Drugs are classified as hazardous if they may cause cancer, developmental or reproductive toxicity or harm to organs at low doses. They include drugs used for cancer chemotherapy (also called antineoplastics), antiviral drugs, hormones, some bioengineered drugs and other various drugs.
Check the NIOSH List of Antineoplastic and Other Hazardous Drugs in Healthcare Settings (2014) to determine if a drug is classified as hazardous.
Any research involving the administration of infectious agents or recombinant or synthetic nucleic acids to human research participants requires review and approval by the UW Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) if it is sponsored by or conducted at the University of Washington. Infectious agents are biological organisms capable of causing disease in humans, generally Risk Group 2 or higher.
The Biohazard Warning Sign restricts laboratory access during work with biohazards, communicates the agents in use, and specifies entry or exit requirements. It is the responsibility of the Principal Investigator or supervisor to properly identify and restrict access to the laboratory and to notify emergency and support personnel of any hazards in the laboratory.
A pressure vessel is a closed container designed to hold gases or liquids at a pressure substantially higher or lower than the ambient pressure. Examples include glassware, autoclaves, compressed gas cylinders, compressors (including refrigeration), vacuum chambers and custom designed laboratory vessels.
The purpose of the personal protective equipment (PPE) program is to protect researchers, employees, students, and visitors from potential hazards in the work environment. However, eliminating hazards through engineering or administrative controls provides better and more consistent protection than relying on PPE alone. If PPE is necessary, it is best used with engineering and/or administrative controls along with good work practices.
The Empty Chemical Containers Focus Sheet provides guidance to dispose of or reuse chemical containers in accordance with hazardous waste regulations.
