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Labels and Signs

Biohazards must be labeled according to the following procedures. Required labels consist of a red or fluorescent orange colored background with the traditional biohazard symbol in a contrasting color. The ORCBS will maintain a supply of the required biohazard labels and signs, which will be available upon request for campus facilities.

The following items must be labeled:

• containers of regulated waste;
  
• refrigerators, freezers, incubators, or other equipment containing blood or other potentially infectious materials;
  
• sharps disposal containers;
  
• containers used to store, transport or ship blood and other potentially infectious materials. When a secondary container holds a number of smaller items containing the same potentially infectious substance, only the secondary container needs to be labeled. All employees handling these containers will be informed of their contents and the need to use Universal Precautions when handling such items. Items that are transported or shipped, need to comply with local and federal regulations. Please contact the ORCBS for further information.
  
• laundry bags/containers holding contaminated items. Laundry may be placed in a red hamper without a label, a red laundry bag, or a biohazard bag. Employees handling laundry will be informed of the potential for contamination and/or infectivity of red laundry bags;
  
• contaminated equipment.

Biohazard signs must be posted at entrances to any Biosafety Level 2 (or higher) laboratory. For more information on signs and labels contact the ORCBS at 355-0153.

Information and Training

Exposure Control Plan Table of Contents