W. Va. Code R. § 64-56-7 - Management of Spills of Infectious Medical Waste

7.1. All infectious medical waste management facilities shall provide a spill kit for management of spills of infectious medical waste.

7.2. Large Quantity Generators of infectious medical waste shall keep a spill containment and cleanup kit within the vicinity of any area where infectious medical waste is managed on a bulk storage basis. The location of the kit shall provide for rapid and efficient cleanup of spills anywhere within the area.

7.2.a. The kit shall contain an amount of absorbent material sufficient to have a rated capacity of one (1) gallon of liquid for every cubic foot of infectious medical waste that is normally managed in the area for which the kit is provided or often (10) gallons, whichever is less.

7.2.b. The kit shall contain one (1) gallon of hospital grade disinfectant is and a sprayer capable of dispersing its charge in a mist or in a stream at a distance. The disinfectant shall be hospital-grade and effective against mycobacteria.

7.2.c. The kit shall contain enough red plastic bags to enclose one hundred and fifty percent (150%) of the maximum quantity stored. The bags shall meet the requirements in 6.2 of this rule and shall be accompanied by sealing tape or devices and labels or tags. These bags shall be large enough to enclose any box or other container normally used for infectious medical waste management by that facility.

7.2.d. The kit shall contain two (2) new sets of overalls, gloves, boots, caps, and devices to protect the eyes and respiratory tract, and tape for sealing wrists and ankles. The overalls, boots and caps shall be oversized or fitted to the infectious medical waste workers or transporters, and shall be made of materials impermeable to liquids. Boots may be of thick rubber and gloves shall be of heavy neoprene or equivalent material. Boots, gloves and breathing devices may be reused if disinfected between uses.

7.2.e. The kit shall contain an adequate first aid kit and an adequate amount of boundary marking tape.

7.3 Small Quantity Generators of infectious medical waste shall keep a spill containment and cleanup kit within the vicinity of any area where infectious medical waste is managed .The location of the kit shall provide for rapid and efficient cleanup of spills anywhere within the area.

7.3.a. The kit shall contain, at a minimum the following:

7.3.a.1. Two (2) red plastic bags that meet the requirements in 6.2 of this rule;

7.3.a.2. One (1) pair of gloves impervious to moisture;

7.3.a.3. One (1) face mask (surgical type or equivalent);

7.3.a.4. One (1) pair of goggles or equivalent eye protection;

7.3.a.5. Absorbent material capable of absorbing one-half (1/2) gallon of liquid;

7.3.a.6. Spray can of disinfectant effective against tuberculosis/mycobacterium; and

7.3.a.7. A disposable dust pan and broom for sweeping up sharps.

7.3.b. The above items shall be stored in a heavy container with a tight fitting lid, appropriately labeled, and which can be used to contain wastes generated after a clean-up.

7.4. All vehicles transporting infectious medical waste shall carry a spill containment kit in the vehicle whenever infectious medical waste is conveyed. The kit shall contain at a minimum the following:

7.4.a. An adequate amount of absorbent material;

7.4.b. One (1) gallon of hospital grade disinfectant in a sprayer capable of dispersing its charge in a mist or in a stream at a distance. The disinfectant shall be hospital-grade and effective against mycobacteria;

7.4.c. Fifty (50) red plastic bags that meet the requirements in 6.2. of this rule. The bags shall be accompanied by seals and appropriate labels, and shall be large enough to over-pack any container normally transported in the vehicle;

7.4.d. Two (2) new sets of overalls, gloves, boots, caps, face mask, goggles or equivalent eye protection and tape for sealing wrists and ankles. The overalls, boots and caps shall be oversized or fitted to the infectious medical waste workers or transporters, and shall be made of materials impermeable to liquids. Boots may be of thick rubber and gloves shall be of heavy neoprene or equivalent material. Boots, gloves and breathing devices may be reused if disinfected between uses; and

7.4.e. A first aid kit, boundary marking tape and other appropriate safety equipment.

7.5. Immediately following a spill of infectious medical waste or its discovery, all individuals present shall leave the area until any aerosol settles.

7.6. The following procedures for cleaning up a spill shall be implemented:

7.6.a. Put on cleanup outfits as described in Section 7.1.4 of this rule and secure the spill area from entry by unauthorized persons;

7.6.b. Spray all broken containers of infectious medical waste with disinfectant;

7.6.c. Place broken containers and spillage into red bags;

7.6.d. Disinfect and take other steps necessary to clean up the area;

7.6.e. Clean and disinfect non-disposable items and clothing;

7.6.f. Remove cleanup outfits and place disposable items in a red bag; and

7.6.g. Take prompt steps to initiate procedures for the replenishment of the containment and cleanup kit.

7.7. When a spill involves a single container of infectious medical waste with a weight of less than fifty (50) lbs. and a volume of spilled liquid of less than one (1) quart, the individual responsible for the cleanup may elect to use dress and procedures other than those required by Section 7.1 .d of this rule. Any proposed alternate procedures for small quantity spills shall be specified in the infectious medical waste management plan and shall provide protection to the health of workers and the public equivalent to that provided by the procedures specified in Section 7.2 of this rule.

Notes

W. Va. Code R. § 64-56-7