How To: Lab Waste

LabXchange
23 May 202207:28
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThis video script provides an informative guide on proper waste disposal in a laboratory setting. It covers the categorization and treatment of biological waste, including liquids, sharps, and solids, emphasizing the importance of following Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) guidelines. The script also addresses the disposal of chemical waste, distinguishing between non-hazardous and hazardous materials, and the use of designated containers and labeling protocols. Additional tips on handling non-biological sharps and disposing of broken glassware complete the overview, highlighting the necessity of adhering to health and safety measures in scientific research.

Takeaways
  • 🧪 Lab work generates a significant amount of waste, including chemicals, tubes, and biological materials, which must be disposed of properly according to regulations.
  • 🚮 Biological waste is categorized into liquids, sharps, and solids, and requires specific disposal methods to prevent infection and contamination.
  • 🔴 Biowaste containers are lined with red bags and marked with the universal biohazard symbol, and should be disposed of when three-quarters full.
  • 🧴 Sharps contaminated with biowaste must be placed in puncture-resistant containers, separate from other biohazardous waste.
  • 💧 Liquid biological waste should be treated with a disinfectant, such as bleach, before disposal, and must be neutralized before being rinsed down the drain.
  • 🌡️ Autoclaving can be used for liquid biowaste disposal, but should not be combined with chemical disinfectants due to safety concerns.
  • 🧪 Chemical waste disposal requires adherence to specific protocols, with harmless substances being disposed of differently from hazardous chemicals.
  • 📦 Hazardous chemical waste should be accumulated in designated bins within a 'satellite waste accumulation area' and labeled according to EHS rules.
  • 🔢 Chemical waste labels must include the full names and percentages of ingredients, associated hazards, storage location, and lab contact information.
  • 🗑️ Non-hazardous chemical waste and non-sharp solids can be disposed of in regular trash, but sharps must always be placed in special containers to prevent injury.
  • 🔬 Glassware disposal requires a separate, puncture-resistant box to ensure safety and proper recycling or trash disposal.
Q & A

  • What is the primary concern with waste generated in a scientific lab?

    -The primary concern is that the waste can be hazardous due to the presence of chemicals, organisms, and other materials that require proper disposal to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.

  • What does the term 'biowaste' refer to in the context of lab waste?

    -Biowaste refers to potentially infectious materials to humans, animals, and plants, genetically modified materials, animal carcasses, and human and animal tissues, or pathological waste.

  • How are different forms of biowaste categorized?

    -Biowaste is categorized into three main types: liquids (like blood or bacterial cultures), sharps (like syringes or blades in contact with pathogens), and solids (anything not liquid or sharp, such as genetically modified plants or petri dishes).

  • What is the proper way to dispose of solid biowaste?

    -Solid biowaste should be placed in designated biowaste containers lined with red bags, stamped with the universal biowaste symbol. When the container is three-quarters full, it should be tied with a single knot, closed, and disposed of according to EHS guidelines.

  • Why can't sharps like needles or blades be disposed of in the same biowaste container as solids?

    -Sharps cannot be disposed of in the same container as solids because they can puncture the plastic bags, potentially leaking biowaste and causing harm to personnel collecting the bags.

  • How should liquid biological waste be treated before disposal?

    -Liquid biological waste should be treated with a chemical disinfectant, such as bleach, to reach a final concentration of 10%. It must sit with the disinfectant for at least 20 minutes before being rinsed down the drain with plenty of water.

  • What is the procedure for disposing of hazardous chemical waste?

    -Hazardous chemical waste should be collected in designated bins within a 'satellite waste accumulation area', typically located in the fume hood. The bins must be stored in secondary containers, labeled according to EHS rules, and lids should be closed after use. EHS should be called to pick up the containers when they are three-quarters full.

  • Why is it not recommended to combine different chemicals in one waste container?

    -Combining different chemicals in one container is not recommended because it can lead to unpredictable chemical reactions or the creation of new hazards, which could compromise safety and disposal protocols.

  • What is the proper disposal method for non-hazardous chemicals like sodium chloride solutions or TAE buffer?

    -Non-hazardous chemicals can be washed down the sink, and non-sharp solids that have come into contact with them can be placed in the regular trash.

  • How should broken glassware or other sharp objects that are not contaminated with hazardous waste be disposed of?

    -Broken glassware and other sharp objects should be placed in a special container designed for sharps disposal to prevent injury. This container is not red and is separate from the biowaste sharps containers.

  • What is the significance of the 'satellite waste accumulation area' in a lab?

    -The 'satellite waste accumulation area' is a specially designated area in the lab where waste collection containers for hazardous chemical waste are stored, typically located in the fume hood to prevent fumes from leaking into the lab.

Outlines
00:00
🧪 Lab Waste Disposal Basics

This paragraph introduces the concept of waste generation in a scientific lab setting, emphasizing the importance of proper disposal due to the potential dangers of lab materials. It outlines the general categories of biological waste, including liquids, sharps, and solids, and describes the specific disposal methods for each, such as using designated containers and chemical disinfectants. The paragraph also highlights the role of the Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) office in providing detailed instructions and the ultimate disposal methods like incineration or radiowave exposure.

