Skip to main content
Loading…
This section is included in your selections.

All treatment methods used for infectious waste shall comply with the following:

A. Steam sterilization/autoclave operating procedures shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

1. Adoption of standard written operating procedures for each steam sterilizer including time, temperature, pressure, type of waste, type of container(s), closure on container(s), pattern of loading, water content, and maximum load quantity.

2. Check of recording and/or indicating thermometers during each complete cycle to ensure the attainment of a temperature and time duration sufficient to achieve sterilization of the entire load. Thermometers shall be checked for calibration at least annually.

3. Use of heat sensitive tape or other device for each container to indicate that the container has been autoclaved.

4. Use of a biological indicator placed at the center of a representative load processed under standard operating conditions, at least monthly for Class I-A and I-B generators and at least weekly for Class I-C generators and Class III treatment facilities, to confirm the attainment of adequate sterilization conditions.

5. Spore tests shall be verified by a third party, certified laboratory at least once per quarter.

6. Maintenance of records of procedures specified in l., 2., 4., and 5. above for a period of not less than one year.

B. Incineration operating standards shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

1. Infectious waste incinerators shall maintain all necessary permits and be in compliance with the standards of the Puget Sound Air Pollution Control Agency.

2. Infectious waste incinerators should be multi-chambered and designed to provide complete combustion for the type of waste introduced into the incinerator.

3. Waste destruction efficiency. All non-metal and glass waste shall be converted by the incineration process into ash that is not recognizable as to its former character. Any partially combusted material shall be removed and re-burned.

4. Unloading operations. Persons required to handle packages of infectious waste shall be provided with clean protective clothing and equipment including overalls, gloves, and eye protection.

C. Alternative treatment methods include, but are not limited to: chemical disinfection, thermal inactivation, gas/vapor sterilization, and irradiation. Any person seeking approval of an alternative treatment method must demonstrate to the Health Officer that the proposed method is capable of rendering infectious waste non-infectious prior to disposal. Also, the proposed method must be in compliance with State and Federal regulations relative to employee safety.

(Ord. 94-99 § 1 (part), 1994; Ord. 89-54S § 1 (part), 1989)