Kan. Admin. Regs. § 28-29-27

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 50, December 12, 2024

Section 28-29-27 - Medical services waste

(a) "Medical services waste" means those solid waste materials that are potentially capable of causing disease or injury and are generated in connection with human or animal care through inpatient and outpatient services. Medical services waste shall not include any solid waste that has been classified by the secretary as a hazardous waste under K.S.A. 1996 Supp. 65-3431 and any amendments thereto, or that is radioactive treatment material licensed under K.S.A. 48-1607 and regulations adopted under that statute.

(b) Segregation. All medical services waste shall be segregated from other solid wastes at the point of origin.

(c) Storage. All medical services waste shall be stored in a manner and in a container that will prevent the transmission of disease or the causing of injury. Hypodermic needles and syringes, scalpel blades, suture needles, or other sharp objects shall be stored only in a rigid, puncture-resistant container that has been closed to prevent the escape of any material, including liquids or aerosols. All reusable containers used to store infectious waste shall be cleaned and disinfected before each use.

(d) Collection. Medical services wastes shall be collected at least daily from the point of origin for transport to a storage or disposal area or a processing facility. Personnel shall take precautions to prevent accidental contact with the waste during transfer.

(e) Transportation. All medical services wastes transported off-site shall be transported in a manner that will prevent the spread of disease or the causing of injury to persons.

(1) The waste transporter or disposal firm shall be notified of the types of waste.

(2) Containers of medical services waste transported off-site shall be labeled or color coded in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1030(g)(1)(i), as in effect on July 1, 1996.

(f) Processing. In all processing of medical services waste, dispersal of aerosols and liquids shall be prevented through the use of proper coverings, seals, and ventilation. Personnel shall be protected against contact with the waste through the use of protective clothing and equipment. Medical services waste that has been processed may be combined with other solid waste. Where feasible, all medical services wastes shall be processed before transportation off-site by using either of the following methods:

(1) Sterilizing infectious wastes by autoclaving or chemical treatment, to destroy the disease-transmission potential; or

(2) grinding, melting, or pulverizing sharp objects to destroy the injury-producing potential.

(g) Disposal. Medical services waste shall be disposed of in a manner that minimizes the risk to health, safety, or the environment. The following shall be considered acceptable disposal methods:

(1) Discharge of liquids to a sanitary sewer connected to a secondary sewage treatment plant;

(2) incineration of combustible solids, followed by disposal of the ash in a sanitary landfill;

(3) disposal in a hazardous waste disposal facility that has a permit issued under K.A.R. 28-31-9; or

(4) disposal in a sanitary landfill in accordance with the provisions of K.A.R. 28-29-109.

Kan. Admin. Regs. § 28-29-27

Authorized by and implementing K.S.A. 1996 Supp. 65-3406, as amended by L. 1997, Ch. 139, Sec. 1; effective May 1, 1982; amended, T-84-41, Dec. 21, 1983; effective May 1, 1984; amended July 10, 1998.