Safety

SAFETY

Laboratory Safety

Safe laboratory practices will be employed by all MEG staff and MEG Users to preclude any preventable accidents or occurrences.

All MEG users:

1. Must attend MEG orientation and training before being allowed to operate any MEG lab equipment. Each person will be responsible for familiarizing themselves with the safe operation of all MEG equipment used in their experiment.

2. Must adhere to MEG Core Facility policies and procedures. The Policy and Procedures Manual will be located at the Analysis Console for reference and also on the NIH MEG website.

3. May not bring any “unapproved” or “special” equipment into the lab for use unless first approved by the Director and/or Staff Scientist. In addition, before any user’s equipment can be used in the lab it must be tested for electrical safety.

4. Must familiarize themselves with the properties of helium gas / liquid helium. Information on the safe handling of Helium is included in the:

a. P&P Manual (P&P 10.30, 10.31 and 10.32) and

b. Material Safety and Data Sheet (MSD) Manual located at the Analysis Console for reference.

5. Will be responsible for reporting any hazard or potential hazard.

a. Immediately notify MEG Core staff of any defective equipment, malfunction or any improperly working equipment or medical devices used for patient / subject testing.

b. All events, occurrences or variances to normal operations, policies, procedures, and practices involving any users, subjects / patients and / or equipment must be documented via the Variance Report.

c. Users are responsible for identifying and labeling any hazardous equipment with an “Out of Service / Do Not Use” sticker.

6. Are encouraged to participate in the MEG Quality Assurance / Quality Improvement Program. Suggestions and recommendations for improvement (changes, upgrades, advancements) in equipment, processes or procedures may be submitted via the “QA/QI Variance Reporting System”.

7. Are responsible for subject / patient safety while conducting studies in the MEG Core Facility.

a. When scanning, subjects must be observed at all times.

b. Two (2) operators are required when scanning, one of which is capable of operating the equipment.

c. The subject must never be left alone in the MSR for any reason; two persons must be available for assistance if the subject were suddenly to take ill or if something unexpected were to happen.

8. Must provide a safe environment for all patients and employees.

9. Must adhere to the Clinical Center’s policies and procedures regarding safe laboratory practices.

All MEG Staff:

1. The MEG Core Facility staff will provide a safe working environment for all patients, users and employees.

2. Will maintain a clean, neat, and safe work environment.

3. All employees are constantly alert for unsafe conditions within the work area. If unsafe conditions are discovered, employees initiate immediate corrective action.

4. Will report unsafe conditions beyond the capability of the employee to correct to the proper authorities for remedy.

5. Some measures to be taken to eliminate hazards and prevent accidents are:

a. All passageways, doorways and exits are clear at all times.

b. All power cords are kept in good condition.

c. When in use, all electrical cords are unwrapped.

d. Power strips are kept at least 2 inches off the floor.

e. All cords and equipment cables are covered or routed to minimize the potential for falls or accidents.

f. All file cabinet drawers are closed when not in use.

g. Spills are cleaned immediately after they occur.

h. All employees are informed about the location and use of the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

i. All employees know the fire safety and evacuation plans.

MEG Lab System Monitors

MEG System Monitors evaluate the performance and integrity of the MEG equipment. There are 3 monitors located in the MEG Lab.

AirPure Oxygen Monitor

The AirPure Oxygen Monitor gives an indication of the air exchange in the MSR and/or the general integrity of the Dewar and related equipment. Measures the percentage of oxygen (O2) in the MEG lab. Located in the MEG Lab on the wall just outside the MSR (Magnetically Shielded Room).

Normal Atmosphere	Oxygen Level 19.5-22%	O2 level should be at about 20.9%
Enriched Atmosphere	Oxygen 22.0% or more	*can promote fires (burning)
Deficient Atmosphere	Oxygen reading 19.5 or less	*can lead to a loss of consciousness and/or asphyxiation

*WHAT TO DO IF - the alarm sounds because oxygen in the lab decreased below a certain set level; if that happens:

• open the door to the MSR;

• both doors to the lab;

• evacuate lab if necessary;

• notify MEG Lab staff and / or the staff scientist immediately.

