Environmental Health and Safety

Biosafety Program

Millie Tran, Biosafety Officer, 619-594-2865 <mdizon@mail.sdsu.edu>

Biohazardous Waste Guidelines

These guidelines provide general information for the safe handling, storage, disposal, and collection of biohazardous wastes. Occupational safety and environmental health regulations, as well as common sense, require compliance to these regulations. Specific information is available in the SDSU Biohazard Control Program Manual; call Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) at 4-6778 or 4-2853 for information. General Instructions and guidelines are provided below.

I. IDENTIFICATION

(refer to chart)

Red Bags: Contain waste which includes, but is not limited to, specimen cultures from medical and pathological laboratories; cultures or stocks of infectious agents from research laboratories; surgical or pathological specimens (including human and animal parts and tissues); instruments, utensils, and other disposable materials which are likely to transmit etiologic agents.

Sharp Containers: Contain waste which include, but is not limited to, contaminated needles, syringes, razor blades, sharp glass, or other objects having acute rigid corners of protuberances capable of cutting or piercing.

II. STORAGE AND HANDLING

Red Bags: Plastic bags shall be red in color and conspicuously labeled with the international biohazard symbol and the word “biohazard.” “Primary” container is to be either a plastic lined reusable container with a lid or a designated red bag.

Biohazardous waste for “red bag” containment is to be segregated and stored into two waste categories:

1. Those wastes which contain animal carcasses, parts, or tissues; or human parts or tissues. Store this waste in freezer. DO NOT MIX THIS CATEGORY OF WASTE WITH GLASS OR METAL ITEMS.
   
   
2. All other biohazardous waste, to include plastic, paper, non-sharp glass, and metal. Store this waste in designated containers.
   
   

Sharp Containers: Plastic Sharps Containers shall be red in color and conspicuously labeled with the international biohazard symbol and the word “biohazard.” Sharps containers are to be leakproof, rigid, puncture resistant, and sealed when ready for disposal. A tight lid is required to prevent loss of contents and fluids.

Biohazardous waste is to be stored in the following manner:

1. Segregation: Segregate biohazardous waste from other types of hazardous waste such as chemical and radioactive materials.
   
   
2. Identification: All bags and sharps containers are required to be labeled with the Generator address (SDSU) and phone number. Self-adhesive Generator labels are provided; place one label per bag, preferably next to a biohazard symbol. All bags and sharps containers must have the Generator label affixed as items are used.
   
   
3. Double-bag: When the primary containers (red bags and sharps containers) are ready for disposal, they are required to be DOUBLE-BAGGED. Secure the primary container first, then wrap in a second red bag with a “goose-neck” tie. To goose-neck a red bag, remove as much air as possible, twist and tape the area directly above the waste, fold over the excess and tape it again. This will prevent leakage or expulsion of the waste. Also, affix another self-adhesive Generator label.
   
   
4. Storage: When the above are completed, take the red bags to designated Accumulation Sites:
   
   
   • Life Sciences Building, Room 14.
     
     
   • Student Health Services, outside shed.
     
     
   • Generators at other locations may call EH&S at 4-2853 or 4-6778 for biohazardous waste pick-up.
     
     

III. WASTE DISPOSAL:

Strict regulations governing the disposal of biohazardous wastes have been promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency, California Department of Health Services, and the San Diego County Department of Health Services. Infractions of these regulations can lead to civil or criminal prosecution of the University or individuals. It is imperative, therefore, that these wastes are handled and disposed in a controlled manner. For disposal, use the designated Accumulation Sites. Call EH&S at 42853 or 46778 for collection (if you are not currently using a designated accumulation site). EH&S will ensure the wastes are disposed in an approved manner and documentation of proper disposal is maintained.

IV. GUIDELINES FOR DISPOSAL OF BIOHAZARDOUS WASTE