Ariz. Admin. Code § 18-13-1407

Current through Register Vol. 30, No. 50, December 13, 2024

Section R18-13-1407 - Non-Sharps Packaging

A. A generator who sets biohazardous medical waste that does not include sharps out for collection for off-site treatment or disposal shall package the biohazardous medical waste in either of the following:

1. A red disposable plastic bag that is:

a. Leak resistant,

b. Impervious to moisture,

c. Of sufficient strength to prevent tearing or bursting under normal conditions of use and handling,

d. Sealed to prevent leakage during transport, and

e. Placed in a secondary container. This container shall be constructed of materials that will prevent breakage of the bag in storage and handling during collection and transportation and bear the universal biohazard symbol. The secondary container may be either disposable or reusable.

2. A reusable container that bears the universal biohazard symbol and that is:

a. Leak-proof on all sides and bottom, closed with a fitted lid, and constructed of smooth, easily cleanable materials that are impervious to liquids and resistant to corrosion by disinfection agents and hot water, and

b. Used for the storage or transport of biohazardous medical waste and cleaned after each use unless the inner surfaces of the container have been protected by disposable liners, bags, or other devices removed with the waste. "Cleaning" means agitation to remove visible particles combined with one of the following:

i. Exposure to hot water at a temperature of at least 180 degrees Fahrenheit for a minimum of 15 seconds.

ii. Exposure to an EPA-approved chemical disinfectant used under established protocols and regulations.

iii. Any other method that the Department determines is acceptable, if the determination of acceptability is made in advance of the cleaning.

B. A generator shall handle any container used for the storage or transport of biohazardous medical waste that is not capable of being cleaned as described in subsection (A)(2)(b), or that is disposable packaging, as biohazardous medical waste.

C. A generator shall not use reusable containers described in subsection (A)(2) for any purpose other than the storage of biohazardous medical waste.

D. A generator shall not reuse disposable packaging and liners and shall manage such items as biohazardous medical waste.

Ariz. Admin. Code § R18-13-1407

New Section adopted by final rulemaking at 5 A.A.R. 3776, effective September 17, 1999 (Supp. 99-3). Amended by final rulemaking at 27 A.A.R. 2801, effective 1/4/2022.