Broken glass procedures in place (including blood tubes)

Broken glassware must be removed by mechanical means such as a brush and dustpan, tongs, or forceps while wearing gloves.  

Separate containers must be used for hazardous (e.g., contaminated with human blood or hazardous chemicals) and non-hazardous broken glass. 

Plasticware should be substituted for glassware whenever possible. 

References:

  • BMBL 6th ed. HHS Publication No. (CDC) 300859
  • NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules. April 2019
  • MSU Biosafety and Security Manual
  • MSU Bloodborne Exposure Control Plan
  • MSU Chemical Hygiene Plan 2.4 (c)
  • MSU Waste Disposal Guidance

Corrective actions:

Broken Glass Containers

  • Non-hazardous broken glass: Container should be labeled “Broken Glass Only’ and will be picked up by MSU custodial services during their routine trash disposal.
  • Biohazardous broken glass should be placed in sharps containers and must be disposed of via the MSU EHS as hazardous waste.
  • Broken glass contaminated with hazardous chemicals should go in a cardboard box or plastic container with a lid, labeled “Hazardous Waste” and “Caution Broken Glass” with a waste tag attached.
  • To request pickup fill out a Hazardous Waste Pickup Request on the EHS Safety Portal. 

Lab Safety Inspections