Medical Waste
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Medical waste is regulated under the California Medical Waste Management Act (1990) and can be either biohazardous waste or sharps waste. It is waste generated or produced during:
- Diagnosis, treatment, immunization, of human beings or animals
- Research pertaining to diagnosis, treatment, immunization, of human beings or animals
- Production or testing of biologicals
Following the cradle-to-grave framework for hazardous waste, the researcher (generator) is required to identify material as radiological, chemical, medical, or non-hazardous waste. Medical waste is contained separately from other waste at the point of origin in the producing facility. Material is NOT medical waste if it:
- Does not contain an infectious agent
- Is waste generated in biotechnology that does not contain human or animal blood or blood products suspected of being contaminated with infectious agents known to be communicable to humans
- Is a body fluid unless it contains fluid blood
- Is waste which is not biohazardous, such as paper towels, paper products, articles containing non fluid blood, and other medical solid was products commonly found in the facilities of medical waste generators
- Is hazardous chemical waste or radioactive waste
SHARPS are defined as "...items having acute rigid corners, edges, or protuberances capable of cutting or piercing. This includes scalpels and razor blades, all types of pointed needles (hypodermic needles, needles with attached tubing, suture needles) and syringes."
CHANGES IN CARCASS DISPOSAL FOR LABS WORKING WITH ANIMALS
- Animals should be disposed of in a black plastic bag that is labeled with the protocol number.
- Red biohazard bags should ONLY be used to dispose of animals that have been exposed to BSL-2 or 3 agents.
- Biohazardous waste must be transported using a hard-sided, closed container labeled with the biohazard symbol and disposed of properly.
- Red or orange biohazard bags must never be used to carry or drape rodent cages during transport.
- A brown paper grocery bag with integral handles is a useful way to transport mouse cages shielded from view under the following conditions:
- Bags may used only 1 time (one round trip)
- Microisolator lids must be present
- The bag must be clean, dry, and with sturdy handles
- No more than one cage should be placed in each bag, and no more than two bags should be carried at a time
Additional Information
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Last update 05/30/12 @ 20:55
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