LMQA: Ways to handle waste generated in laboratory

Hazardous chemical waste, which can be flammable, biohazardous, corrosive or reactive [1], is to be handled with proper PPE on.

Biohazard waste, such as sharps and pathogenic wastes are to be contained in the biohazard bin and contaminated cultures should be autoclaved before disposal.

Waste containers must be of leak proof and properly labeled with identity and the natural state of the waste, name of personnel responsible and if the content is a mixture[1].

The hazardous waste containers are emptied by authorized collectors to be further treated while non- hazardous, such as glucose [1] and uncontaminated sharps are placed in non-hazardous chemical waste or broken glassware container [1] accordingly, instead of regular trash [3].


Reference:

[1] McGovern, Francis L. Laboratory Waste GuideBook. Retrieved June 15, 2008, Web site: http://www.uri.edu/safety/documents/URI%20Guidebook%20with%20indices.pdf

[2] Cornell University, (December, 2000). Procedures for Chemical Waste Disposal. Retrieved June 16, 2008, Web site: http://www.ehs.cornell.edu/chem_lab_safety/chem_manual.cfm

[3] Division of Hazardous Waste Management (DHWM), Ohio EPA (Jan 2005). Managing Hazardous Waste In Laboratories. Retrieved June 15, 2008, Web site: http://www.epa.state.oh.us/dhwm/pdf/ManagingHazardousWasteFromLaboratories.pdf

Done by: Tan Zhao Rong, TG01.
Topic: Safety aspects in clinical laboratories and ISO14K.