8.36.010 Definitions of terms.
A. “Biomedical waste” means any waste which is generated or has been used in the diagnosis, treatment or immunization of human beings or animals, in research pertaining thereto, in the production or testing of biologicals, or which may contain infectious agents and may pose a substantial threat to health. Biomedical waste includes biohazardous waste and medical solid waste. Biomedical waste does not include hazardous waste (as defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 25117 and California Code of Regulations Title 22, Articles 9 or 11) or radioactive waste (as defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 25805(e)).
B. “Biohazardous waste” means any of the following:
1. Laboratory waste, including, but not limited to, specimen cultures from medical and pathological laboratories, cultures and stocks of infectious agents from research and industrial laboratories, wastes from the production of biological agents, discarded live and attenuated vaccines, and culture dishes and devices used to transfer, inoculate and mix cultures or material which may contain infectious agents and may pose a substantial threat to health.
2. Recognizable fluid blood element and regulated body fluids, and containers and articles contaminated with blood elements or regulated body fluids that readily separate from the solid portion of the waste under ambient temperature and pressure. Regulated body fluids are cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluids, pleural fluid, peritoneal fluid, pericardial fluid, and amniotic fluid.
3. Sharps, which are objects or devices having acute rigid corners, edges, or protuberances capable of cutting or piercing, including, but not limited to, hypodermic needles, blades, and slides.
4. Contaminated animal carcasses, body parts, excrement and bedding of animals, including materials resulting from research, production of biologicals, or testing of pharmaceuticals, which are suspected of being infected with a disease communicable to humans.
5. Any specimens sent to a laboratory for microbiologic analysis.
6. Surgical specimens including human or animal parts or tissues removed surgically or by autopsy.
7. Such other waste materials that result from the administration of medical care to a patient by health care providers and are found by the administering agency or the local health officer to pose a threat to human health or the environment. If there is a difference in opinion between the administering agency and the local health officer, the local health officer’s view will prevail.
C. “Medical solid waste” shall include, but not be limited to, waste such as empty specimen containers, bandages, dressings containing nonliquid blood, surgical gloves, decontaminated biohazardous waste, and other materials which are not biohazardous.
D. “Sharps containers” are leakproof, rigid, puncture-resistant containers which when sealed cannot be reopened without great difficulty. These containers must be labeled with either “biohazard” or “infectious waste” on the outside of the container. These containers must also be labelled so that the producer’s name, address and phone number are legible and easily visible on the outside of the container.
E. “Red bag” means a disposable plastic bag which is impervious to moisture and has a strength sufficient to preclude ripping, tearing or bursting under normal conditions of usage and handling of the waste-filled bag. Each bag shall be constructed of material of sufficient single-thickness strength to pass the 165-gram dropped dart impact resistance test as prescribed by Standard D 1709-75 of the American Society for Testing and Materials and certified by the bag manufacturer. The bags shall be securely tied so as to prevent leakage or expulsion of solid or liquid wastes during storage, handling or transport. The bag shall be red in color and conspicuously labelled with the international biohazard symbol and the word “Biohazard.” The bag shall be labeled so that the producer’s name, address and phone number are legible and easily visible on the outside of the bag.
F. “Permitted biohazardous waste hauler” is a hauler who has received a permit from the appropriate agency to haul biohazardous waste.
G. “Solid waste hauler” is a hauler licensed by the appropriate agency to haul solid waste.
H. “Biomedical waste management plan” is a document which shall be completed by generators of biomedical waste on forms prepared by the environmental health division of the department of health services and shall contain the following information:
1. Name, address, telephone number, establishment, number of the generator, the responsible person, and an emergency telephone number which will provide 24-hour access to the responsible person.
2. Descriptions of the type and quantity of biomedical wastes generated and the containers used to store and dispose of the wastes.
3. Methods used to store, treat and dispose of biohazardous wastes.
4. Methods used to store and dispose of medical solid wastes.
5. A statement assuring that all personnel handling biomedical wastes have received training in aspects of handling the wastes, in accordance with this chapter and the biomedical waste management plan.
The responsible person shall certify by his or her signature that the biomedical waste management plan is true, and that the generator will comply with the provisions thereof.
I. “Putrescible biohazardous waste” means biohazardous waste subject to decomposition by microorganisms which produces a foul odor. Putrescible biohazardous waste includes, but is not limited to, blood and urine specimens and cultures.
J. Guideline for enforcement as follows:
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Biomedical Waste Management: General Requirements for Small Generators (<220 lbs.)* |
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Biohazardous |
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Nonsharps |
Sharps |
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Storage |
Nonputrescible: 6 months Putrescible: 7 days |
6 months |
Contained and secured to prevent unauthorized access |
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Containment |
Double red bags and reusable containers with lids; or Red bag inside clear autoclave bag (on-site treatment only) |
Leakproof, rigid, puncture-resistant container; when closed, prevents re-entry |
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Labeling |
Name, address, and phone number of producer must appear legibly on container before waste is placed inside |
No requirements |
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Treatment |
Sterilization or incineration (state-approved methods only) |
No requirements |
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Disposal |
Biohazardous waste becomes medical solid waste once sterilized. Must be contained and secured before disposal to municipal landfill |
Municipal landfill |
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Transport |
Sterilized: Solid waste requirements Unsterilized: Must be contained and secured before disposal to municipal landfill |
Licensed solid waste hauler (general trash hauler) |
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Records |
On-site treatment: Autoclave maintenance and quality control records Off-site treatment: Hauler agreement and receipts |
No requirements |
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*These requirements do not include all compliance requirements for state-licensed health care facilities.
(Ord. 2313 § 1, 1989).