LMQA: Ways to reduce waste

Generation of waste is inevitable, especially in clinical labs where routine tests or research programs[1] are being conducted. However, minimization of waste should be in place[2], whenever possible to minimize the pollution of the environment[2],[3], exposure of personnel to toxic and hazardous materials[2],[3] and to help in conservation of the world resources[3]. By cutting down the generation of waste, clinical labs can also cut down on the cost of purchasing raw materials[3].

How can we minimize waste production?

Management

1. Set goals in the department to limit the generation of waste[2]
2. Create an inventory of chemicals and other raw materials and equipments[2]
   a) With the inventory, unused materials or materials that are close to the expiry date can be sent to other department to be used, if possible[2].
   b) Using updated inventory, purchase only the materials needed as to minimize having expired or deteriorated chemicals or materials that add to the generation of waste[2].

Lab Technician

1. Perform small-scaled experiments whenever possible[2]
2. Limit the use of highly hazardous materials[2],[4]
   Examples of hazardous chemicals are: mercury, ethylene oxide, formaldehyde[3]
   For instance, use Syber Green instead of ethidium bromide[2]
3. Recycle spent solvents by reusing[2]
4. In catalyst reaction, retrieve the metal used[2]
5. Recycle solid materials such as packaging, papers, computer monitors[1],[2]

References

1. University of Minnesota. Minnesota Technical Assistance Program. Laboratories. Retrieve on 15 June, 2008 from http://mntap.umn.edu/labs/index.htm
2. The Geroge Washington University. The Office of Risk Management. Retrieve on 15 June , 2008 from http://www.gwu.edu/~riskmgnt/wasteminimize.cfm
3. Basal Action Network. Basal Convention Meetings- Clinical Waste in Developing Countries. Retrieve on 15 June, 2008 fromhttp://www.ban.org/subsidiary/clinical.html
4. University of Minnesota. Minnesota Technical Assistance Program. Source Newsletter. (2006) Retrieve on 15 June, 2008 from http://mntap.umn.edu/source/2006-2/procedures.htm
   
   

Done by: Ting Ying Chee TG01
Topic: Safety aspects in clinical laboratories and ISO14K