1. Handling and Disposal of Infectious Wastes

2. Biomedical Waste Regulations
OSHA “Bloodborne Pathogens Standards” 29 CFR part
Sharps containers & waste packaging
Generators, Transporters, and Disposal Facilities are Regulated by States
DSHS Title 25 Part “Definition, Treatment, and Disposition of Special Waste from Health Care Related Facilities”
TCEQ Chapter Subchapter Y: “Medical Waste Management”
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) “Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories”
Laboratory and clinical practices
Defines certain infectious agents

3. Infectious Waste Management
Designation
Packaging
Storage
Treatment and disposal
Contingency Plan
Record-keeping

4. What is an Infectious Waste?
Waste capable of producing an infectious disease
Presence of a pathogen of sufficient virulence
Dose
Portal of entry
Resistance of host
Includes:
Isolation wastes
Microbiological waste (cultures and stocks)
Bulk human blood and blood products >100ml, free flowing, or saturated disposable products
Infectious animal carcasses, body parts, and bedding
Pathological Waste
Sharps

5. Packaging Rigid leak proof containers
Sealed and impervious to moisture
Absorbent to capture any free liquids
Labeled with biohazard symbol
Closed container for aerosols
Sharps in approved container and color coded

6. Packaging Rigid leak proof containers
Sealed and impervious to moisture
Absorbent to capture any free liquids
Labeled with biohazard symbol
Closed container for aerosols
Sharps in approved container

7. Typical Containers Used for Infectious Wastes

8. Typical Sharps Containers

9. Infectious Waste Storage
Secure from theft
Secure from the elements (rain, water, and wind)
Store as not to generate noxious odors or attract animals (vector control)
Posted with the biohazard symbol
Spill equipment available

10. Labeling
Words “Medical Waste” or “Infectious Waste” and universal biohazard symbol
In some states Spanish is required (TX)
Offsite shipments require the name and address of generator and transporter to be affixed to the container
Red plastic bags used as inner packaging do not require labeling
Liner must be tied

11. Treatment and Disposal
Biological waste must be rendered non-infectious prior to final disposal into a landfill
This can be achieved either onsite or offsite by utilizing an approved method of treatment such as
Autoclaving
Chemical treatment and maceration
Dry heat / thermal inactivation
Incineration

12. Offsite Treatment and Disposal
Approved medical waste transporter
Treatment options
Incineration
Steam Sterilization
Onsite maceration and disposal (microwave and chlorine)
Audit your contractor’s facility

13. Recordkeeping - Offsite Treatment
Manifests
Certificate of incineration
Reconciliation of manifests
Records should be maintained for at least three years

14. Onsite Treatment and Disposal
Steam sterilization (Autoclave)
Chemical disinfection
Thermal inactivation (Dry heat)
Incineration

15. Steam Sterilization Types of wastes (micro, blood, etc.)
Packaging of inner containers
allow steam to enter bags
Temperature, pressure, and time dependent
minimum parameters 250F, 15 psi, 30 min.
Volume and configuration of load
do not overload autoclave
Quality control documentation is required

16. Quality Control Autoclave temperature tape recommended
Parameter monitoring (pressure and temperature)
every load
Efficacy monitoring
lbs/month - monthly
lbs/month - biweekly
>200 lbs/month - weekly
routine parameter monitoring maybe substituted for biological monitoring

17. Autoclave Use Logs Must include: Date waste is treated Type of waste
Treatment conditions (time, temperature & pressure)
Amount of waste treated
Name & initials
Location or room number

18. Autoclave Efficacy Testing

19. Liquid Infectious Waste Disposal
Chemical disinfection is generally used for liquid wastes
EPA registered disinfectant; 1:10 bleach solution, or 70% iso-propanol
Totally immersed for at least 10 minutes
Disinfectant must be thoroughly drained prior to disposal if used on solids, and solids need to be macerated

20. Contingency Plan
Written plan to address clean up procedures, protection of personnel, and disposal of waste for (worst case scenario) :
Spills of liquid waste
Equipment failure
Rupture of packaging
Incorporate into SPCC/Hazardous waste and substances contingency plan or biosafety manual

21. Alan.Lucas@uth.tmc.edu 713-500-8104
Questions?