11.2 Storage and Containment 1. Bags.
1. CDC and OSHA recommend that biohazardous materials be sealed at their source to prevent exposure and ensure safe handling in the FACILITY under the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (2012). Packaging and sealing regulated waste immediately at the point of origin reduces the risk of contamination or exposure to infectious materials. By storing waste on-site, BODY ART FACILITIES reduce the risk of pathogen spread, which helps to protect personnel, CLIENTS, and visitors from potential exposure. Sealing waste in durable biohazard bags also helps prevent leaks or spills that could endanger sanitation workers or the public. 1. The Department of Transportation (DOT) and OSHA mandate safe containment of biohazardous materials in workplaces and ensure compliance with waste containment standards. The DOT, under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR), requires that biohazard bags must meet specific impact and tear resistance standards to withstand the weight and handling of regulated waste without rupturing, in accordance with 49 CFR § 173.197 (1990). The ASTM D-1709-91 and ASTM D-1922-89 tests measure the bags’ durability under stress, ensuring they can contain waste securely during storage, handling, and transportation (ASTM 2023; ASTM 2024). Compliance with these standards reduces the risk of accidental spillage and exposure to pathogens, enhancing the safety of both FACILITY personnel and the public. ASTM D-1709-91, Impact Resistance, and ASTM D-1922-89, Tearing Resistance, are recognized by industry and health organizations as benchmarks for biohazard bag durability (ASTM 2023; ASTM 2024). These standards ensure that the bags used in regulated waste disposal are durable and suited for safe containment. 2. Limiting incidental concentrations of heavy metals including lead, mercury, cadmium, and hexavalent chromium, in the dyes used for biohazard bags helps reduce environmental toxicity risks. When biohazard bags are disposed of, these metals can leach into soil and water, causing environmental contamination and posing health risks to humans and wildlife. By limiting these concentrations to below 100 ppm, FACILITIES minimize the potential for toxic exposure, aligning with environmental safety practices (TPCH 2021). 3. Requiring a manufacturer’s certification that biohazard bags meet specified durability standards (ASTM D-1709 and ASTM D-1922) ensures that establishments use appropriately tested and certified bags. Keeping this documentation on file allows regulatory agencies to verify compliance with waste containment requirements, promoting accountability and safe handling practices within BODY ART FACILITIES.
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