Enacted by OSHA in 1991, the Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens Standard was designed to protect those who work in healthcare and related occupations. In an effort to accomplish this goal, the standard includes guidelines for the management of sharps, the disposal of regulated waste and training of employees.

Creating an Exposure Control Plan

As part of OSHA’s regulations, facilities must develop an exposure control plan. This is a written plan that outlines the protective measures the employer must follow in order to minimize employee exposure to bloodborne pathogens. This plan must contain the procedure for determining the type of exposure, for evaluating the circumstances surrounding the incident and a schedule for when the provisions of the standard will be implemented.

Identifying Regulated Waste

For the purpose of OSHA regulations, “regulated waste” is defined as any liquid or semi-liquid blood or other potentially infectious material. It also includes items contaminated with these fluids or caked with these dried fluids. Contaminated sharps and pathological or microbiological waste containing these fluids are also considered regulated waste.

Managing Sharps

OSHA has specific guidelines for managing sharps. All sharps containers must be labeled with the universal biohazard symbol. They also need to either contain the word “biohazard” or be color-coded with red. They must also be kept in an upright position and replaced routinely. In addition, sharps containers can never be allowed to overfill and they must be closed immediately prior to their removal in order to prevent spillage.

If leakage is possible, the sharps must be placed in a second container that is closable and constructed to contain all of the contents of the sharps container throughout the handling, storage and transport process. When using reusable containers, they cannot be opened, emptied or manually cleaned. Duct tape may be used to secure the lid of a sharps container so long as the tape does not serve as the actual lid.

In places where sharps containers are needed, they should be placed in an area that is easily accessible to employees. In most cases, this means placing the container in the area where the sharps are used, such as in patient care areas. In some facilities, such as psychiatric units or correctional facilities, this type of placement may not be practical. In this situations, a mobile cart in which the sharps container is locked may be necessary.

Training Employees

In addition to having the proper medical containers in place, OSHA regulations require the proper training of employees. Any employee who is at risk of occupational exposure to regulated waste must receive initial training as well as annual training. The person providing the training must be knowledgeable in the subject matter and must be familiar with the subject matter applies to the workplace where the training is being provided. The trainer must also be able to demonstrate expertise in bloodborne pathogens.

To get started with putting together your plan for addressing bloodborne pathogens in the workplace, visit the medical waste containers page on Securr. We will be sure to have a container to meet your needs!

Also referred to as biohazardous waste or as infectious medical waste, regulated medical waste (RMW) is any type of waste that is potentially contaminated by blood, body fluids or other materials that may cause infection. There are several different categories of waste that may be regulated, with each of these categories requiring special handling. How are these regulations determined and how can medical waste containers help to ensure you are in compliance?

Who Creates the Regulations?

In the past, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) played a central role in determining how medical waste needed to be handled. Today, the EPA no longer plays such a significant role in the process. Instead, these regulations are handled largely by each state with other federal agencies handling some of the responsibility.

Many people are surprised to learn that Federal law does not explicitly define medical waste. Nearly each of the 50 state, however, has enacted medical waste regulations. While some of these regulations are based on the Medical Waste Tracking Act, which was established in the 1980s by the EPA and identified which types of waste were to be regulated, other state laws bear no resemblance to this old law.

While the state’s environmental protection agency may play a key role in the regulating of medical waste, other states place the responsibility primarily on the department of health. In other states, both departments play a key part, with the health department focusing primarily on on-site management and the environmental agency being responsible for the transportation and disposal of the waste.

What are Some Common Procedures for Removal of Medical Waste?

Most state laws require RMW to be rendered non-infectious before it can be fully disposed of. Most also have regulations regarding how the waste is to be packaged, stored and transported. In some states, health care facilities are required to register or to obtain a permit for the waste. Yet others require facilities to develop contingency plans and on-site treatment plans, while others have strict guidelines related to training, recordkeeping, reporting and tracking the waste.

Who Monitors the Regulations?

In addition to the potential involvement of a state health department and environmental agency, the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety & Health Administration plays a role in monitoring facilities to ensure they are in compliance with all health regulations. Some states also have their own OSHA programs that may be involved with this process. In states with comprehensive medical waste regulations, there is sometimes an overlap between the state regulations and the OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard. There typically are not conflicts between these regulations, but there are times where one set of rules may be vague while the other is highly specific. In these cases, healthcare facilities follow the more detailed regulations.

Securr is pleased to offer a number of medical waste containers that meet the regulations established by both state and federal regulatory commissions. Whether in need of a kiosk for sharps or other medical waste, we have both indoor and outdoor varieties available.

While those who work in the medical field are the most likely to encounter medical waste, the reality is that workers in just about any setting may encounter medical waste from time to time. Therefore, it is essential for all employees to know how to properly handle medical waste if such as situation were to arise. While all employers should have standard operating procedures in place for reporting and handling medical waste, here are a few safety tips that should always be followed.

Treat Waste as Hazardous

If you should happen upon a red bag, a red sharps container or anything else that is marked with the biohazard symbol, you should treat it as though it contains hazardous material. The same is true with any sharps, blood or materials that appear to have blood in them. Before covering or handling the material, you should notify a supervisor. If this requires leaving the area to find a supervisor, barricade or otherwise mark the area as much as possible in order to prevent others from stumbling upon the waste.

Wear Personal Protective Equipment

Before handling medical waste, be sure to put on the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE). Wear gloves to protect your hands. While rubber gloves will help to protect you from pathogens, leather gloves may be necessary if you are handling sharps. In this way, you will be protected against possible punctures. Similarly, you may need to wear 6-inch lace-up boots with steel toes and puncture-resistant soles in order to protect your feet and ankles. If there is the potential to be exposed to infectious agents, you should cover your arms and other skin surfaces in order to keep them protected. Safety glasses and a hard hat may also be necessary to protect your head and face from potential splashes. Other types of special equipment, such as face shields, respirators, boot covers, dust masks and impervious clothing. may also be necessary to keep you protected.

Use the Proper Cleaning Methods

Often, cleaning medical waste involves doing more than simply picking up an item and disposing of it. Rather, it may require cleaning the area in order to remove all pathogens. In this case, you should use some sort of equipment to clean the waste rather than cleaning it directly with your hands. Whether you are using equipment or not, you should wear gloves to minimize your chances of getting cut or being exposed to pathogens. While cleaning, never reach into an area where you cannot see and remain constantly aware of sharps or other hazardous materials that may be in the area.

Dispose of PPE Properly

Once you have disposed of the waste, you also need to take steps to dispose of the PPE that you used while removing it. All clothing that came in contact with the waste should be removed as soon as possible, taking care to avoid contact with exposed skin. Remove the gloves last so your hands are not coming in direct contact with the other clothing items that you remove. Once the items have been removed, place them in closable, leak proof bags or containers.