Storage and Disposal Aspects
Scope-
This standard specifies recommendations and requirements for storage
and disposal of cytotoxic drugs by pharmacy personnel.
Objective-
The objective of this standard is to provide guidelines on storage
and disposal of cytotoxic drugs.
Referenced documents-
The following articles were referred to in this guideline:
| • |
ASHP Technical assistance
bulletin on handling of cytotoxic and hazardous drugs. Am
J Hosp Pharm 1990; 47: 1033-49 |
• |
OSHA Work-practice guidelines for
personnel dealing with cytotoxic
(antineoplastic) drugs. Am J Hosp Pharm 1986; 43:1193-1204 |
| • |
SHPA Guidelines for the safe handling
of cytotoxic drugs in Pharmacy
Departments. Aust J Hosp Pharm 1990; 20(5): 391-4 |
| • |
SHPA Guidelines for the transportation
and handling of cytotoxic drugs
by lay personnel. Aust J Hosp Pharm 1988; 18(5): 355-91 |
| • |
SHPA Guidelines for the packaging of
cytotoxic agents. Aust J Hosp
Pharm 1986; 16(3): 156 |
Storage
All cytotoxic drugs must be stored in designated areas. Access
to storage areas should be restricted to authorised personnel.
Precaution must be taken in such facility to prevent accidental
breakage. Spill kit should be made available in cytotoxic storage
areas.
Disposal
1. Equipment
Cytotoxic waste bag made of polyethylene
or polypropylene, labelled with a cytotoxic
hazard label and coloured differently from other hospital
trash bag, should be used.
Leak-proof and punctured-proof box or
sharps bin, labelled with a cytotoxic
hazard label and, if possible, coloured differently from other
hospital sharp bin, should be used for
the disposal of sharp waste such as needles,
syringes and glass vials.
2. Handling
Personnel involved in the handling of
cytotoxic waste should receive instruction
on procedures for safe transport and for spill management. These
wastes must be handled separately from other hospital waste trash
and disposed of in accordance with applicable regulations.
