Carcinogens
All work with carcinogens should follow guidelines for Enhanced Good Chemical
Practice: Hazardous Substances Policy UHSP/15/HS/03 Schedule 3.2 (Replaces
USP/90/GCLP/15 ) AND the rules and notes of guidance provided on the University
Health and Safety web page for the use of carcinogens. Specifically refer to Enhanced
Good Chemical Practice for Work with Chemical Carcinogens Hazardous Substances
Policy UHSP/15/HS/03 Schedule 3.3 (Replaces USP/80/CR/2). Carcinogens are
identified in the University’s HAZDAT Hazardous Substances database.
Disposal procedure:
Note: A record must be kept of all carcinogen use and disposal.
1.
For carcinogens not exceeding a concentration of 0.1% solution of a category
1 or 2 carcinogen as defined by CHIP2:
Materials such as contaminated tissues, disposable vials, etc, should be double bagged
(tips should be placed into a sharps bin) and then all placed into a yellow disposal
bag. Liquids should be placed in suitable leak tight containers, absorbed onto
sawdust, double bagged and then placed into a yellow disposal bag. Glassware
should be rinsed with acetone and soaked in ‘Decon’ detergent before re-use. The
acetone wash should be absorbed onto sawdust and double bagged collected as nonhalogenated waste solvent. This should then be placed into a yellow disposal bag.
These yellow disposal bags should be clearly labelled with carcinogen tape, the lab
number, details of content, a contact name and the date. Bags should be taken to the
Stores to be located in the bin for incineration.
2.
Any category 1 or 2 carcinogen in excess of a concentration of 0.1% should be
treated as Hazardous Waste.
These must be double sealed in suitable strong yellow plastic bags or suitable small
container. Labelling should be as above and also contain the relevant H number and
type code for the waste. Dispose of in accordance with the University’s arrangements
for Hazardous Waste (UHSP/15/HS/03: HSWD/HW/05 Hazardous Substances Policy
Schedule 7.1) document using a registered contractor, arranged through the Stores.
NB. For certain carcinogens there may be de-activating procedures that can be
employed. Please seek advice through the School Safety Office.