Gilmont Gas Flow Meter

The Gilmont Gas Flow Meter monitors the rate of Helium boil off which gives an indication of the general integrity of the MEG Dewar and related equipment. Located inside the MSR near the back-left wall.

Helium Boil-Off Gas Flow Rate

Normal Gas Flow Rate	28
High Gas Flow Rate	40 (*alarm will sound)

*Please note that the gas flow rate level normally fluctuates within a certain range.

*NORMAL CONDITIONS WHEN THE ALARM MIGHT GO OFF:

- if it is windy outside (until the wind subsides).

- after a fill the flow rate might get as high as 40 (should go back down to 28 within a reasonable period of time).

*WHAT TO DO IF - the Helium Boil-Off alarm goes off; if that happens:

• Re-set the alarm - if you know that it is windy outside re-set the alarm. Instructions are next to the alarm.

• If you are unsure about resetting the alarm please seek MEG staff for assistance.

AMI Model 135 Liquid Helium Level Monitor

3. AMI Model 135 Liquid Helium Level Monitor - measures the amount of helium inside the MEG Dewar. Located on the stand just outside the MSR. This monitor lets MEG staff know when it is time to perform a helium fill. This is used and attended to by MEG staff will only and MEG Users should never need to check this monitor.

LIQUID HELIUM LEVEL IN THE DEWAR

Normal Range	1 - 38
Upper Limit	39.0
Lower Limit	0

*Should never go below 0 (zero)

Checking the Helium Level in the Dewar:

1. Plug in the monitor cable. The plug is located inside the MSR near the back-left wall.

2. Check and record the reading on the QA / Maintenance Log.

3. If the level is approaching 0 (zero) a liquid Helium Fill should be performed; notify appropriate lab personnel.

4. When filled the Liquid Helium Level should not exceed 39.0.

5. If an overfill occurs:

a. Keep the door to the MSR open;

b. Leave the Dewar at 55 degrees for 12 to 24 hours.

Laboratory Gas Safety / Safe Handling of Laboratory Gases

Liquid Helium

Users of Liquid Helium will be: 1) familiar with the properties and characteristics of the gases used in the MEG Lab and, 2) knowledgeable about the operation of gas cylinders to ensure that those gases are being used, stored and transported according to NIH safety guidelines and safe laboratory practices.

  Procedure:

1. All MEG staff and users must familiarize themselves with the properties of Liquid Helium. * Refer to the Material Safety and Data Sheet (MSDS) Manual.

2. The contents of Liquid Helium Storage Dewars will be identified with decals, stencils, or other markings on the outside of the Dewar. a. Color codes alone or tags hung on the outside of the Dewar are not acceptable. b. Dewars lacking proper identification must not be accepted from the vendors.

3. Liquid Helium Storage Dewars are transported by using the handle to pull the Dewar; they must never be pushed. Always keep the Dewar in the upright position.

4. Liquid Helium Storage Dewar will be transported with the Relief Isolation Valve OPEN so that pressure does not build up in the storage dewar.

5. The cylinder contents must be permanently attached to the outside of the Dewar. This identification shall not be removed, covered or defaced.

6. Liquid Helium will not be used in environmental rooms unless there is adequate ventilation and/or an oxygen monitor with an audible alarm is present and permission has been granted by the Safety Officer.

7. Liquid Helium will be handled using the appropriate care and protective equipment, i.e., face shield and cryogloves, as necessary because contact can cause severe frostbite.

8. The safety warnings located on the Helium Dewar will always be followed.

9. Empty cylinders will be marked “EMPTY”.

Variance Event / Quality Assurance: 1. Cylinder Leak.

