1. BIOHAZARD
Everything you wanted to know but were
afraid to ask.
Victoria Jacobs
February 10,2012

2. Definition
 The word Biohazard is really a made up word
from Bio meaning biological and hazard as
meaning dangerous. Biohazardous material (
infectious waste) is anything containing
potentially dangerous pathogens. Blood and
blood products, sputum, urine and stool, throat
cultures, cerebrospinal fluid, chemotherapy, open
wounds, semen, vaginal secretions, and also
chemical. These pathogens also can be airborne,
in the water and on surfaces with contact. It is
therefore most important to protect yourself and
others from transmission. The biohazard issue is
the waste from all of these contaminates.

3. Universal
Sign
 This is the symbol for
biological waste. It can be
seen in all medical/dental
offices, clinics and
hospitals. There are solid
plastic containers to hold
items that may be a
sharps hazard. There are
usually red bags of
various sizes that will
accommodate the surgical
operatories. These items
must be disposed of by a
bonded waste hauler
and/or autoclaved by the
hospital before they can
be disposed of or
recycled. There are yellow
bags with the biohazard
label for contaminated
linen, which will be
decontaminated before it
can be put in the regular

4. NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) 704 Placarding System
This placard is used at fixed facilities to indicate general information about the contents at
that site, which can be used by emergency responders to identify it's contents and
precautions that will need to be taken.
used by emergency responders
to identify it's contents and
precautions that will need to be
taken.
Health Hazard (Blue):
4: Death
3: Extreme Danger
2: Hazardous
1: Slightly Hazardous
0: Normal Material
Fire Hazard (Red):
Flash Points
4: Below 73°F (22.8°C)
3: Below 100°F (82.2°C)
2: Above 100°F (82.2°C), not
exceeding 200°F (93.3°C)
1: Above 200°F (93.3°C)
0: Will not

5. Continued
 Reactivity (Yellow):
 4: May Detonate
 3: Shock and Heat may detonate
 2: Violent chemical change
 1: Unstable if heated
 0: Stable
 Specific Hazard (White):
 ACID: Acid
 ALK: Alkali
 COR: Corrosive
 CRY or CRYO: Cryogenic
 OX or OXY: Oxidizer
 POI: Poison
 P : Polymerization
 SA: Simple Asphyxiant
 : Radioactive
 : Biohazard
 W : Use No Water

6. Often there will be yellow labels
for clothes and linens. They must
be handled with precautions.

7. Personal Protection is the best
defense

8. Hand washing is a lifesaver

 USE PROPER HANDWASHING TECHNIQUES --- PROTECT YOUR HEALTH
 Hand washing is the single most important procedure for preventing the spread of biological
contamination. Despite this fact many laboratory personnel don't wash their hands properly. Here
are some hand washing tips and procedures for your use.
 1. Consider the sink, including the faucet controls, contaminated.
 2. Avoid touching the sink.
 3. Turn water on using a paper towel and then wet your hands and wrists.
 4. Work soap into a lather.
 5. Vigorously rub together all surfaces of the lathered hands for 15 seconds. Friction helps remove
dirt and microorganisms. Wash around and under rings, around cuticles, and under fingernails
 6. Rinse hands thoroughly under a stream of water. Running water carries away dirt and debris.
Point fingers down so water and contamination won't drip toward elbows.
 7. Dry hands completely with a clean dry paper towel.
 8. Use a dry paper towel to turn faucet off.
 9. To keep soap from becoming a breeding place for microorganisms, thoroughly clean soap
dispensers before refilling with fresh soap.
 10. When hand washing facilities are not available at a remote work site, use an appropriate
antiseptic hand cleaner or antiseptic towels. As soon as possible, rewash hands with soap and
running water.
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