N.J. Admin. Code § 8:41-4.2
Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 21, November 4, 2024
Section 8:41-4.2 - Vehicle sanitation(a) The interior of the vehicle, including all areas utilized for storage, and the equipment and supplies within the vehicle, shall be kept clean and sanitary. A disinfectant shall be routinely applied to all contact surfaces. The floor, walls and equipment shall be free of stains, dirt, debris and odors and insect infestation.(b) All interior surfaces shall be covered with stain resistant material that is impervious to blood, vomitus, grease, oil and common cleaning materials.(c) Blankets and mattresses shall be kept clean and in good repair. All mattresses shall have protective, waterproof and stain resistant covers.(d) Clean linens shall be utilized in the transport of stretcher patients. All linens shall be changed after each patient. Disposable linens may be utilized, so long as they are disposed of after each patient.(e) There shall be adequate, clean, dustproof storage for clean linens.(f) Plastic bags and/or covered containers or compartments shall be provided and shall be utilized for all soiled supplies (including linens and blankets) carried within the vehicle.(g) In order to protect the safety of the general public and emergency response personnel, after a vehicle has been occupied by or used to transport a patient known or suspected to have a communicable disease the vehicle shall, prior to transportation of another patient, be cleaned and all contact surfaces, equipment and blankets shall be disinfected according to the applicable standards set forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) at 29 C.F.R. 1910.120, incorporated herein by reference, and adopted in New Jersey by the Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health Act, N.J.S.A. 36:6A-25 et seq., incorporated herein by reference.(h) Where possible, only single-service implements shall be inserted into the patient's nose or mouth. These single-service items shall be wrapped and properly stored and disposed of after utilization. Non-disposable patient care equipment shall be decontaminated after each patient utilization in a manner consistent with the sending or receiving health care facility's requirements for equipment decontamination. No airway, tube, catheter or other similar device shall be utilized on more than one patient unless first sterilized in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations.(i) Each vehicle shall be equipped with at least one container for the disposal of contaminated sharps, such as a Sharps[R] container, that is rigid, leak-proof, puncture-proof and of a size large enough to accommodate needles and syringes up to 10 inches in length and an inch and a half in diameter. 1. Consistent with 7:26-3A.14, disposal containers shall have a water-resistant label affixed to or printed on the outside of the container, which shall include the words "MEDICAL WASTE" or "INFECTIOUS WASTE," or display the universal biohazard symbol as shown at 29 C.F.R. 1910.145(f)(8)(ii).2. Disposal containers shall be wiped with a suitable disinfectant if blood or other bodily fluids are spilled on the outside of the container.3. Disposal containers shall be disposed of in accordance with all applicable laws, rules and/or regulations.(j) Exterior surfaces of the vehicle shall be routinely cleaned. N.J. Admin. Code § 8:41-4.2