Biohazards are denoted thus:
__ __
_wr"" "-q__
_dP 9m_
_#P 9#_
d#@ 9#m
d## ###
J### ###L
{###K J###K
]####K __aaa__ J####F
__gmM######_ #P"" ""9#m _d#####Mmw__
_g##############m,_ __,##############m_
_d####M@PPPP@@M#######Mmp gm#########@@PPP9@M####m_
a###"" "#####@" '######" ""M##m
J#@" 0_ "*## ##@" J# *#K
,#" `# "_gmwgm_~ dF `#_
7F "#_ ]#####F _dK JE
] *m_ ##### _g@" F
" ##### "
0######_
_0########_
. _d#####^#####m__ ,
"*w_________am#####P" ~9#####mw_________w*"
""9@#####@M"" ""P@#####@M""
The symbol was designed in 1966 by
Dow Chemical and
Charles Baldwin. It should be high- or
blaze-orange, or yellow if printed on
red biohazard bags.
Biohazard is a special classification of medical and laboratory refuse characterized by the presence of infectious waste or otherwise potentially dangerous biological material.
Biohazardous waste is placed in impermeable multi-ply red plastic bags or, in the case of needles, broken glassware, or other pointy bits, specially designed sharps containers. It is often incinerated or subjected to other sterilization techniques prior to burial at designated sites.
Sterilization is achieved by bringing the contaminated material to 121ºC for 30 minutes or by microwave irradiation. Sterilization efficacy must be proved periodically by running test cultures of Bacillus stearothermophilus or other approved species or strains through the equipment.
In the case of large items deemed to be low risk (animal carcasses, amputated human limbs, human anatomical waste, etc.) direct burial is permitted provided interment guidelines are followed regarding the depth of the trench, presence of lime, securing the site from scavengers, etc.