Overview
- No volatile or corrosive chemicals, radioactive materials
- Only use orange/red “biohazard” autoclave bags
- Bags should be 3/4 full at most
- Bags should be intact; No holes or tears
- Use a leak proof tray/tub for transport to autoclave facility and storage while awaiting disposal
- Never leave biohazardous waste unattended outside the lab
Flammable or corrosive liquids cannot go in the autoclave, this will damage the autoclave. This includes bleach solutions; this can damage the plumbing of the autoclave.
Remember, hazardous waste and ionizing radiation regulations pertain to autoclaved waste as well. Radioactive materials should not be autoclaved; they should be managed through EHS. Wastes containing heavy metal such as Pb, Hg, Ag, Se, Ba, As, Cd, Cr, or other RCRA constituent should be managed through EHS and not disposed as ordinary refuse, even if it has been autoclaved.
The rules listed here are the guidance given to campus on preparation of autoclave bags. If you see autoclave bags in the lab or in an autoclave room, you should assess the following:
If they appear to have NOT yet been autoclaved , (that is, bags are pillow-like and not shrunken)
- They should not appear to be completely full. A substantial amount of bag should be gathered at the top.
- The bags should not be tightly sealed (that is, no twisting of the neck and taping in a goose-neck configuration).
- The bags should be marked with autoclave tape in an “X” shape on the bag.
- The bags should not be sitting directly on the lab floor, they should be placed in leak-proof containment.
If they appear to HAVE been autoclaved (that is,the bag looks like air is sucked out or it has a shriveled appearance)
- The bag should not have any tears or punctures – this could have happened during the autoclaving process if the bag shrunk but could also indicate improper preparation.
- The bag should not be tightly sealed.
- The bag should have autoclave tape that has changed color – in an “X” shape on the bag.
- The bag should not be sitting directly on the floor. Bags should be placed in leak-proof secondary containment.