Page 613 - Materials Chemistry, Second Edition

CAT3525_C20.qxd 1/27/2005 12:54 PM Page 584
584 Waste Management Practices: Municipal, Hazardous, and Industrial

FIGURE 20.1 Puncture-resistant packaging for used sharps.

ETIOLOGICAL AGENTS

BIOMEDICAL
MATERIAL

IN CASE OF DAMAGE
OR LEAKAGE
NOTIFY DIRECTOR CDC
ATLANTA, GEORGIA
404/633-5313 FIGURE 20.2 Biohazard symbol for
the labeling of infectious wastes.

symbol for easy identification (Figure 20.2). The waste may be single- or double-bagged (U.S. EPA,
1990).
All nonrigid packaging and inner liners must be managed as regulated medical waste and can-
not be reused. Any storage containers that are designated for reuse must be decontaminated after
they are emptied. If contamination cannot be removed from the container, the container is to be
managed as medical waste.
Medical waste must be stored in a location that maintains the integrity of the packaging and pro-
vides protection from water and the elements. The location should also be protected from entry by
animals. The waste is to be maintained in a nonputrescible state (i.e., will not rot or putrify), using
refrigeration if necessary. Areas that store dumpsters, sheds, and tractor-trailers are to be locked in
order to prevent unauthorized entry. On-site storage areas are limited to access by facility employ-
ees only.

20.4.2 LABELING AND MARKING MEDICAL WASTE
Packages containing untreated medical wastes must have a water-resistant label attached to the out-
side of the containers. The label must include the words ‘Medical waste’or ‘Infectious waste,’or dis-
play the universal biohazard symbol (40 CFR Part 259). Red plastic bags used as inner packaging