This document summarizes guidelines for the safe storage and containment of biomedical waste in laboratories. Regulated biomedical waste must be disinfected or autoclaved before storage. Outer containers should be stored securely with limited access. Storage areas must have impervious floors, good ventilation, and be kept clean. Containers must be sealed, stored correctly depending on waste type, and transported safely and securely for treatment. Proper packaging, labeling, and documentation are also required.

1. Safety and biosecurity
Laboratory Lecture 8:- Storage and Containment of waste
Dr. Raghda Saad Mohammed

2. Storage and Containment
Generally, it is not necessary to treat regulated biomedical wastes
(RMW) before placing it in the outer container for ultimate disposal.
However, the laboratories working with human pathogens regulated by
higher must autoclave or chemically disinfect their waste prior to placing
the waste into RMW boxes/bins for collection by the RMW vendor.
Outer containers must be stored in a secure area protected from the
elements, high temperatures, vandalism, insects, and rodents.
Unauthorized personnel must be denied access to this designated storage
area.

3. This place should at the minimum have the following: -
1. Store waste in a designated location with limited access.
2. Floors should be impervious to liquid and room with good
ventilation to control odors.
3. Keeping storage area clean will keep vermin and other vectors
away.
4. Post the area prominently with the universal biohazard symbol.
5. Storage of regulated waste should be at a minimum amount of time
and should be specified in the institution waste management plan.

4. Storage and Containment
• Containers must be sealed securely, and stored in a freezer, or cold
room to prevent spillage, putrescence, or the leaking of vapors.
Liquids (e.g. blood) must be put into containers that are packaged
with a sufficient amount of surrounding absorbent material to
absorbent leakage. Volumes of liquid may not exceed 20cc per
individual container. Storage of non-inactivated waste is restricted to
within the generating laboratory. The material may not be stored
longer than 24 hours prior to inactivation.

5. Packaging
Packaging of regulated waste can be described as containment of waste
and is used to ensure the safety, protection of personnel and environment.
This can be achieved by: -
A. Ensuring all regulated waste is sealed properly with tape.
B. Placing bags in upright position to prevent spillage of liquid.
C. Storing regulated waste in approved red plastic bags that are
impervious to moisture, puncture resistant, and display the
distinctive biohazard symbol.

6. Packaging
D. Using durable reusable containers for storage of regulated waste and
ensure containers are cleaned and decontaminated with approved
disinfectant each time they are emptied.
E. Using packaging that maintains its integrity during storage and
transport
Many types of biohazardous material can simply be decontaminated or
disinfected and subsequently handled as normal waste for disposal
through the municipal waste stream or down the sewer. The preferred
method is steam sterilization (autoclaving).

7. Transportation
The waste should be transported for treatment either in trolleys or in
covered wheelbarrow. The bags / Containers containing biomedical
waste should be tied/ lidded before transportation. Before transporting
the bag containing biomedical waste should be accompanied with a
signed document mentioning date, shift, quantity, and destination. The
workers transporting the waste use PPEs like boots, gloves, masks and
aprons. The collected waste is not stored for more than 48hrs. at
collection site .

8. Figure:Storage andTransportof biomedical waste

9. Final Transport of biomedical waste must be by authorized
vehicle with appropriate documentation for further record.
Special vehicles must be used to prevent access to, and
direct contact with, the waste by the transportation
operators, the scavengers and the public. The effects of
traffic accidents should be considered in the design, and the
driver must be trained in the procedures he must follow in
case of an accidental spillage.
Transportation

10. Figure:Vehicle for transporting BiomedicalWaste

11. Type Container Storage Treatment
Sharp waste Sharps container.
Dispose of closed
containers within 7
days.
Off-site treatment.
Solid waste
Place two red biohazard
bags in a secondary
container
Dispose of
biohazard waste
within 7 days of
accumulation
Off-site treatment.
Liquid waste
Collect liquid waste in a
flask with a stopper.
Store flask in a container
capable of holding entire
volume of flask if outside
of biosafety cabinet
Maximum storage
time is 7 days.
Treat with
household bleach
(1 bleach : 9 water)
with 30 minute
contact time
Table 1: Summary of medical waste storage and treatment

12. Type Container Storage Treatment
Animal waste
Transfer to
red pathological waste
container with a red bag
liner and tight-fitting lid
Store in freezer.
Maximum storage
time is 7 days
Off-site
incineration
Pathological
waste
Place not recognizable
tissue in a clear colorless
bag. Transfer to red
pathological waste
container with a red bag
liner and tight-fitting lid.
Store in freezer.
Maximum storage
time is 7 days.
Off-site
incineration
Table 1: Summary of medical waste storage and treatment

13. Thanks for
your
attention
9/17/2022
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