Code of Maine Rules
06 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
096 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION - GENERAL
Chapter 900 - BIOMEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT RULES
Section 096-900-14 - Standards for Transporters

(1) The packaging, labeling, handling, and storage requirements specified in Sections 12(A), 12(B), 12(C), and 12(D) of this rule, apply to the transportation of biomedical waste.

(2) Except as stated in Section 4 of this rule, biomedical waste shall only be transported from the point of generation by transporters who are licensed by the Department.

(3) No person may transport or receive for transport any biomedical waste that is not packaged and labeled in accordance with these rules.

(4) Conveyances that transport biomedical waste must include a cargo-carrying portion that must be closed and secured except when loading or unloading waste to prevent unauthorized access and exposure to wind and/or precipitation; must be designed and constructed so as to contain any spillage; must be cleaned and disinfected following leakage or spills; and must be cleaned and disinfected prior to using the conveyance for any other purpose.

(5) The identity of the biomedical waste hauler and the international biohazard symbol must appear on three sides and the door of the cab of conveyances used to transport biomedical waste. The lettering of such identification must be clearly legible during daylight from a distance of 50 feet.

(6) The transporter license certificate, or certified copy thereof obtained from the Department, must be available for inspection upon demand by any public safety officer or any authorized representative of the Department.

(7) Vehicles used to transport biomedical wastes must carry an appropriate spill containment and clean up kit.

(8) Biomedical waste must not be compacted or subjected to violent mechanical stress during transport.

(9) Biomedical waste may not be transported in the same vehicle with other waste unless the biomedical waste is separately contained in rigid reusable containers or kept separate by barriers from other waste, or unless all of the waste is to be treated and disposed of as biomedical waste in accordance with this rule.

(1) A transporter may not accept biomedical waste from a generator unless it is accompanied by a manifest with the generator portion completed, signed and dated by the generator.

(2) A transporter shall in the presence of the generator or, for subsequent transporters, the prior transporter, complete the appropriate transporter portion of the manifest, including handwritten acceptance signature and date of acceptance, and immediately give a signed copy of the manifest to the generator or prior transporter, noting any discrepancies in manifest information.

(3) Copy 4 of the 4-part biomedical waste manifest is to be retained by the generator; Copy 3, by the transporter; Copy 2, by the transfer or treatment facility; and Copy 1 is to be returned to the generator.

(4) Retention of Records. Manifests must be retained by the licensed biomedical waste transporter for a period of not less than three (3) years. The period of retention of records is extended automatically during the course of any unresolved enforcement action regarding the regulated activity or as requested by the Department. These records must be made available for inspection by the Department, upon request.