Wisconsin Administrative Code
Department of Natural Resources
NR 500-599 - Environmental Protection - Solid Waste Management
Chapter NR 526 - Medical Waste Management
Subchapter II - Infectious Waste Management
Section NR 526.07 - Containment

Universal Citation: WI Admin Code ยง NR 526.07

Current through August 26, 2024

No person may transport infectious waste from the property where the waste was generated unless the person puts the waste in a container which protects waste handlers and other persons from exposure to the infectious waste and the person meets all of the following requirements:

(1) Sharps shall be contained in rigid, puncture-resistant labeled containers made of materials including but not limited to metal or rigid plastic, designed to prevent the loss of the contents and labeled with a visible bio-hazard emblem or with the visible words "bio-hazard", "sharps" or "infectious waste".

(2) Infectious waste other than sharps shall be contained according to all of the following:

(a) The waste shall be placed in a single plastic bag that meets or exceeds 165 grams resistance by the ASTM method D1709-04 and is tear resistant using method ASTM method D1922-03a, or, if necessary, a double bag that meets the same standards, or a rigid reusable container.

Note: These testing methods are entitled "Standard Test Methods for Impact Resistance of Plastic Film by the Free-Falling Dart Method" and "Standard Test Method for Propagation Tear Resistance of Plastic Film and Thin Sheeting by Pendulum Method" respectively. Copies are available for inspection at the central office of the department of natural resources and the offices of the secretary of state and the legislative reference bureau. Copies may be obtained from ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA, 19428-2959 USA, www.astm, phone number 610-832-9585.

(b) The bag or rigid reusable container shall be securely sealed to prevent leakage or expulsion of the contents under normal handling.

(c) Any bag containing infectious waste shall be placed in a rigid container, including but not limited to a corrugated cardboard container, a covered reusable container or a covered cart. The rigid container shall be labeled with a visible bio-hazard emblem and the word "bio-hazard". Bulk containers shall be small enough to be handled by a single person.

(3) No person may open a secured container of infectious waste which is ready for transportation until immediately before treating the waste, unless repacking is necessary to prevent spills or leakage, or the person is conducting a waste audit or training session.

(4) All reusable containers shall be disinfected after being emptied. No person may open, empty or clean a reusable sharps container by hand.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Wisconsin may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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