§ 284.415. Storage containers.

 (a)  Infectious and chemotherapeutic waste shall be placed in containers that are:

   (1)  Leakproof.

   (2)  Impervious to moisture.

   (3)  Sufficient in strength to prevent puncturing, tearing or bursting during storage.

 (b)  In addition to the requirements of subsection (a), used sharps shall be stored in containers that are:

   (1)  Rigid.

   (2)  Tightly lidded.

   (3)  Puncture resistant.

 (c)  In addition to the requirements of subsection (a), infectious waste fluids—quantities greater than 20 cubic centimeters—and chemotherapeutic waste fluids shall be stored in containers that are:

   (1)  Break resistant.

   (2)  Tightly lidded or tightly stoppered.

 (d)  When bags are used as the only storage container, double or multiple bagging shall be employed and the following requirements shall be met:

   (1)  Upon packaging, the bags shall be securely tied.

   (2)  The bag shall be constructed of material of sufficient single thickness strength to meet the following:

     (i)   The ASTM standard D1709-91, Test Method for Impact Resistance of Polyethylene Film by the Free Falling Dart Method, with an impact resistance of 165 grams or greater (Method A).

     (ii)   The ASTM standard D1922-89, Propagation Tear Resistance of Plastic Film and Thin Sheeting by Pendulum Method, with a tearing resistance, parallel and perpendicular to the length of the bag, of 480 grams.

     (iii)   If the standards in subparagraphs (i) and (ii) are modified by ASTM, the standard that is in effect on the date of manufacture of the bags shall be applied.

   (3)  Bags shall include one of the following certifications indicating that the ASTM standards have been met:

     (i)   Each bag shall contain a printed certification by the manufacturer.

     (ii)   The manufacturer may issue a certification letter to the infectious or chemotherapeutic waste generator and print a certification on each packaged lot of the bags.

   (4)  Bags used as containers shall have sufficient seam strength that is at least equal in resistance to tearing and equally impermeable as the other portions of the bag.

   (5)  Bags used as containers shall be yellow in color for each package of chemotherapeutic waste and fluorescent orange, orange-red or red in color for each package of infectious waste and shall be labeled in accordance with §  284.416(c) (relating to marking of containers).

 (e)  Fluorescent orange, orange-red or red or yellow containers shall contain colorants which are organic pigments with no heavy metal content.

 (f)  With the exception of persons who work at a small quantity generator’s operation, where less than 220 pounds of infectious and chemotherapeutic waste is generated per month, persons packaging infectious or chemotherapeutic waste for offsite transportation shall wear:

   (1)  Protective overalls.

   (2)  Heavy gloves of neoprene or equivalent materials.

   This section cited in 25 Pa. Code §  284.412 (relating to sorting); 25 Pa. Code §  284.512 (relating to transportation of infectious and chemotherapeutic waste; general provisions); 25 Pa. Code §  284.513 (relating to transportation of infectious and chemotherapeutic waste; additional provisions); and 25 Pa. Code §  284.724 (relating to transportation limitations).