LMQA: Types of waste in laboratory

Types of waste:

1) Biohazards
· Infectious, hazardous[5]
E.g. cultures[5]

2) Flammable
· Liquid: cause fire in dry or moist air at ≤61°C[1]
· Solid/semi-solid: gives off flammable vapors <38°c[1]>

3) Toxic
· Cause cell death or injury
· Contaminated material toxic to cells[2]

4) Corrosive
· pH <> 12.5[1]
· Able to corrode steel[1]
E.g. HCl[1]

5) Radioactive
· Contaminated with radioactive substances[2]
· Hazardous[4]
E.g. contaminated sharps, human waste (urine, feces)

6) General
· Waste not mention above
· Unable to be re-used, recycle, reprocessed[2]
E.g. sanitary waste[2]

No. of words: 97

References:
1. McGovern, Francis L. Laboratory Waste GuideBook. Retrieved June 16, 2008 from http://www.uri.edu/safety/documents/URI%20Guidebook%20with%20indices.pdf
2. Generic Hospital. (March 1999). Waste Management Plan. Retrieved June 16, 2008 from http://www.wmaa.asn.au/uploads/documents/IR_NSWH.pdf
3. The University of Melbourne. (November 2004). Waste Management. Retrieved June 16, 2008 from http://www.physiology.unimelb.edu.au/ehs/wastemanagement.asp#biohazwaste
4. Alberta Environmental Protection. Waste Minimization Manual. Retrieved June 16, 2008 from http://www.p2pays.org/ref/04/03277.pdf
5. Oklahoma State University. Student Module: Biohazard Waste. Retrieved June 16, 2008 from http://www.pp.okstate.edu/ehs/modules/BIOHAZ.HTM


Done by: Sharon Quek, TG01
Topic: Safety aspects in clinical laboratories and ISO14K.