Laboratory Waste Handling & Storage

(RSM Section IV.C)

 The RSO will provide small sturdy cardboard boxes (i.e., 10"x10"x15") and 4 mil plastic bags for dry solid wastes and animals, and polyethylene carboys (1 to 5 gallons) for liquid waste. These containers shall be labeled with "radioactive material" labels.

Wastes will be separated by the generator and stored according to physical form (dry solid, animal, liquid, scintillation vials) and half-life (less than 88 days and greater than 88 days). Chemically hazardous wastes should be held to a minimum.

Wastes must be stored only in restricted areas where they can be secured against unauthorized removal.

Liquid wastes shall be stored in unbreakable polyethylene carboys and provided double containment.

Aqueous liquid wastes shall be neutralized prior to deposition in a waste container to prevent any violent or hazardous chemical reactions.

Each laboratory having radioactive waste containers shall display a "radioactive waste" sign in the area designated for radioactive waste.

Any material that could cause puncture of the skin (i.e. syringe needles, broken glass, razor blades, etc.) shall be placed in puncture-resistant containers and labeled as such before placement into dry solid containers.

All animal carcasses and parts thereof containing radioactive material or contaminated with radioactive material shall be stored frozen.

Waste Records are required to assure that the radioisotopes and activities determined for the disposal purposes of each container are accurate. An inventory log sheet (developed by each Authorized User) or the radioisotope use form on or near waste receptacles is a practicable way to account for the contents.

NOTE: It is the responsibility of the generator to keep an accurate isotope and activity log for each waste container. Routine pickups, inspections and record keeping audits by the RSO are used to evaluate a generators (Authorized User) waste management controls.