Section 410IAC1-5-37. Infectious waste containment

   (a) Contaminated disposable needles or instruments shall be:

(1) stored in:

(A) leak-resistant; and

(B) puncture-resistant;

containers;

(2) tightly sealed to prevent expulsion;

(3) labeled with the biohazard symbol; and

(4) effectively treated in accordance with this rule prior to being stored in an unsecured area and sent for final disposal.

  (b) Infectious wastes that are not contaminated sharps or objects that could potentially become contaminated sharps shall be placed in containers that meet the following requirements:

(1) Impervious to moisture.

(2) Sufficient strength and thickness to prevent expulsion.

(3) Secured to prevent leakage expulsion.

(4) Labeled with the biohazard symbol.

(5) Effectively treated in accordance with this rule prior to being placed in an unsecured area and sent for final disposal.

  (c) If infectious waste is stored prior to final disposal, all persons subject to this rule shall store infectious waste in a secure area that:

(1) is locked or otherwise secured to eliminate access by or exposure to the general public;

(2) affords protection from adverse environmental conditions and vermin; and

(3) has a prominently displayed biohazard symbol.

  (d) Infectious waste shall be stored in a manner that preserves the integrity of the container and is not conducive to rapid microbial growth and putrefaction.

  (e) Disinfect reusable containers for infectious waste each time that they are emptied unless the surfaces of the reusable containers have been protected from contamination by disposable liners, bags, or other devices that are removed with the infectious waste. (Indiana State Department of Health; 410 IAC 1-5-37; filed May 12, 1998, 10:00 a.m.: 21 IR 3820; errata filed Aug 31, 1998, 1:08 p.m.: 22 IR 127; readopted filed Jul 21, 2004, 5:00 p.m.: 27 IR 4140; readopted filed Jul 15, 2010, 12:12 p.m.: 20100728-IR-410100261RFA; readopted filed Nov 10, 2016, 8:45 a.m.: 20161207-IR-410160371RFA)