Course of Action Event: 1. Cylinder Leak – if this happens a. If there are reasons to believe that a cylinder is leaking, test for the leak by painting soapy water over the valves and connections. This will indicate most gas leaks. b. Do not attempt to repair leaks caused by loose valve stem packing. c. Leaking storage Dewars of liquid helium will be moved to a well-ventilated area. There is no potential harm if helium does not critically displace the amount of oxygen. d. The Dewar must be labeled indicating the problem. e. The vendor will be called for pickup. f. Assistance can be obtained from the Health and Safety Branch or by contacting the Safety Officer.

• Note: Leaks from cylinders of toxic or flammable gases require immediate attention. Decisions of how to handle the problem will depend on the kind of gas, the size of the leak, the area where the cylinder is located, and other factors.

____________________________

Variance Event / Quality Assurance 1. Spontaneous MEG Dewar Warm Up- If the vacuum on the inside of the Dewar becomes soft a spontaneous warm up of the liquid Helium will likely occur resulting in: a. Leaking of helium; b. Helium Level Meter reading will likely increase dramatically causing the Helium Boil-Off Alarm to go off. c. Pressure inside the Dewar MIGHT possibly build up causing helium to leak from the ports on the top of the dewar resulting in helium escaping into the magnetically shielded room (MSR) causing the Oxygen Alarm to go off.

Course of Action: 1. Spontaneous MEG Dewar Warm Up- if this happens: a. Open the door and evacuate the MSR. b. Open the door to the MEG lab. c. Turn off the rack. Discontinue scanning; the system can not be operated in the warm state. d. Turn off the Helium Alarm. e. Turn off the Oxygen Alarm. f. Fill out an Incident Report. Place a “Do Not Operate / Do not Use” sign on the MSR door. g. Notify the lab director or staff scientist as soon as possible.

Compressed Helium Gas

Policy: Users of Compressed Helium Gas will be: 1) familiar with the properties and characteristics of the gases used in the MEG Lab and, 2) knowledgeable about the operation of gas cylinders to ensure that those gases are being used, stored and transported according to NIH safety guidelines and safe laboratory practices.

Procedure:

1. All MEG staff and users must familiarize themselves with the properties of Compressed Helium Gas. Refer to the Material Safety and Data Sheets (MSDS).

2. The contents of Compressed Helium cylinders must be identified with decals, stencils, or other markings on the cylinders. Color codes alone or tags hung around the necks of the cylinders are not acceptable. Cylinders lacking proper identification must not be accepted from the vendors.

3. Helium Cylinders will not be accepted from the vendors unless the valve safety covers are in place and properly tightened.

4. Compressed Helium cylinders will be secured always so they cannot fall.

5. Valve safety covers will be in place until pressure regulators are ready to be attached.

6. The cylinder contents are permanently attached to the cylinders. This identification shall not be removed, covered or defaced.

7. Cylinders will be moved on chain equipped hand trucks or carts; they are never rolled or dragged.

8. Employees will not attempt to repair cylinders or cylinder valves, or to force stuck or frozen cylinder valves.

9. The cylinder valve will not be opened or cracked without first attaching the proper pressure regulator.

-1- MEG Core Facility Compressed Helium Gas Safety Policy and Procedures Manual Policy No. 10.31 -2-

Pressure Regulators and Needle Valves: 1. The valve fittings of Liquid Helium cylinders must be valves attachments that are safe for use with Liquid Helium. Use of adapters to connect regulators to cylinder valves defeats this safeguard and is not authorized. Only pressure regulators and needle valves approved for the compressed Liquid Helium gases may be used.

2. Threads and points of unions must be clean. These surfaces must be inspected before they are connected.

3. When attaching regulators or needle valves, the connections must be tightened firmly. Wrenches of the proper size should be used. Pliers should not be used as they damage the soft brass nuts.

4. Do not apply excessive force when attaching the regulator or valve. Need for excessive force often indicates that the regulators or needle valves do not fit the cylinders.

5. Leaks at the unions between the regulators and the cylinder valves are usually due to damage to the faces of the connections. Attempts to force a tight fit may damage the previously undamaged half of the connection.

