Classification/separation

Biological agents are defined as microorganisms, cell cultures and human internal parasites that can generate ill health. Note that human cell lines can also be virus contaminated. If there is any prophylaxis, staff handling the organisms should be vaccinated, for example. They are divided into different risk groups (see AFS 2005:1).

Risk group 1 – low risk: Work with risk group 1 organisms does not normally need to be reported.

Risk group 2 – moderate risk: Work with risk group 2 organisms is reported via the University’s Biosafety Committee to the Swedish Work Environment Authority (Stockholm District), annexing a work description and information about waste management.

Risk group 3 – high risk: A permit for work with risk group 3 organisms must be obtained from the Swedish Work Environment Authority via the University’s Biosafety Committee. Requires a specially equipped laboratory where inactivation of the organisms takes place before they leave the lab.

Risk group 4 – very high risk: None at Stockholm University; requires a special safety laboratory.

Handling/storage

Biological agents must be inactivated as soon as possible by either autoclaving or chemical treatment. Then they can be poured out in a sink or treated as household waste, provided that they do not contain any other hazardous waste.

Biological agents that cannot be inactivated on site are packed in yellow plastic containers (SU Shop article no 6342-030 or 6342-050) intended for this purpose and deposited as soon as possible with the waste contractor. The waste may be held in intermediate storage in a refrigerator (max + 8 C) for 1–7 days; for storage for more than 7 days freezer-storage is required. Storage may take place at the department concerned.

Inactivation

For autoclaving (20 min, 121^oC, 150 kPa) the material must be packed in special closed autoclave bags when it leaves the laboratory for transport to the autoclave where it is received by informed staff.

Chemical treatment, alt. I: Potassium Peroxomonosulphate, active substance 0.5% (e.g. Virkon or Perform).

Chemical treatment, alt. II: Hypochlorite, active substance 0.5% (e.g. Klorin).

Chemical treatment, protocol: Object: place object in 1% Virkon, 1% Perform or 15% Klorin solution for 2 minutes, remove from solution, leave damp for 10 minutes, rinse in water.

Liquids: add Virkon or Perform powder directly to the liquid, 2% final concentration, or add Klorin concentrate to the liquid, final concentration 15%, leave overnight.

From an environmental point of view, autoclaving is to prefer. The best active substance among the chemical methods is potassium hydrogen peroxymonosulfate, this because of its good biodegradability. Perform classic concentrate OXY does not contain the surfactant LAS (Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate), which Virkon S does. LAS ends up in the sludge phase of the sewage treatment plant and therefore Perform is a better option than Virkon. Perform however, comes in different variations so make sure that the one you use does not contain quaternary ammonium compounds. Hypochlorite (in e.g. Klorin) may chlorinate the organic materials in the sewage water to form a mixture of different chlorinated compounds. It is not exactly known which compounds that are formed and therefore either its toxicity or biodegradability. Therefore, hypochlorite shall be avoided if possible. Remains of both options can though be diluted in the drain after being used. Solutions containing high levels of hypochlorite (>1% active ingredient) must be submitted as hazardous waste.

Marking/labelling

Stockholm University waste label filled in with:

• Special storage: refrigerator or freezer?: (x)
• Type of waste, specification: “Biological agents”, risk class and specification
• Submitting department, department number and reference
• Submitter’s name, phone no and date

Biological agents that have been inactivated and classed as household waste must NOT be marked.

Hand-over/transport

Waste can be deposited on Wednesdays or Fridays at 10.30-11.00 in room M212 at KÖL (Chemical Education Laboratories), Svante Arrhenius väg 16F. If refrigerator/freezer storage is required, waste may only be deposited on the same day that the carrier has for collection. Contact the University´s waste contractor for hazardous waste to decide a date. The waste contractor then transports the waste for destruction.

Final disposal

Combustion arranged by the waste contractor.

Specific legislation

AFS 2005:01       Microbiological Work Environment Risks – Infection, Toxigenic Effect, Hypersensitivity