17.50.1507    PACKAGING, CONTAINMENT, AND STORAGE REQUIREMENTS

(1) Infectious waste must be packaged, contained, and stored according to the provisions of 75-10-1005, MCA.

(2) A transporter or a person who stores infectious waste who is not a generator of infectious waste under 75-10-1006, MCA, shall ensure that infectious waste, other than sharps and liquid or semi-liquid infectious waste, is kept in containers as follows:

(a) in double-walled corrugated fiberboard boxes or equivalent rigid containers such as pails, cartons, or portable bins securely sealed or with tight-fitting covers sufficient to prevent spills, leaks, emission of infectious agents, and degradation; and

(b) reusable containers must be constructed of heavy wall plastic or noncorrosive metal. Reusable containers must be decontaminated after each use.

(3) A transporter or person who stores infectious waste regulated under this subchapter shall ensure that it is stored:

(a) in containers that are packaged and labeled as provided in this subchapter;

(b) separately from noninfectious waste in accordance with this rule and otherwise in accordance with the requirements of 75-10-1005(1) through (3), MCA;

(c) under conditions that prevent rapid microbial growth or putrefaction, and:

(i) at a temperature of less than 45º Fahrenheit (F);

(ii) for no more than seven days at a temperature between 32º F and 45º F;

(iii) for no more than 30 days at a temperature of less than 32º F; and

(iv) with the temperature of the storage area logged daily in order to meet the requirements of this subsection. The transporter or person shall make the daily temperature logs and be made available to the department upon request.

(4) For (3)(c), time in transport is considered as time in storage.

(5) Infectious waste storage areas must:

(a) protect infectious waste containers from damage or degradation by moisture or from the elements;

(b) be ventilated to outside air;

(c) be accessible only to authorized persons;

(d) be marked with prominent warning signs identified by the biohazard symbol; and

(e) be designed to contain spills and have a spill kit that meets the requirements of ARM 17.50.1508 on site.

(6) Treated infectious waste must be bagged and labeled in accordance with 75-10-1005(5)(a), MCA.

(7) Compactors, grinders, or similar devices may not be used to reduce the volume of infectious waste during storage.

History: 75-10-208, MCA; IMP, 75-10-1004, 75-10-1005, MCA; NEW, 2013 MAR p. 1825, Eff. 10/18/13