Questions to Consider

Suggested Best Management Practices - BMPs

Have you considered the following waste minimization practices in the hospital laboratories?

Consider sharing chemicals between laboratories, if and when possible and appropriate.

Consider replacing alcohol-based disinfectants with sonic or steam cleaning.

Use substitutes for chromic acid and sulfuric acid when cleaning glassware.

Use biodegradable detergents and/or aqueous reagents as a cleaning substitute for other more toxic cleaning agents.

Use countercurrent cleaning with solvents.

Consider switching to one type of solvent, or a multi-use solvent.

Train staff in proper "pre-wash" procedures for autoclave labware washers.

Substitute tungsten for mercury in analyzing GI tubes.

Consider substituting mercury thermometers in lab ovens and water baths with alcohol (red) and digital thermometers.

Use cell sorting and counting instruments that do not use cyanide.

Consider installing automated systems or other instrumentation for lab chemistry analyses.

Consider using an automatic slide stainer.

Use microanalytical techniques.

Consider substituting carbon dioxide for ethyl ether as a laboratory euthanizing agent.

Consider substituting chloroform with dichloromethane in lab phase extractions.

Consider substituting filter preparation with cytospin or thin prep technology.

Produce atomic absorption (AA) standards only as needed.

Consider performing analysis of chloride by ion-selective electrode.

Utilize glucose tests without zinc.

Consider alternatives to Bouins solution.

Consider reducing chemicals used in lab processes, where possible.

Minimize use of Zanker's solution and Mercury B-5.

Consider preserving stool samples with alternatives to mercury polyvinyl alcohol.

Investigate alternatives to Thimerisol.

Properly dispose of glutaraldehyde.

Reuse formaldehyde in autopsy and pathology labs.

Control airborne emissions from formaldehyde.

Use appropriately sized (the smallest) formaldehyde containers for processes.

Treat used formaldehyde appropriately.

Recycle formaldehyde, where possible.

Utilize formalin substitutes.

Reuse waste solvent solutions in a "step down" method.

Consider replacing chlorinated solvents with nonchlorinated solvents.

Consider a biodegradable scintillation fluid instead of a xylene/toluene based scintillation fluid.

Consider minimizing extraction sample sizes.

Use calibrated equipment to dispense solvents.

Reduce quantities of reagents used in routine processes.

Select containers that minimize the amounts of solutions used.

Filter and cover baths between uses to extend bath life.

Consider staining slides with drops instead of a dipping bath.

Reduce bath sizes for fixing/rinsing of microscope slides.

Recycle solvents onsite when appropriate.

Recycle solvents offsite when appropriate.

YOUR IDEAS FOR YOUR BUSINESS

SEE THE TOOLBOX INTRODUCTION ON WAYS TO START YOUR P2 PLAN. IT’S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION AND POLLUTION FROM HAPPENING AT YOUR BUSINESS. IF A SPILL HAPPENS ANYWAY, YOU MUST BE IMPLEMENTING A POLLUTION PREVENTION PLAN TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR DEQ’S VOLUNTARY REMEDIATION PROGRAM.