Disposal of Biological Waste
Biological Waste Disposal / Supplies Biological Waste Boxes Available in designated areas of research buildings (consult EH&S, Department administrator, other researchers) EH&S provides biological waste BOXES and LABELS free of charge
Biological Waste Disposal /Supplies Biological Waste Bags Biological waste bags must be labeled with a biohazard symbol and are required to be red or orange in color Investigators or the Department MUST purchase biological waste bags and sharps containers Biological waste bags can be purchased through the Dietrich School Scientific Stock room (412) 624-8551 or (412) 624-4260
Biological Waste Disposal / Supplies Sharps Containers Must be labeled with a biohazard symbol and are required to be puncture resistant with a lid Sharps containers can be purchased through the Dietrich School Scientific Stock Room (412) 624-8551 or (412) 624-4260
Solid Biological Waste Solid wastes (culture plates, gloves, PPE, etc.) which have come in contact with potentially infectious material must be disinfected and placed in an approved biological waste bag Biological waste bags must be placed in an approved biological waste box, labeled, and sealed (both the top and bottom of the box) with packing tape Biological waste boxes should not weigh more than 30 pounds Each building has a designated area for pick-up Check EH&S website for pick-up schedule (usually pick-up occurs every Thursday)
Liquid Biological Waste Liquid wastes (blood, virus, stock, cell culture waste, etc.) should be treated with appropriate disinfectant (bleach or EPA registered disinfectant) to inactivate potentially infectious material Following sufficient contact time with disinfectant, the solution should be poured down the drain Pour carefully to avoid splashing and aerosol generation Large volumes of liquid waste should be autoclaved instead of chemical treatment prior to drain disposal Liquid wastes are not permitted to be disposed in biological waste bags
Autoclaving Autoclaves are equipment used to sterilize equipment and supplies by subjecting them to high pressure steam. Things that might cause a failure to achieve sterility: Overfilling the autoclave Not running the cycle for long enough
Sharps Disposal All Sharps must be disposed in puncture resistant rigid containers with self-closing lids No Sharps may be disposed of in regular trash or broken glass containers Sharps containers must be closed when 2/3 full and disposed as biological waste (packed in biological waste box)
Biological Spill Procedures
Biological Spill Procedures Notify other laboratory personnel that a spill has occurred If it is a large spill, contact EH&S for assistance. If it is a small spill, and you feel comfortable dealing with it, proceed with the spill clean-up procedure.
Biological Spill Procedures 1. Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) Latex gloves, face protection, lab coat 2. Cover the spill with a paper towel
Biological Spill Procedures 3. Pour disinfectant (1:10 bleach) over covered spill 4. Allow adequate contact time (15 20 minutes)
Biological Spill Procedures 5. Remove absorbent and dispose as biological waste If broken glass or sharp objects are present, use shovel or tongs to dispose. 6. Remove gloves and dispose of as biological waste 7. Wash hands thoroughly
What Should I Do if there is an Injury or Accident Involving BBP?
1 Remove Contaminated PPE 1. Remove and properly dispose of any potentially contaminated personal protective equipment (gloves, lab coat, etc.)
2A Puncture or Cut Splash to Eye, Nose or Mouth 2B Wash Affected Area with Soap and Water for 15 Minutes Flush Affected Area in Eyewash for 15 Minutes 2A: Wash puncture wound, needlestick, or cut with soap and water for 15 minutes OR 2B: Flush eyes, nose, or mouth with eyewash for 15 minutes
3A 7:30 AM 4:00 PM Monday - Friday Report Immediately for Treatment After Work Hours or Weekends 3B Report to Employee Health Clinic 5 th Floor, Medical Arts Building (412) 647-3695 Report to Presbyterian University Hospital Emergency Room (412) 647-3333
Accident Treatment and Reporting There are two locations where employees may receive treatment for a BBP exposure: During Normal Work Hours (3A on previous slide) : Employee Health Clinic (5 th Floor, Medical Arts Building) Monday Friday, 7:30AM- 4:00PM Phone (412) 647-3695 After Normal Work Hours/Weekends/Holidays (3B on previous slide) : Presbyterian University Hospital Emergency Room Phone (412) 647-3333
For any Emergency Situation including a Medical Emergency Contact University of Pittsburgh Police (412) 624-2121
4 If Available Notify Supervisor or PI 4: If your supervisor or PI is immediately available notify him or her of your injury. Do not wait until your supervisor or PI is available before you seek medical attention!
5 Report Injury to University Workers Compensation within 24 Hours 1-800-633-1197
5: After you have received treatment for your injury: Call UPMC Work Partners at: 1-800-633-1197 (24 hours/day, 7 days/week) Notify Supervisor If accident involves a Sharp such as a needle or scalpel, Sharps Injury Report must also be completed. Available at www.ehs.pitt.edu If accident involves Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acids, IBC Incident Report must also be completed. Available at www.ibc.pitt.edu
Post-Exposure Evaluation and Follow-up Procedure Confidential medical evaluation and follow-up will be made available to you following an exposure incident Will Include: Documentation of exposure and how the incident occurred Identification and testing of source individual if available (with consent of individual) Collection and testing of the employee s blood for HBV and HIV (only if you consent to testing) Counseling and evaluation of any reported illness
Healthcare Professional s Written Opinion Will be provided to you within 15 days of completion of evaluation Informs employee if they require or have received Hepatitis B vaccine Limited to information of results of evaluation Informs employee of any medical conditions resulting from exposure requiring medical attention Findings and results are confidential
Additional Guidelines to Help Reduce BBP Risks Understand the risks associated with your job or function Learn to recognize potential exposure situations Make sure your lab equipment is in good condition Keep your laboratory bench and work areas clean Follow established work procedures Use personal protective equipment Always follow universal precautions Do not over-schedule yourself or rush through your tasks
If you have questions or concerns that have not been addressed by this training contact EH&S: Phone: (412) 624-9505 E-mail biosafe@ehs.pitt.edu Campus Address: Jerome Cochran Public Safety Building 4 th floor 3412 Forbes Avenue