Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 511-2-6-.03 - Decontamination of Site of Death

(1) The site of a death by a dangerous virus shall be thoroughly decontaminated in accordance with the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control. Until decontamination is complete, no persons shall be allowed at the site of death except persons trained in the safe handling of infected articles and human remains, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.

(2) The body shall be removed from the site of death as provided in DPH Rule 511-2-6-.01 before decontamination of the site of death.

(3) Sharps waste shall be placed in a sturdy authorized sharps container. The sharps container and all clothes, towels, bed linens, paper, fabric, or non-durable porous materials that may have come in contact with the deceased during the period of illness shall be placed into plastic bags of 150 microns thickness or more, and the outside of the bags shall be disinfected immediately. Each bag shall then be placed into a second bag of 150 microns thickness or more, and the outside of that bag disinfected immediately.

(4) All such bags and their contents shall be either disinfected by autoclave or incinerated on the grounds of the hospital or healthcare facility, or incinerated offsite at the nearest disposal facility. If the bag is to be incinerated offsite, then it shall be secured inside a rigid container for transport as a Category A Infectious Substance in accordance with the Hazardous Materials Regulations of the U. S. Department of Transportation (49 C.F.R. Parts 171- 180.)

(5) All surfaces that may have come in contact with the deceased, or with the bodily fluids of the deceased, shall be disinfected immediately after removal of the body.

Notes

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 511-2-6-.03

O.C.G.A. §§ 31-2A-4(2), 31-2A-6.

Original Rule entitled "Decontamination of Site of Death" adopted. F. Feb. 16, 2016; eff. Mar. 7, 2016.