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Queen Mary University of London (QMUL)
Occupational Health and Safety Directorate (OHSD)
Safe Disposal of HEPA Filters – QMUL Arrangements
Briefing Note to Safety Coordinators and Key Managers – 30 July 2014
Introduction
Air discharged from a Microbiological Safety Cabinet (MSC) to atmosphere passes through a
High Efficiency Particle Absorption (HEPA) filter in order to remove contaminants. Other
Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) equipment may also contain HEPA filters (e.g. fume
cupboards used with nano-materials, clean rooms with clean air extraction systems, bench
top glove boxes used for preparation of cytotoxic drugs). Depending on the nature of the
contaminant, safe decontamination and final disposal procedures for HEPA filters must be in
place to ensure the health and safety of the users, maintenance / cleaning staff, service
engineers and waste disposal contractors.
The following details the arrangements at QMUL to ensure health and safety for HEPA filter
disposal:
Biological contaminants
A. Containment Level 3 Laboratories (for ACDP HG 3 wild type pathogens, GM
Class 3 GMMO’s, Group 3 SAPO Agents or other biological material equivalent
to HG 3)
All HEPA filters from Containment Level 3 MSC’s and room extraction systems must be
fumigated with a validated fumigant before removal from the laboratory
(see http://www.ohsd.qmul.ac.uk/documents/standard/sem/old%20guidance/70928.doc for further
information on fumigants).
The filters must be safely and securely packaged in appropriate hazardous waste bags* by
the service engineer and uplifted by an authorised hazardous waste contractor for final
disposal by high temperature incineration.
The filters must NOT be placed in clinical waste collection bins awaiting collection, as filters
will not be uplifted from these collection bins by the hazardous waste contractor. They must
be kept in a safe place in the laboratory until uplift.
A service contract with the MSC servicing company should be in place for the safe
change/removal and final disposal of HEPA filters.
Where the current service contract held by a department does not include the disposal of
HEPA filters, OHSD will arrange with the current authorised hazardous waste contractor for
uplift and final disposal by incineration, and arrange payment for the service. The details of
the HEPA filters must be completed as per the REQUEST FORM below and sent to OHSD
who will then arrange for uplift and final disposal.
Please note that uplift will depend on the schedule of the hazardous waste contractor.
Safe Disposal of HEPA Filters – QMUL Arrangements OHSD Briefing Note to Safety Coordinators and Key Managers – 30 July 2014
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A completed QMUL Declaration of Decontamination Form and the fumigation contractor /
service engineer’s ‘safe for disposal’ certificate must be completed and attached to all
packaged HEPA filters and where OHSD are requested to arrange final disposal, copies
sent in with the REQUEST FORM or as soon as they are prepared (Declaration of
Decontamination form available at http://www.ohsd.qmul.ac.uk/documents/1/70279.pdf).
B. Containment Level 2 Laboratories (for ACDP HG 2 wild type pathogens, GM
Class 2 GMMO’s or Group 2 SAPO Agents, HG 2 or equivalent Prion Agents, or
other biological material equivalent to HG 2)
1. GM Class 2 GMMO’s / Group 2 SAPO Agents
HEPA filters from MSC’s where GM Class 2 GMMO’s or Group 2 SAPO Agents are handled
should be either (i) ‘made safe’ (e.g. by disinfection with a validated disinfectant) or (ii)
fumigated with a validated fumigant.
Due to GM/environmental legislative requirements for both these categories of agents, the
filters must then be safely and securely packaged in appropriate hazardous waste bags* by
the service engineer and uplifted by an authorised hazardous waste contractor for final
disposal by high temperature incineration.
The filters must NOT be placed in clinical waste collection bins awaiting collection, as filters
will not be uplifted from the collection bins by the hazardous waste contractor. They must be
kept in a safe place in the laboratory until uplift.
A service contract with the safety cabinet servicing company should be in place for the safe
change/removal and final disposal of HEPA filters.
