Pathological waste is defined at LBNL as any recognizable
human or animal body part and tissue. The most common pathological waste
found at LBNL is an animal carcass.
Pathological waste pickup containers are supplied by
LBNL’s medical waste subcontractor (Figure 4-1). They are usually red, and are
prelabeled with the biohazard symbol and the words “Pathological Waste.”
Pathological containers must be lined with a
red biohazard bag before depositing waste.
Figure 4-1. A pathological waste pickup
container.
4.3 Pathological Waste Disposal
Procedures
This section describes the procedures that must be
followed when disposing of pathological waste.
·
Wear the
appropriate PPE for handling pathological waste (e.g., lab coat, gloves, safety
glasses).
·
Deposit the
pathological waste into a biohazardous waste bag. Seal the biohazard bag closed
(tape, rubber band, etc.) Red biohazard bags are to be used for pathological
waste in areas where the laboratory waste is deposited into
containers lined with red biohazard bags. Clear biohazard bags are to be used for
pathological waste in areas where the laboratory waste is deposited into containers
lined with clear biohazard bags.
·
Label the outside
of the bag with the generator's name and extension, and the date the bag was
sealed.
·
Store the bagged
waste in a freezer. This helps to minimize odors.
·
The morning of
the pickup, transfer the waste into a pathological waste pickup
container.
·
Fill out the Medical
Waste Accumulation Log
·
Wash your hands
after removing your gloves.
4.4 Pathological Waste
Contaminated with Radioactive Material
Pathological waste that is contaminated with
radioactive material (e.g., animal carcasses labeled with tritium) is not medical waste. It is regulated as radioactive waste. This waste must not be put into the pathological waste containers. Refer to LBNL/PUB-3092, Guidelines for Generators to Meet HWHF
Acceptance Requirements, for proper disposal of these wastes, or contact
your Waste Management Group Generator Assistant.
4.5 Pathology Waste from a
Radioactive Materials Area (RMA)
Pathology waste originating from an RMA must be below
minimum detection levels for radioactivity. By signing the Medical Waste
Accumulation Log, the generator is certifying that there is no detectable
radioactivity in the waste. If you are unsure whether there is radioactive
contamination in your medical/biohazardous waste, please contact your Radiation
Control Technician.
