques
1.	Substitute.  In some cases, less hazardous or nonhazardous chemicals can be substituted in experimental procedures without loss of accuracy or precision.  Check current literature for the latest substitutions.
2	Order only what is needed.  Money saved by buying in bulk is offset as disposal costs escalate with increasing waste.  In addition, chances of deterioration and contamination of chemicals before they can be used up increase with larger stock.  Take time to check stock before ordering a new chemical.  Date and initial the container, not only when it is received, but also when opened.  If there are doubts about the purity of a chemical in stock, call for disposal.  Do not leave unwanted chemicals in the lab.
3.	Discard chemical in normal ways when possible.  Chemicals that can go into  general waste or down the drain should be discarded in that manner.
4.	Segregate wastes.  Mixing hazardous and non-hazardous waste will cause the entire mixture to be classified as hazardous.  Since the cost of disposal for hazardous waste is many times greater than for non-hazardous waste, this places a burden on the VA waste program budget and indirectly on research grants.  Segregate your waste and save money.
5.	Do not mix wastes from more than one hazard class into one container, unless this waste mixture was generated during an experiment. The best practice is to maintain separate containers for each type of waste generated in the lab.  If you have doubts about the types of waste your lab generates or questions about whether certain chemicals can be mixed, consult the MSDS or call the Chemical Hygiene Officer.
6.	Recycle.  When you no longer need a chemical that is hazardous, rather than discarding it as a waste, transfer it to a laboratory that can use it. 

## Emergency Response

**Each facility prepares specific responses for ANY EMERGENCIES that may arise **
**Emergency Fanout/Cascade notification listing**
**Procedures should be ****prominently posted**

**S 3-11**

**Notes:**
Slide #36/Laboratory Safety/Module 3: Waste Management
Slide Code: S 3-11
Slide Title: Emergency Response
1.  Facilities are required to prepare their own Emergency Response Procedures. This results in an examination by the facility of its own vulnerability and the need to develop appropriate plans.
2.  It would be wise to consult with another service at the facility (for example, Lab or Engineering) to avoid any oversight of potential problem areas.
3.   An Emergency Fanout/Cascade Listing should be prepared and made available as appropriate.  Each person contacted will in turn call the person (or persons) listed below his or her name on the cascade.  This is generally limited to two people in order to expedite notification.
4.  Once prepared, the Emergency Response Procedures should be prominently posted in an appropriate place.

## Waste Management Policy

**Manage hazardous materials **_**from**_**  point of requisition **_**to**_** point of disposal**
***protects all who are at the site***
***protects the environment***
***reduces occupational health problems***
**Update information**
**Comply with all regulations**

**S 3-12**

**Notes:**
Slide #37/Laboratory Safety/Module 3: Waste Management
Slide Code: S 3-12
Slide Title: Waste Management Policy
The Waste Management policy is to manage hazardous materials from the point of requisition to the point of disposal in a manner that protects all individuals and the environment from any adverse effects. The Waste Management Program provides protection to patients, visitors and employees.
The local Waste Management Program will be continually updated to keep it current and up-to-date.
Facility policy is to be in compliance with the federal, state and local regulations regarding the packaging, storage, and disposal of chemical hazardous waste.
See also sample handout, H 5, in the Handouts section.

## Individual Responsibilities

**Chemical Hygiene Officer**
**Radiation Safety Officer**
**Biohazard Committee**
**Safety Subcommittee**
**Animal Facility Supervisor**
**Laboratory Worker**

**S 3-13**

**Notes:**
Slide #38/Laboratory Safety/Module 3: Waste Management
Slide Code: S 3-13
Slide Title: Individual Responsibilities
Not all facilities will have all of these positions. 
Discuss the positions and the individual/committee responsibilities at your facility. 
Emphasize the responsibility of an individual. 
It is important to repeat here what was said in the introduction, “It is the responsibility of each individual to assure that waste is disposed of in a manner that complies with all applicable regulations - federal, state and local.  Regulatory requirements serve to protect human health and the environment.”
See also sample handout, H 6, in the Handouts section.

## Summary

**Current Waste Management**
***Collection***
***Storage***
***Treatment***
***Transport***
***Disposal***

**S 3-14**

**Notes:**
Slide #39/Laboratory Safety/Module 3: Waste Management
Slide Code: S 3-14
Slide Title: Summary
Current Waste Management.  Each training session leader should discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the Waste Management Program at the facility in the following areas:
Collection - Emphasize who is responsible for collection; what individuals can do to make this activity safe.  Many exposures occur because of improper disposal, putting at risk individuals who collect that waste for disposal.
Storage - Emphasize location for holding of biohazardous radioactive materials for disposal;  proper packaging and marking/labeling for disposal
Treatment - Emphasize location of autoclaves and incinerators; do not treat if unsure, consult with others; use personal protective equipment when handling.
Transport - Emphasize proper packaging. 
Note: The transport of etiologic agents and vectors of human disease is subject to the Public Health Service Foreign Quarantine Regulations (42 CFR, Section 71.156), and Interstate Shipment of Etiologic Agents (42, CFR Part 72).  Cultures, tissues, or specimens of body fluids are placed in a container that prevents leakage during collection, handling, processing, storage, transport or shipping.
	Disposal - Emphasize:  NEVER dispose an item if unsure of handling procedure.

## For More Information

**Copies of appropriate CFRs**
**The Waste Management Plan of your facility**
**CDC-NIH Publication **_**Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories **_
**JCAHO, CAP Accreditation Manuals**

**S 3-15**

**Notes:**
Slide #40/Laboratory Safety/Module 3: Waste Management
Slide Code: S 3-15
Slide Title: More Information
Copies of the following print material should be available at your facility.  
10 CFR 20; 29 CFR; 40 CFR 261; 42 CFR, sections 71 & 72
Facility Waste Management Plan
CDC-NIH Publication Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories
JCAHO, CAP Accreditation Manuals
Public Health Service Foreign Quarantine Regulations (42 CFR, Section 71.156), and Interstate Shipment of Etiologic Agents (42, CFR Part 72)