Broken glass procedures in place (including blood tubes)

Broken glassware must not be handled directly by hand but must be removed by gloved hands and mechanical means such as a brush and dustpan, tongs, or forceps.

Separate containers must be used if broken glass is non-hazardous or contains biological hazards, for example contaminated blood.

Plastic ware should be substituted for glassware whenever possible.

References:

  • Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories. HHS Publication No. (CDC) 21- 1112, 5th Edition.
  • NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules. April 2019.
  • MSU Biosafety Manual.
  • MSU Bloodborne Exposure Control Plan.
  • MSU Chemical Hygiene Plan 2.4 (c)
  • MSU Waste Disposal Guide 

Corrective actions:

Broken Glass Containers

  • Non-hazardous non-contaminated broken glass: Container should be labeled “Broken Glass Only’ and will be picked up by MSU custodial services during their routine trash
  • Hazardous broken glass should be placed in sharps containers and must be disposed of via the MSU EHS as hazardous waste. To request pickup fill out a Hazardous Waste Pickup Request on the EHS Safety Portal. 

Lab Safety Inspections