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:
- Blood or blood products
- Pathological waste
- Cultures and stocks of infectious agents and associated
biologicals
- Contaminated animal carcasses / body parts and bedding
- Sharps
- 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
- Store infectious waste in a leakproof and covered container
that is labeled with a "Biohazard" sticker.
- Disinfect using steam sterilization or an appropriate
chemical disinfectant that will kill the target organism.
- Record data for each load rendered non-infectious by
steam sterilization.
- Periodically test autoclave using biological spores test
and record results.
- EH&S will periodically check records.
- 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
- 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.
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