OSHA, EPA, Federal, State and Local regulations dictate that anyone who produces medical waste that could contain bloodborne pathogens and other biohazardous materials take the proper steps to prevent infectious materials from coming in contact with employees, patients, sanitation workers, and transporters. This is particularly critical for blood banks- they handle biohazard and medical waste on a regular basis. Any items that came into contact with blood or any other regulated waste needs to be properly secured, disposed of, transported, and destroyed.
Definitions of Blood Bank Regulated Waste:
OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030, has provisions for the protection of employees during the containment, storage, and transport of regulated waste other than contaminated sharps.
The bloodborne pathogens standard defines regulated waste as:
- Liquid or semi-liquid blood or other potentially infectious material (OPIM).
- Contaminated items that would release blood or OPIM in a liquid or semi-liquid state if compressed
- Items that are caked with dried blood or OPIM and are capable of releasing these materials during handling
- Contaminated sharps
- Pathological and microbiological wastes containing blood or OPIM.
The regulations also state that regulated wastes other than contaminated sharps must be placed in containers that are:
- Closable
- Constructed to contain all contents and prevent leakage of fluids during handling, storage, transport or shipping
- Labeled or color-coded in accordance with paragraphs
- Closed prior to removal to prevent spillage or protrusion of contents during handling, storage, transport, or shipping
BioSecure Solutions can ensure that your blood bank is in compliance with all Federal, State and Local Regulations as well as OSHA and EPA guidelines. Call us today for a free, no obligation all inclusive solution/quote for your facilities’ needs.