PROCEDURES FOR MICROBIOLOGICAL AND BIOLOGICAL WASTES
Appendix IV (adapted from NMSU Lab Guide - dls 06/00)

 BIOHAZARD (INFECTIOUS) WASTE

In accordance with the provisions of the New Mexico Environment Department Solid Waste Management Regulations (NMED/SWMR-2), materials identified as biohazard must be handled with special consideration.  Primary investigators are responsible for preparation of a written procedure for steam sterilization and implementation of personnel training and documentation.

1. Segregate ordinarily autoclaved trash from biohazard (infectious) trash.

2. Maintain written log for each sterilization unit used to autoclave infectious waste.

3. Certify in writing (TRAINING RECORD) that personnel understand the written operating procedures for each steam sterilizer including time, temperature, pressure, type of waste, type of container, closure on container and steam sterilization integrator.  A copy of each TRAINING RECORD must be sent to  Environmental Health and Safety, Dept. 3578.

4. Place the steam sterilization integrator (Castle: 214-424-4578) at the innermost area of the biohazard waste bag to demonstrate that an effective sterilization temperature and pressure has been reached throughout the package.

5. Place 12 inches of temperature sensitive tape diagonally across the biohazard symbol.

6. Autoclave at sufficient temperature, pressure and time to render all contents non-viable.  Waste shall not be considered sterilized if either indicator or tape fails to demonstrate that a temperature of at least 250 degrees Fahrenheit or 121 degrees Celsius was reached during the process.  Attach exposed indicator to the outside of the biohazard bag.

7. All material certified as non-infectious by steam sterilization and not otherwise regulated as hazardous, special or radioactive can be disposed by land filling.  Call 646-3327 for pick-up and placement in a special dumpster and EH&S will certify the lot as non-infectious to the landfill.

ORDINARY AUTOCLAVED WASTE:  NOT INFECTIOUS
All activities which utilize culture plates or other biological growth media regardless of use
must be autoclaved.

1. All personnel must be trained on the operating procedures for each autoclave and sign a written log which shall be maintained for each sterilization unit.

2. A 12 inch strip of temperature sensitive tape must be on each autoclave load.  The exposed words 'AUTOCLAVED' or 'STERILE' must be displayed to demonstrate that the sterilization procedure was performed before releasing as ordinary trash.

SHARPS
All sharps must be placed in a rigid, puncture proof container and autoclaved as described above.  Call Environmental Health and Safety for pick-up and disposal of autoclaved sharps - never put sharps in ordinary trash.

STEAM STERILIZATION TRAINING RECORD

The following personnel have read and understand the written operating procedure for steam sterilization in compliance with State of New Mexico Environment Improvement Board Solid Waste Management Regulations (EIB/SWMR-2) Section 403. The trainee has been specifically instructed on the use of the autoclave(s) listed below.

PRESERVED BIOLOGICAL WASTES 

DRY SOLID WASTE¹

¹NO FREE STANDING LIQUIDS ACCEPTED

²Describe type of biological material

BULK LIQUID WASTE

PROCEDURE FOR PRESERVED BIOLOGICAL WASTE DISPOSAL

1. Segregate waste into dry solid waste and bulk liquid waste.

2. Package all waste to prevent spills, leaks, or breaks during transportation. Use containers strong enough to support the contained waste.

Dry Solid Waste

Use plastic liner inside bio-waste container supplied by EH&S.

Place dry carcasses into lined container. No free standing liquids are acceptable.

 

Liquid Waste

Use sturdy transport boxes with cardboard separators for bulk liquid waste bottles.

3. Complete label (above) and secure to outside of container and/or box.

4. Call Environmental Health and Safety, 646-3327, to schedule pick-up or request bio-waste containers.

5. Fresh biological material (must not contain preservative or regulated material) shall be taken to the City Landfill. A limited amount of carcass disposal can be arranged through the Animal Care Facility, 646-3241.