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a DAMERON HOSPITAL ASSOCIA DEPARTMENT: Infection Control Department Page 2 of 3 SUBJECT: Infection Control Policy/Procedure EFFECTIVE DATE: 7/8/95 Disposal of Infectious (Medical) Waste FILING INSTRUCTIONS: Place in Infection Control Binders REVISION DATE (S): 10/7/91-10/7/96-6/18/01LK:mf Of Each Department Where Infectious (Medical) Waste Is Generated or Received APPROVED BY: See Attached Signature Sheet REVIEW DATE (S): E. USED SHARPS Used sharps are handled as per the Sharps Handling and Disposal Policy/Procedure and disposed of as medical waste. F. PATIENT CARE AREAS AND ANY DEPARTMENT WHERE INFECTIOUS WASTE IS GENERATED OR RECEIVED 1. Patients in Precautions/Isolation Disposable items that may be contaminated by infectious material from patients in precautions (i.e., Enteric, Drainage/Secretion, Blood/Body Fluid) are disposed of as medical waste. All disposable items from patients in isolation (i.e., Strict, Contact, Respiratory, A.F.B.) are disposed of as medical waste. 2. Dialysis and Plasmaphoresis Waste Dialysis and plasmaphoresis lines and membranes are disposed of as medical waste. 3. If feasible, blood or other body fluids shall be disposed of into the sewer system in a manner such as to prevent splashing or exposure to the employee. 4. Any disposable materials, containers or equipment that contain recognizable blood or blood products that is fluid shall be disposed of as medical waste. 5. Biologicals will be disposed of as medical waste. NOTE: See also policies for specific departments. Medical (infectious) waste is placed in red biohazard bags conspicuously labeled with the words "Biohazardous Waste" or with the international biohazard symbol and the word "BIOHAZARD," double bagged into an autoclavable bag (with biohazard labeling), picked up in a special marked container and transported outside where it is sterilized, rendering it non-infectious. Exception: rigid sharps containers may be placed directly into the autoclavable bag. If the compactor/sterilizer is full, in -cycle or inoperable, the medical waste will be stored in the outside infectious waste holding room identified on the entry door for infectious waste. In the event that the compactor/sterilizer is expected to be inoperable for four days or more, a contracted service(s) will be contacted to pick up, haul and treat the infectious waste in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. NOTE: Designated containers which are lined with biohazard bags are rigid and are labeled on the lid and all sides with the words "Biohazardous Waste" or the international biohazard symbol and the word "BIOHAZARD." These containers are located in precautions/isolation rooms and where their use is anticipated (e.g., CVICU, Emergency Department, Labor and Delivery, Post Partum rooms, soiled utility rooms, procedure rooms). See also the "Plan for the Medical Waste Management Program" and the Environmental Services Policy/Procedure "Removal, Handling and Disposal of Isolation Linen and Trash."