Ala. Admin. Code r. 335-17-3-.01

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024

Section 335-17-3-.01 - Collections Of Untreated Waste

Collection of untreated medical waste intended for transport off-site, except where interment will be utilized, shall be packaged and maintained in the following manner:

(1) The outermost layer of packaging for medical waste shall be packaged in containers which have either a red background color or utilize red lettering with contrasting background color and conspicuously labeled with either the words "Infectious" or "Medical Waste" or "Biohazardous" and/or contain the International Biological Hazard Symbol.

(a) The wording shall be either printed on the container or securely attached by label on two or more sides. The wording shall utilize letters two inches or larger in size, and the International Biological Hazard Symbol, must be six inches or larger in diameter. The wording and symbol, if utilized, must be in a contrasting color to the background color.

(b) The ink utilized must be indelible and considered permanent when exposed to the environment under normal weather conditions.

(2) Containers shall be impermeable to moisture and shall have a strength which prevents ripping, tearing, or bursting under normal conditions of use.

(3) Sharps shall be placed directly into leak proof, rigid, puncture-resistant containers and sealed to prevent loss of contents under normal handling procedures. These containers shall be clearly labeled as described in (1) above unless placed in rigid shipping containers that meet this requirement.

(4) Small containers used to collect untreated medical waste placed inside larger containers to better facilitate storage, transportation, or disposal. Small containers that will be placed into larger shipping containers shall meet the following requirements:

(a) Containers used for sharps shall meet the requirements in paragraph 335-17-3-.01(3).

(b) All other containers shall utilize either a red background color or red lettering or Symbol which contrast with adjacent colors.

(c) Wording utilized in paragraph 335-17-3-.01(1) shall be utilized. The wording shall be either printed on the container or securely attached by label on two or more sides. The wording shall utilize letters one inch or larger in size, and the International Biological Hazard Symbol must be three inches or larger in diameter.

(5) The outermost layer of packaging must be properly identified with the following information. This information shall be securely attached or permanently printed and shall be clearly legible. Indelible ink shall be used to print the information on the label or container.

(a) The name and address;

(b) The date the waste was packaged in its outermost container;

(c) One of the following words or phrases used in conjunction with the International Biological Hazard Symbol: "Medical Waste" or "Biohazardous" or "Infectious."

(6) Containers of medical waste must remain intact without signs of leakage until treatment.

(7) Containers of medical waste shall be handled in a manner that does not affect the integrity of the packaging.

(8) Disposable single use containers used for the storage and transportation of untreated medical waste shall be rigid, leak resistant, puncture resistant, burst resistant, and tear resistant under normal conditions of handling and use. Reusable containers shall meet the preceding requirements in addition to being constructed of smooth, easily cleanable, impermeable materials and resistant to corrosion. If a fiberboard container is used, it shall meet the standards of 4 9 CFR 178.210 of the Code of Federal Regulations for a classified strength of at least 200 pound test and be marked DOT-12A65. All containers must be sealed prior to shipment. The maximum gross weight of fiberboard containers shall be 65 pounds.

(9) Containers utilized for collection, storage and transportation shall be constructed of materials that are compatible with the treatment method to be utilized.

(a) Single-use containers destined for incinerators shall be burnable.

(b) Containers destined for steam sterilizers shall allow the waste to be treated at required temperature and pressure.

(c) Reusable containers shall be decontaminated after each use with an approved treatment method.

(d) Reusable containers shall not be used for other purposes unless the following conditions are met:

1. Containers shall be decontaminated by a method approved by the Department;

2. All labeling, symbols or other identifications normally used to identify medical waste shall be removed.

(10) Medical waste, such as liquids which are amenable to disposal by sanitary sewer, may be discharged subject to the following conditions:

(a) Sanitary sewer system must provide secondary treatment;

(b) Solid and liquid waste removed from systems which do not provide secondary treatment (e.g., holding tanks) must be further processed in a sanitary sewer system that provides secondary treatment. Prior approval for sewer systems not regulated by the Water Division of the Department must be obtained from the Local Health Officer.

(c) Sanitary sewer system shall be operated in such a manner that medical waste will not bypass the treatment facility during normal operating conditions.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 335-17-3-.01

New Rule: Filed December 12, 2011; effective January 16, 2012.

Author: James L. Bryant

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 22-27-9, 22-27-12.