Where the current service contract held by a department does not include the disposal of
HEPA filters, OHSD will arrange with the current authorised hazardous waste contractor for
uplift and final disposal by incineration and arrange payment for the service. The details of
the HEPA filters must be completed as per the REQUEST FORM below and sent to OHSD
who will then arrange for uplift and final disposal.
Please note that uplift will depend on the schedule of the hazardous waste contractor.
A completed QMUL Declaration of Decontamination Form and the fumigation contractor /
service engineer’s ‘safe for disposal’ certificate must be completed and attached to the
packaged HEPA filters, and where OHSD are requested to arrange final disposal, copies
sent in with the REQUEST FORM or as soon as they are prepared. (Declaration of
Decontamination form available at http://www.ohsd.qmul.ac.uk/documents/1/70279.pdf).
2. ACDP HG2 wild type pathogens
HEPA filters from MSC’s where ACDP HG2 wild type pathogens are handled should be
either (i) ‘made safe’ (e.g. by disinfection with a validated disinfectant) or (ii) fumigated with a
validated fumigant.
A completed QMUL Declaration of Decontamination Form and the fumigation contractor /
service engineer’s ‘safe for disposal’ certificate must be completed to certify that sufficient
decontamination has been conducted (i.e. filters are now of negligible risk, including
residual risks from a fumigant or other chemical/hazardous substance contaminants) and
attached to the HEPA filters.
Safe Disposal of HEPA Filters – QMUL Arrangements OHSD Briefing Note to Safety Coordinators and Key Managers – 30 July 2014
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The filters can then be deemed ‘safe for disposal’ and disposed into domestic waste (e.g.
can be sent to QMUL domestic waste stream). Uplift and disposal into domestic waste
stream should be arranged with QMUL Estates & Facilities. (See
http://www.estates.qmul.ac.uk/).
If exposure risk still remains after the decontamination process, then the arrangements for
incineration noted in B1 above should be followed. Where OHSD are requested to arrange
final disposal of filters, copies of QMUL Declaration of Decontamination Form and the
fumigation contractor / service engineer’s ‘safe for disposal’ certificate forms must be sent in
with the REQUEST FORM or as soon as they are prepared.
3. Prion Agents classified as ACDP HG 2 or GM Class 2
HEPA filters from MSC’s where Prion Agents classified as ACDP HG 2 or GM Class 2
GMMO’s are handled should be ‘made safe’ (e.g. by disinfection with a validated
disinfectant) and securely packaged in clinical waste bags by the service engineer and
uplifted by an authorised waste contractor for high temperature incineration. Prion Agents
causing Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSE’s) are resistant to fumigants.
The arrangements for incineration noted in B 1 above should then be followed.
4. HG2 equivalent tissue / blood / primary cell or other biological materials
HEPA filters from MSC’s where the above noted HG2 equivalent materials are handled
should be either (i) ‘made safe’ (e.g. by disinfection with a validated disinfectant) or (ii)
fumigated with a validated fumigant.
A completed QMUL Declaration of Decontamination Form and the fumigation contractor /
service engineer’s ‘safe for disposal’ certificate must be completed to certify that sufficient
decontamination has been conducted (i.e. filters are now of negligible risk, including
residual risks from a fumigant or other chemical/hazardous substance contaminants) and
attached to the HEPA filters.
The filters can then be deemed ‘safe for disposal’ and disposed into domestic waste (e.g.
can be sent to QMUL domestic waste compactors). Uplift and disposal into domestic waste
should be arranged with QMUL Estates & Facilities. (See http://www.estates.qmul.ac.uk/).
If exposure risk still remains after the decontamination process, then the arrangements for
incineration noted in B1 above should be followed. Where OHSD are requested to arrange
final disposal, copies of QMUL Declaration of Decontamination Form and the fumigation
contractor / service engineer’s ‘safe for disposal’ certificate forms must be sent in with the
REQUEST FORM or as soon as they are prepared.
