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  2. Environmental Sampling and Analytical Methods (ESAM) Program

Safety and Waste Management for SAM Biotoxin Methods

Additional Information
  • Chemistry Safety and Waste Management
  • Radiochemical Safety and Waste Management
  • Pathogen Safety and Waste Management
  • Biotoxin Safety and Waste Management

All appropriate safety precautions should be used during collection, processing, and analysis of environmental samples. Laboratories should have a documented health and safety plan for handling samples that may contain target chemical, biologica and/or radiological (CBR) contaminants, and laboratory staff should be trained in and implement the safety procedures included in the plan. In addition, many of the biotoxin methods summarized or cited in Selected Analytical Methods for Environmental Remediation and Recovery (SAM) contain some specific requirements, guidelines or information regarding safety precautions that should be followed when handling or processing environmental samples and reagents. These methods also provide information regarding waste management.

Other resources that can be consulted for additional information include the following:

  • American Biological Safety Association - Risk Group Classifications for Infectious Agents.
  • CDC — Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL), 6th Edition. 2020.
  • Fleming, D.O. and Hunt, D.L. (editors). 2006. Biological Safety: Principles and Practices, 4th Ed. ASM Press: Herndon, VA
  • CDC — 42 CFR part 72. Interstate Shipment of Etiologic Agents. 
  • CDC — 42 CFR part 73. Select Agents and Toxins. 
  • DOT — 49 CFR part 172. Hazardous Materials Table, Special Provisions, Hazardous Materials Communications, Emergency Response Information, and Training Requirements. 
  • EPA — 40 CFR part 260. Hazardous Waste Management System: General. 
  • EPA — 40 CFR part 270. EPA Administered Permit Programs: The Hazardous Waste Permit Program.
  • OSHA — 29 CFR part 1910.1450. Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories. 
  • OSHA — 29 CFR part 1910.120. Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response. 
  • USDA — 9 CFR part 121. Possession, Use, and Transfer of Select Agents and Toxins. 

Please note that the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (e-CFR) is available for viewing. See: Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. 

Environmental Sampling and Analytical Methods (ESAM) Program

  • Sample Collection
  • Analytical Methods and Protocols
  • Data Management and Visualization
  • Data Quality and Planning
  • Homeland Security Research Program Videos
Contact Us About ESAM
Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on May 19, 2025
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