 
      
Biohazardous Waste
Definition:
Waste contaminated with potentially infectious agents, animal carcasses
and other tissues.
Examples:
- Human tissues, blood, blood products, other bodily fluids
- Wastes from contact with patients/subjects
- Laboratory cultures/waste contaminated with infectious agents
- Live vaccines
- Syringes, hypodermic needles, scalpel blades, and other sharps.
- Animal carcasses and tissues
- Contaminated bedding
- Other contaminated items
- DEA and other Controlled Substances
- Preparations from genetically-altered living organisms.
Packaging
Guidelines
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If Discarding:
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Then:
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Autoclavable or chemically treatable wastes
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1. Disinfect using steam sterilization or an appropriate chemical
disinfectant that will kill the target organism(s).
2. Record data (date, name, type of waste, temperature, dwell
time, volume) for each load rendered non-infectious by steam sterilization.
3. Periodically test autoclave using biological spores tests
(available from EH&S) and record results.
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Human blood, body fluids, and tissues, medically-generated wastes
(patient contact), laboratory cultures and biotechnology products
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1. Place in a rigid, leak-proof package (e.g. red plastic bag
in cardboard box) labeled with the "Biohazard" symbol supplied
by EH&S and seal well with supplied tape.
2. Limit weight to 60 lbs. in EH&S box.
3. Fill out the label on the box with name, department, campus
address, telephone, contents, and date.
4. Refrigerate not more than three days or freeze.
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Sharps
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1. Place needles and syringes intact in a red, leak-proof, shatterproof,
and puncture-resistant container labeled with the "Biohazard"
symbol.
2. Close and secure opening with tape, if necessary.
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Animal carcasses/tissues and contaminated bedding
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1. Place in leak-proof bag, seal well (twist-ems, tape, knot,
etc.). No other items should be placed in carcass bag.
2. Place bag in a rigid, leak-proof package (e.g. red plastic
bag in cardboard box labeled with the "Biohazard" symbol supplied
by EH&S and seal well with supplied tape.
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Other biohazardous materials
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Package in accordance with appropriate category listed above
or call EH&S for information.
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Disposal
Information
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For:
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Then:
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Autoclavable and chemically disinfected wastes
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1. Treat using accepted lab procedures and autoclave using manufacturer’s
instructions.
2. After treatment, handle as general waste (see "General Waste").
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Sharps, animal carcasses, contaminated animal bedding, human
blood, body fluids, and tissues, medical wastes, laboratory cultures,
controlled substances, and other biohazardous materials
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Call EH&S at 545-2682 to obtain packing materials and to request
a pickup.
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This information was compiled and created by Val
Steinberg and David Gillum
at the Department of Environmental Health and Safety at the University
of Massachusetts - Amherst.
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