How to Dispose of Broken Glass & Light Bulbs in a Hospital

Cleaning up broken glass or light bulbs in a hospital requires special care from medical facility workers. Whether it is the handling of broken vials or mercury-containing light bulbs, the task is dangerous. The EPA has issued guidelines that should be followed for the proper handling and disposal of these items. Broken vials require special handling to prevent cuts or infections.

Things You'll Need

• Puncture-resistant gloves
• Card stock
• Sealable plastic bag
• Glass jar with metal lid
• Duct tape
• Paper towels
• Vacuum bag
• Gauze

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Instructions

• 1

  Send everyone out of the room, open any windows and turn off any forced air. Let the room air out for 15 minutes.

• 2

  Put on puncture-resistant gloves.

• 3

  Pick up broken glass and debris from carpets, rugs or mats. Scoop shards and any powder from hard surfaces using stiff card stock or paper. Do not use a broom or vacuum.

• 4

  Wrap glass from broken vials or ampules in paper towels or gauze.

• 5

  Use duct tape to pick up all remaining powder and glass shards.

• 6

  Wipe hard surfaces clean with damp paper towels.

• 7

  Vacuum carpeted areas. Remove the vacuum bag and thoroughly wipe down the canister with wet paper towels.

• 8

  Deposit all collected debris, damp paper towels, used duct tape and vacuum bags in either a sealable plastic bag or a glass jar with a metal lid. Include any bedding or clothing that came in direct contact with mercury-containing powder from a broken bulb, as well as wet paper towels used to wipe contaminated shoes.

• 9

  Place sealed bags and containers in designated receptacles.

• 10

  Contact your local waste authority to dispose of the cleaned-up debris in accordance with local, state and federal laws.