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Research Compliance at Ohio University
Hazardous and Infectious Waste
The primary tools used to determine if a material is hazardous and how it will be handled are the Material Safety Data Sheet, the container label, and shipping papers.
The secondary tools to determine if a material is hazardous are the specific listings and definitions of m
aterials addressed in various regulations. These lists and definitions are contained in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, Ohio Revised Code, Ohio Administrative Code, all of which may be found at Alden Library. The third tool is personal knowledge; an individual may have created the material, or know very specific information about the materials properties.
Click here to view definitions of terms related to this section.
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TIP: If hazardous material status cannot be determined, call Enviro
nmental Health and Safety and request a review by the Hazardous Materials Manager. |
The safe storage, treatment, and disposal of infectious waste at OHIO is regulated by the State of Ohio Infectious Waste Regulations, which are enforced by the Ohio EPA and the Athens City-County Health Department, who inspects the campus program quarterly. OHIO maintains an Infectious Waste Management Program.
For detailed regulatory definition, see the Biosafety Manual, which is linked from http://www.ohiou.edu/ehs/docs/Biosaf_Manual_R.doc and state regulations, or contact EHS.
Waste streams sh
ould be categorized, labeled, covered, and disposal methods established for:
• normal trash
• animal carcasses
• hazardous/chemical waste
• radiation waste
• infectious waste
• non-contaminated sharps and glass
The department shall maintain a registry of acutely hazardous chemicals (AHC) in each laboratory with information regarding each chemical’
s hazards, physical and chemical properties, antidotes, precautions, and clean-up procedure. The registry and chemicals involved shall be discussed with personnel who will work in that laboratory prior to allowing them access to the laboratory. A copy of the registry list shall be sent to EHS and updates telephoned in when an AHC is added or discontinued.
A list of waste that will be generated, including the route of disposal for each waste should be maint
ained. Students and other staff generating waste should be taught to identify the type of waste stream and instructed on the appropriate route of disposal.
When disposing of waste:
• Waste chemicals in the lab are labeled with EHS waste labels until pick-up.
• Waste chemicals are stored in secondary containment until pickup in case of leaks or spillage.
• Ensure all wastes are identified, p
ackaged, and removed in accordance with
the appropriate manual and guide, on a continuous basis.
• Inspect areas that have generated waste, to insure the area is clear of all
waste prior to termination of responsibility in that area.
• Limit ordering of waste source materials to the amounts needed. The disposal cost of waste typically exceeds purchase price of the material.
• Be cognizant that steps can be taken to detoxify or neutralize waste and
include t
hose steps in the generation procedures as practical.
• Practice waste reduction.
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DON'T FORGET : Limit ordering of waste source materials to the amounts needed. T
he disposal cost of waste typically exceeds purchase price of the material. |
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