Gill:Back Door

Home        Research        Protocols        Lab Members        Publications        Internal        Contact       

Safety

Disposing of Waste

Biohazardous Waste

Solid biohazardous waste should be autoclaved in the kill autoclaves in the Biochemistry Building at 121 °C for an hour. Close the plastic waste bag, leaving a small opening at the top so that steam can enter and escape. Place the bag in an autoclave-safe tray, and place heat-sensitive tape over the biohazard symbol. After autoclaving, allow the bag to cool and then dispose of it in the dumpster.

To dispose of liquid biohazardous waste, add 10% bleach to the container, let it sit for a minimum of 20 minutes, and then pour it down the drain.

Cleaning Spills

To clean up a biological spill, cover the spill with paper towels and soak in undiluted bleach for an hour. Discard the paper towels in a biohazard waste bin, re-wipe the area with disinfectant, and wash your hands.

Neutralize acid spills before cleaning up.

Using the Autoclave

• Use autoclave gloves when loading/unloading the autoclave. A face shield can also be used.

• Fill containers to under 75% capacity.

• Loosen all caps before autoclaving, and tape them on one side.

• Make sure the pressure is at zero before opening.

• Do not change the temperature on the autoclaves in the Biochemistry Building.

Liquids

Autoclave for 30 minutes using the liquid cycle. After autoclaving, crack the door to release steam and then slowly open the door. To prevent explosion of superheated liquids, allow liquids to cool slightly before removing the tray.

Solids

Autoclave for 30 minutes using the gravity cycle, then move to the dryer overnight.

Do Not Autoclave...

• Hazardous chemical waste such as bleach, ethidium bromide, HCl, and chloroform.
• Non-heat-resistant plastics such as polystyrene and polyethylene.
• Radioactive waste.