11. Regulated Waste
See Appendix D for waste definitions and supporting information.
11.1 Facility Policies and Procedures. REGULATED WASTE mixed with or disposed of as general waste can spread pathogens, injure personnel, and pose risks to public health. To prevent these risks, waste must be properly separated, managed, and disposed of. OPERATORS should consult local jurisdictional regulations for waste categories, management protocols, and mixed waste handling procedures. Proper personnel training in waste management protocols, per OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (2012), is essential. Records related to REGULATED WASTE disposal must comply with Section 6 of this Code to ensure traceability in case of incidents or exposure to blood or OPIM. 1. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), requires hazardous and biohazardous waste generators to register and track waste in accordance with 40 CFR § 262.10 and § 262.20 (1980b). This ensures proper management, regulatory compliance, and the prevention of environmental contamination. 2. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates that facilities handling biohazardous materials maintain written protocols for safe handling and emergency PROCEDURES under the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard 1910.1030(c)(i) (2012). The EPA, under RCRA, also requires hazardous waste generators to implement waste management plans under 40 CFR § 262 (1980b) to support waste segregation and containment to prevent environmental contamination. 3. The EPA, under RCRA, mandates that hazardous waste mixed with other materials be treated as hazardous, supporting segregation and containment under 40 CFR § 261.3(a) (2) (1980a). OSHA also supports strict handling practices for biohazardous waste to prevent worker exposure under the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard 1910.1030 (2012). Managing any waste mixed with regulated waste as REGULATED WASTE minimizes the risk of accidental exposure or contamination and ensures that all potentially hazardous waste is treated and disposed of in compliance with regulated waste standards. 4. OSHA enforces standards for DECONTAMINATION of surfaces exposed to biohazardous materials under the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (2012), and CDC provides guidance on DECONTAMINATION procedures to prevent the spread of infection (CDC, 2024). Decontaminating surfaces exposed to spilled or leaked regulated waste prevents the spread of infectious agents, protects FACILITY personnel, and maintains a sanitary environment for CLIENTS.
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