WASTE, reducing the risk of injury or contamination among FACILITY personnel and CLIENTS. Locating these areas away from pedestrian traffic and ensuring they are vermin- and insect-free further prevents the spread of infectious agents. The use of smooth, easily cleanable, and liquid-impervious materials for storage area construction ensures that any spills or leaks can be managed without the risk of seepage or permanent contamination, maintaining a safe environment. 3. The EPA and OSHA provide guidance on securing hazardous waste storage areas to prevent unauthorized access. The EPA’s standards for hazardous waste storage facilities under 40 CFR § 264 (1980c) require that outdoor storage be secure and inaccessible to the public. OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (2012) also supports restricted access to BIOHAZARDOUS WASTE storage. Outdoor storage areas require added security measures, as they are more vulnerable to unauthorized access, vandalism, and exposure to environmental elements. By securing these areas, the FACILITY prevents tampering, accidental exposure, and the risk of Biohazardous Waste being accessed by the public or animals. (see sections 6.1 and 6.4.2.3.8 for exposure control plan).
4. Containment
1. The EPA, under RCRA, mandates containment standards for hazardous and BIOHAZARDOUS waste to prevent environmental contamination under 40 CFR § 261 (1980a). OSHA also requires safe handling and containment of BIOHAZARDOUS WASTE to protect workers from exposure to infectious materials, as outlined in the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (2012). Keeping packages of regulated waste sealed until a licensed transporter collects them prevents the release of potentially infectious materials into the environment. Sealed packaging is crucial for maintaining the containment of BIOHAZARDOUS WASTE and reducing the risk of exposure to pathogens for FACILITY staff, waste handlers, and the public. 2. The DOT, under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR), enforces labeling requirements for hazardous and biohazardous waste during transport, including the use of the biohazard symbol, under 49 CFR § 172 (1976). The EPA, under RCRA, also requires clear labeling of hazardous waste containers to support proper handling under 40 CFR § 261 (1980a), and OSHA mandates biohazard labeling to protect workers under the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (2012). Labeling all packages of regulated waste with the international biohazard symbol and a clear designation, such as “biohazard,” ensures immediate recognition of the waste's hazardous nature. This requirement supports the safety of all individuals who may come into contact with the waste during storage, transport, or disposal by alerting them to the need for special handling procedures. Visible labeling also helps prevent accidental mishandling or disposal, which could result in exposure to harmful pathogens or environmental contamination.
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