Section 250-RICR-140-15-1.8 - Storage of Regulated Medical WastesA. Applicability 1. Any person who stores regulated medical waste prior to treatment or disposal on-site or transport off-site shall comply with the storage requirements of this section.2. Training/Notification Requirement: Generators shall notify in writing all employees involved with the storage of regulated medical wastes of the provisions in § 1.8 of this Part. This training/notification shall be accomplished through the use of a medical waste procedure manual and/or through appropriate training materials.B. Exemptions Sharps containers, currently in use, are exempt from the generator storage requirements provided they meet all the requirements in §§ 1.7(A) and (B) of this Part.C. General Storage Requirements 1. The regulated medical waste shall be stored in a manner and location which maintains the integrity of the packaging and provides protection from flooding and from adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, ice, sleet, hail, and wind. All areas used for the storage of regulated medical waste shall be constructed of finished materials that are impermeable to moisture and capable of being easily maintained in a sanitary condition.2. On-site storage areas shall be restricted to authorized personnel. Outdoor storage areas, such as dumpsters, sheds, tractor-trailers, or other storage areas, that contain regulated medical waste shall be securely locked in order to prevent unauthorized access.3. The regulated medical waste shall be stored in a manner that prevents access by, and does not provide a breeding place or a food source for, insects, rodents, or other animals.4. The storage area shall be clearly identified as containing regulated medical waste through the posting of universal biohazard signs or signs containing the following wording: "medical waste" or "regulated medical waste."5. The regulated medical waste shall be maintained in a non-putrescent state. Total storage of regulated medical waste shall not exceed fifty (50) pounds or seven (7) calendar days, whichever condition shall allow storage for the longer period of time. The seven-day storage period shall not include legal holidays and begins on the date the container was filled or was no longer used for collection at the point of generation. Storage of regulated medical waste at a licensed treatment, storage and disposal facility shall be governed by the applicable requirements for those facilities in these regulations and/or the facility's permit conditions.6. Regulated medical waste shall not be compacted, undergo grinding, or be subject to violent mechanical stress on-site unless the regulated medical waste has been treated prior to compaction, grinding, or other mechanical stress; or, unless the compaction, grinding, or mechanical stress and the treatment are part of a single, self-contained process that does not place employees or the public at risk of exposure to untreated regulated medical waste.250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-140-15-1.8
Amended effective 4/22/2020