Regulated Waste Disposal: Protecting Against Bloodborne Pathogens through OSHA-Compliant Practices

Disposing of regulated waste, including blood, body fluids, and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM), is critical to workplace safety and health standards. Employers are responsible for adhering to regulations set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other applicable federal, state, and local laws to ensure safe handling and disposal.

Understanding Regulated Waste

Regulated waste refers to various materials that could potentially harbor infectious pathogens, including liquid or semi-liquid blood, contaminated sharps, and items soiled with blood or OPIM. According to OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030), regulated waste is defined as:

Liquid or semi-liquid blood or OPIM
Items that would release blood or OPIM if compressed
Items caked with dried blood or OPIM that can release these materials during handling
Contaminated sharps
Pathological and microbiological waste containing blood or OPIM

Regulated waste must be managed with utmost care during containment, storage, and transport to prevent exposure to employees and the public.

Disposal of Blood and Body Fluids

OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard stipulates that all regulated waste must be handled in accordance with specific guidelines. The waste must be placed in containers that are:

Closable
Constructed to contain contents and prevent leakage during handling, storage, or transport
Labeled or color-coded to identify the materials
Closed before removal to avoid spillage or exposure to contents

Septic Systems and Garbage Disposal

While it is generally discouraged to dispose of blood or body fluids in septic systems or regular garbage due to the risk of infection, it is ultimately the employer’s responsibility to determine whether the waste meets the criteria for regulated waste. This determination is not based on the volume of blood or body fluids but on whether the waste poses a risk of releasing blood or OPIM during handling or compaction. For instance, even small amounts of blood in a waste container that could potentially leak or spill must be treated as regulated waste.

Handling of Feminine Products

OSHA does not typically consider discarded feminine hygiene products as regulated waste. Employers should utilize liners in restroom waste containers for feminine products to prevent direct physical contact with the contents.

Proper Handling of Contaminated Sharps

Contaminated sharps, such as needles or scalpels, present an additional risk due to their potential to cause puncture injuries. These items must be discarded in containers that are:

Closable
Puncture-resistant
Leakproof on the sides and bottom
Labeled or color-coded for identification

Sharps containers should be easily accessible to personnel and located near the area where sharps are used. They must be maintained in an upright position during use and replaced routinely to prevent overfilling. When moving sharps containers, they must be closed immediately before removal to prevent spillage.

Disposal of Regulated Waste

When it comes to the final disposal of regulated waste, the following guidelines must be followed:

The waste must be placed in closable, leakproof, labeled, or color-coded containers.
Containers should be closed before removal to prevent the risk of spills or exposure.
If the container has external contamination, it should be placed inside a secondary container to contain any leakage during transport.

Federal and State regulations govern the proper disposal of regulated waste, ensuring that the materials do not pose a public health risk during disposal or transport. Familiarize yourself with your State and Local regulations to ensure compliance.

Contaminated Laundry

Contaminated laundry, such as uniforms or linens, must also be handled carefully. Laundry should be bagged or containerized at the location and not sorted or rinsed.
Containers must be labeled or color-coded to indicate the need for Universal Precautions.
If the laundry is wet and could potentially leak, the containers must be designed to prevent soak-through or leakage.

Safely disposing of blood, body fluids, and other regulated waste is essential for protecting employees from exposure to potentially infectious materials. Employers must adhere to OSHA and State/Local regulations to mitigate risks. This includes using properly labeled and constructed containers, managing contaminated sharps and laundry, ensuring that all materials are handled and disposed of appropriately, and educating all staff on appropriate waste disposal. By following these regulations, employers can help maintain a safe and compliant workplace while protecting their employees from the risks posed by bloodborne pathogens.