6. If the cylinder valve faces are damaged, the cylinders will be returned to the vendors. Employees will not attempt to repair them.

7. Damaged regulators will not be used until repaired.

Cylinder Leaks: 1. Unless there are reasons to believe that cylinders are leaking, testing for leaks may be done after the pressure regulators are attached to the cylinder valves and the valves opened.

2. Soapy water painted over the valves and connections will be performed if a leak is suspected.

3. Personnel will not attempt to repair leaks caused by loose valve stem packing.

4. Leaking cylinder of compressed Helium gas will be returned to the vendor.

5. Assistance can be obtained from the Health and Safety Branch or by contacting the Safety Officer.

Empty Cylinders: 1. A small amount of gas must be left in the cylinders and the cylinder valves must be closed to prevent contamination of the inside of the cylinders.

2. Empty cylinders should be marked “EMPTY”.

3. Valve safety covers and the labels showing contents must be in place.

4. Empty cylinders should be stored separately from full cylinders.

5. Empty cylinders must be secured at all times so they can not fall.

Reference: 1. Health & Safety Manual – General Safety and Laboratory Policies Compressed Gases (http://www.niehs.nih.gov/odhsb/manual/man4b.htm).

Emergency Procedures

Fire Safety Plan

The MEG Lab has established a Fire Safety Plan in order to define the scope and method for immediate, positive and orderly action to safeguard life and property during a fire emergency. The NIH utilizes a zoned evacuation system. When and if the fire alarm signal sounds and the flashing emergency strobe light has been activated in a particular area the occupants in that zone or area of the building must evacuate the building. This alarm is usually followed by recorded instructions to the occupants. Other areas may not be required to evacuate unless their zone fire alarm system has been activated as well. Remember:

R.A.C.E.
R - Rescue anyone in danger.
A- Activate the nearest fire alarm box and dial 911 to notify others in the area of the emergency.
C - Confine the fire by closing all doors.
E - Evacuate the lab

One person will be designated the MEG Core Facility Evacuation Team Leader (ETL). An alternate or assistant team leader (ATL) will also be designated. During a fire emergency, the ETL will be responsible for the orderly evacuation of and accounting for all staff, subjects and visitors. The assistant will team leader will help to carry out the instructions of the ETL and assists all patients / visitors in the case of an evacuation.

Procedure:

1. If there is a small fire which may be contained using a fire extinguisher, the nearest fire extinguisher is located outside the MEG Lab. Extinguish the fire only if it can be done without endangering anyone, after notifying the NIH Fire Department. When using a fire extinguisher, fight the fire from a position accessible to an exit to avoid entrapment; if in doubt, evacuate the area and wait for the NIH Fire Department to arrive. Remember:

P.A.S.S. a. Pull the safety pin b. Aim the nozzle c. Squeeze the handle and d. Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire until it goes out.

2. If there is a fire in the MEG Core Facility and the fire alarm is activated evacuate all staff, subjects, users and visitors to the outside of the building via the most appropriate emergency evacuation route (Refer to the Emergency Evacuation Floor Plan):

a. Evacuate the lab of all personnel (including subjects, users and visitors), b. Close all doors as you leave (close the MSR door if safe to do so), c. Walk to the nearest FIRE ALARM PULL STATION which is located in the NMR Center main corridor on the wall between the Waiting Area and the door leading to the main building; activate the alarm, d. Dial 911 from the nearest phone and e. Evacuate the building using the Primary Evacuation Route; f. If the Primary Evacuation Route is blocked or inaccessible use the Secondary Route. g. The ETL will designate a place away from the building for everyone to meet. h. Everyone (all staff, subjects, users and visitors) will report to the ETL and remain outside at the designated area until all persons have been accounted for or until otherwise instructed by the ETL.

• There are Fire Alarm Pull Stations at each end of the main NMR Center corridor near the Exits.

