Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
requiring regulatory oversight. However, in some cases, the maintenance
activities at a particular manufacturer can result in the need and disposal of
some of the most toxic chemicals found on location.
EH&S
AND
L
ABORATORY
R
ESEARCH AND
T
ESTING
Probably the most unique environment for unsafe employee exposures is
in the research and testing laboratory. The affected personnel typically work
with a wide variety of instrumentation as well as various biological and
chemical agents. Instrumentation used in the biomedical device laboratories
can have x-ray, gamma ray, and laser sources, and wet chemistry components
are inherent to the essential activities performed. Normally, personal
protective equipment, fume hoods, and stringent area hygiene prevent
excessive employee exposures in this environment.
(Source: Montana DEQ).
Figure 6. Example of satellite hazardous waste storage on-site.
While the extent of the pollution produced in these specific areas is
typically quite low, these activities still can produce specific and unique by-
product stressors that should not be released to the environment without proper
