LAB SAFETY FOR CUSTODIANS

Lab Waste  Biological Waste  Chemical Waste  Regulated Medical Waste  Non- Regulated Medical Waste  Radioactive Waste

Biohazardous Waste (Regulated Medical Waste)  Wastes that are exposed to this must be disposed of in special ways.  They could be contaminated with infectious organisms or agents.  These wastes include: cultured stocks and plates, human blood and tissue. Sharps ( glass implements, needles, syringes, blades, etc.)  For disposal, the lab personnel: Sterilize waste materials associated with the waste. Organize all biohazards wastes in containers and notify the janitor for pick-up when it has been full.

Chemical and Other Waste  They are not contaminated in biological agents.  These must be discarded in regular trash bins and recyclables.  These items include: Recyclable waste glass Non-recyclable waste glass gloves Unused plates or tubes Fly media or embryo plates Etc.

Non-Regulated Medical Waste  Also known as over-classified material and general trash.

Radioactive Waste

General Precautions  Laboratories on campus contain hazardous materials such as biological, chemical, and radioactive materials. Some general precautions to follow are:  Read Laboratory door signs for physical and health hazards in the work area;  Look for common hazard warnings and use the controls (including personal protective equipment & clothing by signs on the door;  DO NOT TOUCH laboratory research chemicals or equipment (ask laboratory personnel to move lab equpmetn or containers that are in your way.)

General Precautions  DO NOT EAT OR DRINK in the labs and always wash your hands before eating;  If there is a spill, report it to laboratory personnel and your supervisor immediately;  Report and unsafe condition to your supervisor (when in doubt…. ASK!)  Stay out of controlled areas such as: Fume hoods Biosafety cabinets Rooms with operating lasers (look for signs and warning lights) Radioactive material work areas

Exposures to Infectious Agents  Exposure is defined as contact with broken skin, eyes, nose, mouth, other mucous membranes, a percutaneous injury with a contaminated sharp, or contact with and infectious agent over a large area of apparently intact skin. To the SKIN: Immediately remove contaminated clothing and wash the contaminated area with soap and water for 15 minutes. To the EYES: Immediately flush the eye with water for at least 15 minutes at an eyewash or faucet. Remove contact lenses while flushing the eye.

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)  Gloves must be worn when skin is exposed to custodial chemicals and unsanitary surfaces;  Slip resistant shoes should be worn when slip hazards exist;  Safety glasses should be worn when entering laboratories;  Wear lab coats, gowns, smocks, or other provided protective garments while working with hazardous materials;  When leaving the lab, remove and leave coats and other protective clothing in the lab for either disposal or laundering;

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)  Protective eyewear should be worn;  Wear gloves when manipulating infectious materials or agents or when hands must otherwise contact contaminated surfaces;  Remove and change gloves when overtly contaminated or when torn or punctured;  Do not wear contaminated gloves outside the lab;  Do not wash or reuse disposable gloves.  Wear gloves if the skin on the hands is broken or if a rash is present;

Good Housekeeping Practices  Keep aisles, passage ways, stairways, and floors clear of tools, materials, boxes, cords, cables, air hoses, and trash.  Close drawers  Stack materials carefully, so they won’t fall or block sprinkler access.  Clean up all spills immediately and properly- or call someone who can.

Good Housekeeping Practices  Avoid keeping food and beverages in the work area.  Place all trash in proper containers- closed metal containers for combustible waste.  Don’t let paper or other combustibles come in contact with lights or electrical equipment.  Don’t place tools or equipment on the edges of shelves or tables.

ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS CONTACT THE EHS OFFICE AT EXT-5105