3. If a fire is discovered in the NMR and the fire alarm is activated evacuate all staff, subjects, users and visitors to the outside of the building via the most appropriate emergency evacuation route (Refer to the Emergency Evacuation Floor Plan):

a. Evacuate the MEG lab of all personnel (including subjects, users and visitors), b. Close all doors as you leave, c. Evacuate the building using the Primary Evacuation Route, d. Everyone (all staff, subjects, users and visitors) will report to the ETL and remain outside at the designated area until all persons have been accounted for or until otherwise instructed by the ETL. e. If the primary evacuation route is blocked or inaccessible use the secondary or alternate route.

4. Individuals with disabilities and persons on stretchers or in wheelchairs will be assisted by one or more persons (aides) assigned by the ETL. a. If those persons can not be evacuated using the designated routes, aides will take or assist the individual(s) to the nearest elevator lobby to await evacuation by the fire department. b. Do not use the elevators unless it has been predetermined that elevator use is safe.

PRIMARY EVACUATION ROUTE – To Loading Dock:

                                *There are 4 or 5 stairs at the dock exit.

If for some reason the primary evacuation route is blocked by smoke or inaccessible the WEST SIDE (SECONDARY) EMERGENCY EXIT may be used to evacuate the building.

• From the MEG Corridor, turn left down the main NMR Center corridor. • Turn right at the corridor with the signs for the Laboratory of Cardiac Energetics (the first corridor on the left / SIGNA Corridor). • At the end of the SIGNA Corridor, turn left and proceed down the Animal Corridor make a right turn through the double doors at the first corridor on the right (at the second exit sign). • Go through the EMERGENCY EXIT double doors to the back dock.

SECONDARY EVACUATION ROUTE – West Side Emergency Exit / outside Bld. 10:

                                *There are 6 or 7 stairs leading down to this exit.

• From the MEG corridor, proceed left down the main NMR Center corridor towards room B1D67 (past the signs for the Laboratory of Cardiac Energetics beyond the 7T). • Go through the EMERGENCY ONLY EXIT door down the stairs to the outside of the building. • This exit leads to the west side of Building 10. MEG Core Facility

ALTERNATE EVACUATION ROUTE– Towards Cafeteria/ Elevators / Front of Building 10:

If during an emergency, the Primary Evacuation and the Secondary Evacuation Routes are blocked by smoke or other hazards; use the Alternate Exit. The Alternate Exit should only be used if the Secondary Exit is inaccessible.

• From the MEG corridor, turn right down the main NMR Center corridor towards the nearest exit. • Go through the EXIT door. • This exit leads to the main building towards the cafeteria and elevators, i.e., toward the front of Building 10.

• The nearest Fire Extinguisher is located just outside the MEG Core Facility.

Fire Alarm Pull Stations are located at each end of the NMR Center main corridor and at all Emergency Exits.

• Refer to the MEG Emergency Evacuation Floor Plan which is posted inside the MEG Lab at each door and also outside the B1/D65B door.

Emergency Contact Information / Numbers

In case of an emergency contact:

Director: Dr. Allison Nugent, 301/451-8863

Staff Scientist: Dr. Tom Holroyd, 301/402-2362

Emergency Numbers

Fire / Ambulance	call 911
Police	call 911
Chemical / Biological / Radiological	call 911
Engineering	call 108
Bdg 10 Employee/Visitor life threatening emergency*	call 111

*otherwise report to OMS 10/6C306 496-4411 7:30am – 4:00pm

NIH Non-Emergency Numbers

Fire Department	301 / 496-2372
Police	301 / 496-5685
Occupational Medical Service / Work Related Injuries	301 / 496-4411

Emergency Evacuation Coordinator

Building 10/4A13 – Jim Wilson X62862

INFECTION CONTROL

In order to interrupt the spread of infection at the point of transmission between the source and host, the following policies and procedures have been established. All staff, MEG Lab users and subjects are required to comply with NIH Clinical Centers infection prevention / infection control policies and procedures, in addition to MEG Lab practices.

Hand Hygiene

Hand Hygiene is one of the most important steps in infection control in order to prevent the spread of germs. Cleaning your hands often using either soap and water or alcohol hand gel is required by the NIH Clinical Center and the MEG Lab.

