§ 284.413. Storage containers.
(a) Regulated medical or chemotherapeutic waste shall be placed in containers that are:
(1) Leakproof on the sides and bottom and maintained in an upright position.
(2) Impervious to moisture.
(3) Sufficient in strength to prevent puncturing, tearing or bursting during storage.
(b) In addition to the requirements of subsection (a), used sharps shall be placed in containers that are:
(1) Rigid.
(2) Tightly lidded.
(3) Puncture resistant.
(c) In addition to the requirements of subsection (a), regulated medical waste fluids in quantities greater than 20 cubic centimeters and chemotherapeutic waste fluids shall be placed in containers that are:
(1) Break resistant.
(2) Tightly lidded or tightly stoppered.
(d) When bags are used as the only container, double or multiple bagging shall be employed and the following requirements shall be met:
(1) Upon packaging, the bags shall be securely tied.
(2) The bags must be constructed of material of sufficient single thickness strength to meet the following:
(i) The ASTM Standard D1709, Test Method for Impact Resistance of Polyethylene Film by the Free Falling Dart Method, with an impact resistance of 165 grams or greater (Method A).
(ii) The ASTM Standard D1922, Propagation Tear Resistance of Plastic Film and Thin Sheeting by Pendulum Method, with a tearing resistance, parallel and perpendicular to the length of the bag of 480 grams.
(iii) If the standards in subparagraphs (i) and (ii) are modified by ASTM, the standard that is in effect on the date of manufacture of the bags shall be applied.
(3) Bags must include one of the following certifications indicating that the ASTM standards have been met:
(i) Each bag must contain a printed certification by the manufacturer.
(ii) The manufacturer may issue a certification letter to the regulated medical or chemotherapeutic waste generator and print a certification on each packaged lot of the bags.
(4) Bags must have sufficient seam strength that is at least equal in resistance to tearing and equally impermeable as the other portions of the bag.
(5) Bags must be fluorescent orange, orange-red or red in color for regulated medical waste and yellow in color for chemotherapeutic waste and contain colorants that are organic pigments with no heavy metal content.
Source The provisions of this § 284.413 amended November 7, 2014, effective November 8, 2014, 44 Pa.B. 7021. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (273309).
Cross References This section cited in 25 Pa. Code § 284.411 (relating to segregation); 25 Pa. Code § 284.412 (relating to basic storage requirements); 25 Pa. Code § 284.512 (relating to transportation of regulated medical and chemotherapeutic waste; general provisions); 25 Pa. Code § 284.513 (relating to transportation of regulated medical and chemotherapeutic waste; additional provisions); and 25 Pa. Code § 284.724 (relating to transportation limitations).
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