C. ACDP HG 1 biological agents, GM Class 1 GMMO’s and HG 1 equivalent tissue
/ blood / primary cell work and other non-hazardous work
HEPA filters from MSC’s used with the above noted low risk agents / materials should be
decontaminated (e.g. by disinfection with a validated disinfectant).
The filters can then be deemed ‘safe for disposal’ (i.e. filters are now of negligible risk,
including residual risks from a fumigant or other chemical/hazardous substance
contaminants) and disposed into domestic waste (e.g. can be sent to QMUL domestic waste
stream). Uplift and disposal into domestic waste should be arranged with QMUL Estates &
Facilities. (See http://www.estates.qmul.ac.uk/)
Safe Disposal of HEPA Filters – QMUL Arrangements OHSD Briefing Note to Safety Coordinators and Key Managers – 30 July 2014
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A completed Declaration of QMUL Decontamination Form and where relevant, the service
engineer’s ‘safe for disposal’ certificate must be completed to certify that sufficient
decontamination has been conducted (i.e. filters are now of negligible risk) and attached to
the HEPA filters.
Where no hazardous work has been conducted in an MSC or other LEV equipment,
HEPA filters can be disposed into domestic waste with a completed QMUL Declaration of
Decontamination Form attached, attesting ‘negligible risk’ status. Uplift and disposal into
domestic waste should be arranged with QMUL Estates & Facilities. (See
http://www.estates.qmul.ac.uk/).
D. Significant quantities of nano-materials / cytotoxic compounds or other toxic /
chemicals that can absorb onto the filter
Where MSC’s, fume cupboards or other LEV systems are used with significant quantities of
hazardous nano-materials, cytotoxic compounds or other toxic chemicals that absorb onto the
filter, these HEPA filters must be safely and securely packaged in appropriate labelled
hazardous waste bags* by the service engineer and uplifted by an authorised waste contractor
for high temperature incineration.
Where these HEPA filtered LEV systems are also used with biological materials, the filters
must be decontaminated first according to the risk level of the biological agents, as noted
above.
These filters must NOT be placed in a clinical waste collection bins awaiting collection, as
filters will not be uplifted from the collection bins by the hazardous waste contractor. They
must be kept in a safe place in the laboratory until uplift.
A service contract with the LEV servicing company should be in place for the safe
change/removal and final disposal of HEPA filters.
Where the current service contract held by a department does not include the disposal of
HEPA filters, OHSD will arrange for uplift and final disposal by incineration with an authorised
hazardous waste contractor, and arrange payment for the service. The details of the HEPA
filters must be completed as per the form below and sent to OHSD who will then arrange for
uplift and disposal.
Please note that uplift will depend on the schedule of the hazardous waste contractor.
A completed QMUL Declaration of Decontamination Form and the fumigation contractor /
service engineer’s ‘safe for disposal’ certificate must be completed and attached to the
packaged HEPA filters and copies sent in with the REQUEST FORM, or as soon as they
are prepared (Declaration of Decontamination form available at
http://www.ohsd.qmul.ac.uk/documents/1/70279.pdf).
E. Radioactive materials
If HEPA filters are used with radioactive materials, please contact the QMUL Radiation
Protection Manager to ascertain arrangements for disposal.