05:02
🚮 Advanced Lab Waste Management

The second paragraph delves into the disposal of chemical waste, distinguishing between non-hazardous and hazardous chemicals and their respective disposal methods. It explains the use of collection bins for accumulating small volumes of hazardous waste and the importance of proper labeling according to EHS rules. The paragraph also addresses the disposal of other types of waste, such as non-biological sharps and broken glassware, and stresses the prohibition of combining different types of waste without consulting the EHS office. It concludes by acknowledging the inevitability of waste in lab work and the guidance provided by health and safety officers, hinting at more complex waste disposal scenarios in labs dealing with radioactivity or highly infectious materials.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Biological Waste
Biological waste refers to materials that may be infectious to humans, animals, and plants, including genetically modified materials, animal carcasses, and human or animal tissues. In the video, it is one of the primary types of waste discussed, emphasizing the need for careful handling and disposal to prevent the spread of pathogens. Examples from the script include blood, bacterial cultures, and genetically modified plants, which must be disposed of in designated containers to ensure safety.
💡Sharps
Sharps are objects that have been in contact with pathogens and can cause injury, such as syringes or blades. The script highlights the importance of disposing of sharps in special puncture-resistant containers to prevent accidental punctures and the spread of infections. This is crucial for maintaining a safe laboratory environment and protecting personnel from potential biohazards.
💡Chemical Waste
Chemical waste encompasses a variety of substances used in laboratories that can be harmful due to their flammable, corrosive, toxic, or oxidizing properties. The video script explains that not all chemicals can be disposed of in the same manner, with hazardous chemicals requiring specific disposal protocols to mitigate risks to health and the environment.
💡Disinfectant
A disinfectant is a substance that kills or deactivates pathogens, making it a critical component in the disposal process for liquid biological waste. The script provides an example of using bleach to treat liquid biowaste, achieving a 10% concentration to ensure proper disinfection before disposal down the sink.
💡Autoclave
An autoclave is a device that uses high pressure and temperature to sterilize materials, including waste. The video mentions the use of an autoclave as an alternative method for treating liquid biowaste prior to drain disposal, but cautions against combining it with chemical disinfectants due to safety concerns.
💡Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Office
The EHS office is responsible for establishing and enforcing safety protocols, including waste disposal guidelines. The script emphasizes the importance of following EHS instructions and training requirements to ensure proper disposal of various types of waste in the lab.
💡Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials are substances that pose a threat to health or the environment due to their properties, such as flammability or toxicity. The video script discusses the need for proper disposal of hazardous chemicals and the importance of adhering to EHS guidelines to prevent harm.
💡Satellite Waste Accumulation Area
A satellite waste accumulation area is a designated space in a lab for storing hazardous waste collection bins. The script describes these areas as typically located in fume hoods to contain any potentially harmful fumes, ensuring the safety of the laboratory environment.
💡Secondary Containers
Secondary containers are used to store waste collection bins, providing an additional layer of safety. The script mentions that these containers must be labeled according to EHS rules and are an essential part of waste management protocols in the lab.
💡Glassware
Glassware refers to laboratory equipment made of glass, such as microscope slides and serological pipettes. The video script discusses the disposal of broken or used glassware in a special cardboard box designed to prevent injury from sharp shards and ensure safe disposal.
💡Universal Biowaste Symbol
The universal biowaste symbol is a standardized marking used to identify containers holding biological waste. The script describes its presence on special plastic containers for sharps and solid biowaste, helping to ensure that these materials are handled and disposed of correctly according to safety regulations.
Highlights

Working in a lab generates a significant amount of waste, including chemicals, tubes, and organisms.

There are strict rules and regulations for the proper disposal of hazardous lab waste.

Biological waste is categorized into liquids, sharps, and solids, each requiring specific disposal methods.

Solid biowaste should be placed in designated containers with red bags and disposed of according to EHS guidelines.

Sharps contaminated with biowaste must be disposed of in puncture-resistant containers with the biowaste symbol.

Liquid biological waste should be treated with a chemical disinfectant before disposal.

Autoclaving can be used for liquid biowaste disposal, but not in combination with chemical disinfectants.

Non-hazardous chemicals can be washed down the sink, while hazardous chemicals require special disposal procedures.

Hazardous chemical waste should be collected in designated bins and stored in a 'satellite waste accumulation area'.

Waste containers must be labeled with the full name of ingredients, hazards, storage location, and lab contact information.

Combining different chemicals in one container is generally not recommended without consulting EHS first.

Sharps not involving biological or hazardous waste should be disposed of in a special bin to prevent injury.

Glassware disposal requires a cardboard box to prevent puncturing and contamination.

Health and safety officers provide guidance on waste disposal, ensuring compliance with regulations.

Different labs may require different waste disposal techniques, depending on the materials used.

Scientists may encounter unique waste disposal challenges when working with radioactivity, nanoparticles, or highly infectious pathogens.

Transcripts

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Lab SafetyWaste DisposalBiological WasteChemical WasteHealth RegulationsEHS GuidelinesSafety ProtocolsHazardous MaterialsLab PracticesResearch Tips