Thought you would find this interesting.....
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To: Multiple recipients of list SAFETY
From: Safety on Thu, May 23, 1996 12:28 PM
Subject: Electronics and Biohazards
Question to the net.
We operate a number of labs, some at biohazard level 3; and we are
commissioning a level 4 facility presently.
The discussions include ways to decontaminate electronic and other
instruments without destroying them. Possible solutions include
autoclave, boiling, exposure to gas, and soaking in liquid
disinfectants. Microwave won't get the bugs due to size, but
radiation may be possible.
Decontamination would have to be done prior to maintenance such as
battery replacement or calibration of the instruments to protect
people from exposure to nasty bugs hiding in the instrument, co-ax
cables, etc. Therefore we can't open the instruments prior to
decontamination for full exposure, unless someone is working in a full
suit with positive pressure breathing air. And having played inside
those suits myself I can attest to the heat and humidity problems, as
well as restricted movement and visibility.
It may be cheaper and/or safer to incinerate the lot each time.
I would welcome ideas. Thanks
Immo
Immo Tilgner, Safety Engineer
Health Canada
Tunneys Pasture 1701A
Ottawa, Canada
K1A 0L3
[email protected]
Voice 613 957 8458
Fax 613 957 8563
