10-144-256 Me. Code R. § ONE-9

Current through 2024-51, December 18, 2024

Section 144-256-ONE-9 - BUILDING AND SAFETY STANDARDS

9.1Building codes. The laboratory building must comply with applicable state and local plumbing, heating, lighting, ventilation, and electrical codes, and other similar requirements. 22 M.R.S.A. §2023(2).

9.2Specimen collection areas. Specimen collection areas must comply with the following standards:

9.2.1 Collection areas must have adequate workspace to separate clean and contaminated tasks;

9.2.2 Collection areas must have adequate space for patient seating;

9.2.3 Collection areas must have adequate space for washing stations;

9.2.4 Collection areas must be designed to protect patient privacy and confidentiality; and

9.2.5 The urine and feces specimen collection room must be equipped with a lavatory. 22 M.R.S.A. §2023(3).

9.3Safety policies and procedures. Medical laboratories must have written policies and procedures regarding safety that are available to the department, upon request.

9.4Infection control program. Medical laboratories must develop and implement a written infection control program that includes at least the following provisions:

9.4.1Hand washing. Policies and training on proper hand washing techniques and universal precautions;

9.4.2Disposal of laboratory waste. Policies and training for the safe disposal of laboratory waste.

9.4.2.1 Potentially infectious materials and waste must be handled, stored and disposed in accordance with good laboratory practices and the Biomedical Waste Management Rules of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. See 06-096 Code of Maine Rules (C.M.R.) Chapter 900.

9.4.2.2 Chemical waste must be disposed of in accordance with good laboratory practices and applicable rules of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and applicable provisions of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). See 06-096 C.M.R. Chapters 850-857, and 29 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) Subtitle B, Chapter XVII.

9.5Contamination precaution policies. Medical laboratories must develop and implement written contamination precaution policies and practices that include at least the following provisions:

9.5.1 The use of tobacco products, including smoking, is prohibited in the specimen collection, processing and testing areas of the laboratory;

9.5.2 Eating and drinking is prohibited in the specimen collection, processing and testing areas of the laboratory;

9.5.3 Applying cosmetics is prohibited in the specimen collection, processing and testing areas of the laboratory; and

9.5.4 Any other precautions needed to avoid contamination.

9.6Demonstrated knowledge of safety precautions. Precautions must be known and demonstrated by laboratory employees to ensure safety and freedom from unnecessary physical, chemical, biological and electrical hazards.

9.7Chemicals and solvents. Volatile chemicals and flammable solvents must be stored according to manufacturer's instructions in areas where ignition is unlikely and where restricted from open flame or heat. Medical laboratories must comply with applicable state and federal regulations.

9.8Hazardous material. Appropriate enclosures, such as fume hoods and biological safety cabinets, must be utilized when handling and storing hazardous materials.

9.9Posting precautions and laws. Medical laboratories must post precautions and occupational safety and health laws in areas frequented by and visible to employees.

9.10Fire prevention and control program. The laboratory must develop and implement a written fire prevention and control program that includes at least the following provisions:

9.10.1 All entrances and exits to the laboratory must be accessible at all times;

9.10.2 All means of egress shall be maintained free from obstruction;

9.10.3 All freestanding tanks of compressed gases must be firmly secured to the adjacent wall; and

9.10.4 A written plan for fire safety and emergency evacuation shall be adopted and posted in key areas throughout the laboratory.

9.11Report fires to department. The medical laboratory must report to the department, by the next business day, any fire that:

9.11.1 Requires movement or evacuation of patients;

9.11.2 Results in an injury to a patient;

9.11.3 Results in an injury to an employee;

9.11.4 Results in loss of patient specimens;

9.11.5 Results in damage to laboratory equipment.

10-144 C.M.R. ch. 256, § ONE-9