In general, it is important to wash / clean your hands in each of these situations:

•After reporting to work (at the beginning of your shift).

•Before and after subject / patient contact.

•Before donning gloves.

•After removing gloves and other personal protective equipment.

•After touching objects that are likely to be contaminated with microorganisms (e.g., equipment or other items, keyboards, telephones / cell phones, doorknobs, stair banister, elevator buttons, etc.

•Whenever hand are visibly soiled.

•After sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose.

•After contact with blood, or other potentially infectious material and equipment or articles.

•When hands are likely to be contaminated with blood, body fluids, secretions or excretions.

•After handling any equipment that comes in contact with subjects with a known infection.

In addition when in the MEG Lab, it is important to wash / clean your hands in each of these situations:

•At the beginning and end of each MEG scan.

•Before setting up a subject.

•After setting up an EEG / EMG subject.

•After abrading the skin.

•After applying, handling and processing electrodes.

*If you use Alcohol Hand Gel to clean your hands, you must wash your hands with soap and water after every 10 uses of hand gel.

Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) / Protective Barriers

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - gloves, gown, plastic apron, masks, protective goggles and impervious barrier will be used, if transfer, aerosolization or splattering of particulate matter is likely to occur. If item(s) are visibly soiled dispose of in a Medical Pathological Waste (MPW) Box otherwise disposed in the trash.

•Gloves will be used when:

-abrading skin.

-handling, cleaning or disinfecting equipment used on abraded skin.

-handling all soiled instruments and equipment.

-in contact with a patient/subject with a known infectious disease.

-in accordance with Universal / Standard Precautions, Transmission Based Precautions and CC Infection Control guidelines.

•Protective Impervious Barrier will be used when:

-items used on abraded skin, i.e., electrodes, electrolyte, Q-tips, gauze, etc.

-items used on a subject/patient with a known infectious disease, the physical work area surface will be covered with a barrier which will be used to place “contaminated/used” equipment or supplies.

*Any items placed on this barrier will be considered contaminated and must be disposed of or cleaned using Dispatch or Asepti-Wipe II.

**The barrier will be discarded after each use and the physical work surface will be disinfected using Dispatch or Asepti-Wipe II.

Studies Requiring A Blood Draw during a MEG Scan

During an MEG scan that involves drawing blood MEG infection control procedures must be followed. All nurses participating in drug studies / protocols must follow all MEG Lab Infection Prevention / Infection Control Policies and Procedures (9.00, 9.20, 9.30, 9.40) which are posted in the Policy & Procedures Manual located in the MEG lab and also on the MEG lab website (http://kurage.nimh.nih.gov/meglab). In addition, nurses and staff must comply with all Clinical Center Infection Control Policies and Procedures.

Policy:

• All nurses participating in drug studies in the MEG Lab must attend MEG Lab specific Infection Control training.

• Gloves will be used when drawing blood or whenever touching the blood draw syringe or any potentially contaminated items.

• “Contaminated” gloves will be discarded before touching any other items in the MEG lab.

• After gloves are removed, hands must be washed / sanitized before touching any other “clean” items including MEG equipment, telephone and any computer keyboards.

• All surfaces (prep table, cabinets) will be wiped with Dispatch after use.

• All MEG Lab staff will monitor participants for compliance.

*Anyone who has not received MEG lab Infection Control training should contact the MEG Lab Manager as soon as possible. Please refer to MEG P&P on Infection Control posted on the MEG Lab website: http://kurage.nimh.nih.gov/meglab/ under “User Information”.

Non-Disposable Electrodes / EEG Caps / Other Non-Disposable Equipment

All non-disposable electrodes, EEG caps and other equipment that comes in contact with skin that has been abraded will be considered “contaminated” and sent to Central Hospital Supply (CHS) for disinfection / sterilization. It is the responsibility of the MEG User to place any used / "contaminated" equipment in a hospital approved transport container, fill out the appropriate CHS form and them place the container on the CHS cart in the MEG lab. MEG staff will then transport and pickup all MEG equipment.

