Disposal of Hazardous Drugs

Implementation Date: 11/2021

Date of Last Revision: 6/24/2023

Next Review Due: 6/23/2026

 

Reviewed by VTH Administrative Team: 11/2021

Reviewed by VTH Board: N/A

 

Reviewed & Approved by Hospital Director: 11/2021

Reviewed by Biosecurity Subcommittee: N/A

Subject to modification by the VTH Director without approval.

Policy

The intent of this policy is to define the procedures for the implementation of safety precautions for personnel who perform cleaning activities for and dispose of hazardous drugs and hazardous drug waste. This applies to all personnel who perform cleaning activities for hazardous drugs and dispose of hazardous drug waste.

The disposal of hazardous drugs and hazardous drug waste must comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Personnel must don appropriate PPE in addition to following all safety precautions and protocols. All hazardous drug waste – including chemotherapy – will be scheduled and picked up by the Division of Research Safety (DRS) utilizing the waste pickup application and how-to instructions.

Guidelines

1. All personnel who perform cleaning and disposal activities in HD handling areas must be trained in

       appropriate procedures to protect themselves and the environment to prevent HD contamination.

2. All PPE worn when handling HDs should be considered to have trace quantities of hazardous drugs. PPE must be carefully removed and placed in the appropriate waste container. PPE worn during sterile compounding (e.g., disposable chemotherapy gown, outer layer of chemotherapy gloves, outer pair of booties) should be disposed of in proper waste containers before leaving the C-SEC. PPE and supplies must have sufficient inventory available for waste handling and disposal, and routine cleaning of surfaces.

3. “Trace” chemotherapy/hazardous drug waste refers to empty containers or containers that have less than 3% of the original quantity of drug remaining. Examples include sharps, empty syringes, and vials.
   
   
4. Cleaning (including cleaning spills) protocols and methods must also take into consideration the agents used for (1) the surface material and type of HD and (2) how to apply (do not spray; use lint-free cloths with appropriate solution). Make sure the area is well-ventilated.

Note: It must be assumed that hazardous drugs may have residue present on drug containers, individual dosage units, outer bags/containers, work surfaces, and/or floors. Other equipment (e.g., IV lines) that are used in the dispensing of hazardous drugs must also be assumed to have residue present.

Procedure (if applicable)

1. Don appropriate PPE to handle hazardous drugs.
   
   
2. Place all visible contaminated disposable items, such as gloves, paper towels, and absorbent pads in a plastic red biohazard bag while in the hood, and then in the proper waste container
   
   
3. Dispose of unused excess chemotherapy and hazardous drugs in 15-gallon blue drum. Sharps containing chemotherapy drugs must be disposed of in this waste drum as well.
   
   
4. When work is completed, remove gloves and wash hands with soap and water.
   
   
5. Once the drum is full and ready for disposal, submit a DRS waste request for UI #216463 Chemotherapy Drugs with sharps
   
   

Definitions (if applicable)

HD : Hazardous Drug

PPE : Personal Protective Equipment

ASTM : American Society for Testing and Materials International)

CSTD : Closed System Transfer Device

C-SEC : The secondary engineering control is the room where the C-PEC is placed

DRS : Division of Research Safety

Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH): The collective clinical services of the Large Animal Clinic, Midwest Equine, the Small Animal Clinic, and the Veterinary Medicine South Clinic.