Guidelines for Autoclave Users

• Instructions for Autoclave Users
• General Information about Steam Sterilization
• Requirements for the Storage and Treatment of Biohazardous Waste
• DPH Regulations
• Instructions for Spore Testing
• Sharps Fact Sheet

Instructions for Autoclave Users

Steam autoclaving is the most desirable method for decontaminating cultures, lab glassware, pipettes, or other small items contaminated with biohazardous material. Steam autoclaving is a reliable way to sterilize media and lab equipment as well as decontaminate infectious waste.
 

General Information about Autoclaving and Steam Sterilization

Optimal effectiveness of an autoclave depends on three important parameters: time, temperature, and steam penetration. In addition, here are some general guidelines that should be followed:

• Thorough examinations should be done by a qualified person once a year
• Visually inspect the autoclave every six weeks
• Certification of inspections must be posted
• Operating procedures must be written and displayed
• All users must be trained in proper techniques and practices

Requirements for the Storage and Treatment of Biohazardous Waste

State regulations (DPH Regulations, 105 CMR) set forth the requirements for the storage and disposal of infectious or physically dangerous medical or biological waste. The following types of waste are defined as infectious or physically dangerous medical or biological waste:

1. Blood or blood products
2. Pathological waste
3. Cultures and stocks of infectious agents and associated biologicals
4. Contaminated animal carcasses / body parts and bedding
5. Sharps
6. Biotechnological by-product effluents

Procedures for the safe handling and disposal of the above listed wastes:

Sharps

Place sharps in puncture-proof, leakproof "Sharps Container" labeled with the biohazard symbol available from EH&S. Other Infectious Waste

1. Store infectious waste in a leakproof and covered container that is labeled with a "Biohazard" sticker.
2. Disinfect using steam sterilization or an appropriate chemical disinfectant that will kill the target organism.
3. Record data for each load rendered non-infectious by steam sterilization.
4. Periodically test autoclave using biological spores test and record results.
5. EH&S will periodically check records.
6. To dispose of infectious waste that has been treated by steam sterilization:

• Pour liquids down the drain.
• Place semi-solid materials in a plastic bag and other solid materials with regular trash.
• Remove or cover all "Biohazard" labeling.
• Bag and dispose in a regular trash receptacle.
• All glass in "Glass Only" container
• All sharps in "Sharps" container

7. If steam sterilization or chemical disinfection is not being used, biohazardous waste must be incinerated (call EH&S).

For more information about the storage and treatment of biohazardous wastes, refer to "Waste Management at UMASS" and 105 CMR 480.
 

^{Sharps Fact Sheet}

What are sharps?

Sharps are discarded articles that may cause puncture or cuts including, but not limited to, all used and discarded hypodermic needles and syringes, pasteur pipettes, scalpels, razor blades and suture needles. How to dispose of sharps? All sharps must be disposed of in puncture-proof and leakproof containers, which indicate sharp waste. The container must be labeled with an International Biohazard Symbol. Sharps should be placed directly into the containers and not recapped, bent, broken, or removed from disposable syringes. Once containers are filled, they must be disposed of by Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) and NOT PLACED WITH REGULAR TRASH. Care must be taken to follow these procedures to prevent serious injury and comply with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations, 105 CMR 480, Storage and Disposal of Infectious or Physically Dangerous Medical or Biological Waste. How to obtain sharps containers? Personal Medical Care On campus resident students who regularly use hypodermic needles for medical care and must dispose of these needles can obtain sharps containers and proper procedures for handling sharps from the University Health Services (UHS) Pharmacy. When these containers are full, they must be returned to the UHS Pharmacy for proper disposal and new containers will be issued. Laboratories Employees and students who use sharps in their work can obtain proper procedures for handling sharps and sharps containers from EHS. These containers must be disposed of through EHS and NOT WITH REGULAR TRASH (See Laboratory Health and Safety Manual) . Sharps containers can be purchased through laboratory supply companies listed in the Massachusetts Higher Education Consortium contracts. When hypodermic needles are found? When a hypodermic needle (improperly disposed) is found on the campus, notify EHS. EHS will pick it up, dispose of it properly, and investigate the incident. If it is possible for you to pick it up without harming yourself, you may place it in a puncture-proof container (e.g. coffee, EHS sharps containers) before EHS personnel arrives. If you are injured with a hypodermic needle?

• Report the incident to your supervisor and the Biosafety Officer at EHS
• Immediately seek medical attention at the University Health Services - Urgent Care Department
• File a Notice of Injury Report