Each User/Research Assistant	- will be responsible for preparing the “used / contaminated” item(s) for disinfection/sterilization by CHS after each use.
Central Hospital Supply (CHS)	- will provide disinfection and sterilization services in compliance with standard operating procedures.
MEG Core Staff	- will provide each user instructions regarding preparing “used”/contaminated MEG equipment for disinfection/sterilization. -will be responsible for transporting the equipment to CHS for disinfection/sterilization.

Non-Disposable Electrodes:

Silver/Silver Chloride Disc Electrodes, Gereonics Silver /Silver Chloride Electrodes, Grass Gold Electrodes and all non-disposable electrodes that comes in contact with skin that has been abraded will be considered “contaminated” and sent to Central Hospital Supply (CHS) for disinfection / sterilization.

Procedure:

1. Latex rubber gloves must be use whenever handling and/or processing electrodes used on abraded skin. For individuals sensitive to latex, nitrile rubber gloves may be used.

2. Place the disk end of the electrode in the zippered section of the 2 pocket zip lock plastic bag.

3. Place the cable / wire end in the un-zippered pocket of the zip lock plastic bag.

4. Place the plastic bag containing the “contaminated” electrode(s) in the top tray of the three (3) piece amber OSHA approved Biohazard Container.

5. Place the lid on the Biohazard Container.

6. Place the Biohazard Container on the top shelf of the CHS Processing Cart.

7. Fill out a “Central Hospital Supply Steam/Gas Sterilization Request Form” for each container and place the form on the top of the appropriate closed Biohazard Container.

8. MEG staff will transport the Biohazard Container to CHS for disinfection/sterilization.

9. Biohazard Containers with “contaminated” equipment will be logged in and out according to CHS procedures.

Non-Disposable EEG Cap – i.e., Easy Cap

All EEG caps, including the EasyCap, that come in contact with skin that has been abraded will be considered “contaminated” and sent to Central Hospital Supply (CHS) for disinfection / sterilization.

Procedure:

1. Latex rubber gloves must be used whenever handling and/or processing an EEG Cap that has been used on abraded skin. For individuals sensitive to latex, nitrile rubber gloves may be used.

2. All electrodes will be removed from the cap and processed separately from the electrodes.

3. The cap will be placed in the top tray of the three (3) piece amber OSHA approved Biohazard Container.

4. The Biohazard Container will then be placed on the top shelf of the CHS processing cart.

5. Place the lid on the Biohazard Container.

6. The Central Hospital Supply Steam/Gas Sterilization Request form will be filled out for each container and placed on top of the appropriate closed container.

7. MEG staff will transport the Biohazard Container to CHS for disinfection / sterilization.

Other Non-Disposable Equipment

All Electrode Bars / Stimulating Bars / Twisted Pair / Ground Electrodes that come in contact with skin that has been abraded will be considered “contaminated” and sent to Central Hospital Supply (CHS) for disinfection / sterilization.

Procedure:

1. Latex rubber gloves must be use whenever handling and/or processing electrodes used on abraded skin. For individuals sensitive to latex, nitrile rubber gloves may be used.

2. Place the disk / bar / electrode end in the zippered section of the 2 pocket zip lock plastic bag.

3. Place the cable / wire end in the un-zippered pocket of the zip lock plastic bag.

4. Place the plastic bag containing the “contaminated” electrode(s) in the top tray of the three (3) piece amber OSHA approved Biohazard Container.

5. Place the lid on the Biohazard Container.

6. Place the Biohazard Container on the top shelf of the CHS Processing Cart.

7. Fill out a “Central Hospital Supply Steam/Gas Sterilization Request Form” for each container and place the form on the top of the appropriate closed Biohazard Container.

8. MEG staff will transport the Biohazard Container to CHS for disinfection/sterilization.

9. Biohazard Containers with “contaminated” equipment will be logged in and out according to CHS procedures.