*Colour coded Hazardous Waste Bags for packaging hazardous filters:
Safe Disposal of HEPA Filters – QMUL Arrangements OHSD Briefing Note to Safety Coordinators and Key Managers – 30 July 2014
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(Must be heavy duty bags appropriate for the weight / size of the filters, with the required UN
approved coding for incineration)
Clinical waste for incineration
Solely Cytotoxic waste for incineration
Solely Toxic chemical (incl hazardous nano-materials waste) for incineration
Clinical and Cytotoxic for incineration
Clinical and Toxic for incineration
(Hazardous Waste Bags can be procured from the current hazardous waste contractor via
OHSD – contact Mark Ariyanayagam)
For further information, please contact:
Mark Ariyanayagam
H&S Manager (SMD) & Biological Safety Adviser (QMUL)
Occupational Health & Safety Directorate
m.r.ariyanayagam@qmul.ac.uk
Tel 0207 882 8378
Paul Cassell
H&S Manager (Sc & Eng) & Radiation Protection Manager (QMUL)
Occupational Health & Safety Directorate
p.g.cassell@qmul.ac.uk
Tel 0207 882 8969
QMUL Standards and Guidance for Biological / Chemical hazards and LEV
Equipment:
LEV Standard http://www.ohsd.qmul.ac.uk/documents/standard/sem/101955.docx
Biological Agents incl MSC
http://www.ohsd.qmul.ac.uk/documents/standard/sem/old%20guidance/70928.doc
General Laboratory Safety
http://www.ohsd.qmul.ac.uk/documents/standard/sem/old%20guidance/70906.doc
Laboratory Hazardous Waste Management / Clinical Waste Briefing Notes
http://www.ohsd.qmul.ac.uk/services/Hazardous%20Waste%20Management/index.html
Mark Ariyanayagam
30 July 2014, revised 1 Aug 2014
Checked by Marion Richards, 31 July 2014.
Abbreviations
ACDP: Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens
SAPO: Specified Animal Pathogens Order
GMMO: Genetically Modified Micro Organism
HG: Hazard Group
Safe Disposal of HEPA Filters – QMUL Arrangements OHSD Briefing Note to Safety Coordinators and Key Managers – 30 July 2014
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REQUEST FORM for HEPA Filter Disposal
1. Name of Disposer:
2. Institute / School / Directorate:
3. Telephone number:
4. Email Address:
5. Campus:
6. Building:
7. Room HEPA filters stored in:
8. Number of HEPA filters:
9. Size/s of HEPA filters:
10. Biological Agents or Contaminants used with these HEPA filters:
ACDP HG 3 wild type pathogens, GM Class 3 GMMO’s, Group 3 SAPO Agents or other
biological material equivalent to HG 3
Yes/No
GM Class 2 GMMO’s / Group 2 SAPO Agents
Yes/No
ACDP HG2 wild type pathogens / HG2 equivalent biological material
Yes/No
Prion Agents classified as ACDP HG 2 or GM Class 2
Yes/No
Significant quantities of nano-materials, cytotoxic compounds or absorbed toxic chemicals
Yes/No
Other contaminants (e.g. residual fumigant / disinfectant, toxic chemical, nanoparticles)
Yes/No
State Contaminant/s / Biological Agent/s or Material’s name/s:
11. Current departmental service contract with LEV Service Company includes
arrangements & payment for final disposal
Yes/No
12. Declaration of Decontamination Form completed, and attached to packaged filter:
Yes / No
Safe Disposal of HEPA Filters – QMUL Arrangements OHSD Briefing Note to Safety Coordinators and Key Managers – 30 July 2014
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13. Where relevant, Service Engineer’s ‘Safe for Disposal’ Form completed and attached
to filter package:
Yes / No
(Without the completed form/s noted in 12 and where relevant 13, prepared this request for
disposal CANNOT be completed with the Hazardous Waste Contractor).
Send REQUEST FORM and other documentation to
Electronically to: Mark Ariyanayagam m.r.ariyanayagam@qmul.ac.uk
Or by internal mail to: Mark Ariyanayagam, OHSD, 404 Bancroft Rd, Mile End Campus
OHSD Use
Form received:
Documentation complete: Yes / No
Payment from OHSD budget: Yes / No
Uplift date:
Disposer informed of uplift date: Yes/No
Safe Disposal of HEPA Filters – QMUL Arrangements OHSD Briefing Note to Safety Coordinators and Key Managers – 30 July 2014