Biohazard and Regulated Medical Waste Handling SOP

Standard procedure for segregating, labeling, storing, transporting, and disposing of biohazard and regulated medical waste in a clinic or healthcare setting in compliance with OSHA and applicable state and local rules.

Steps

• Verify waste handling authorization and PPE
  The trained waste handler confirms they are authorized to handle regulated medical waste, reviews the current task requirements, and puts on the required PPE before touching any waste.
• Segregate waste at the point of generation
  The trained waste handler separates regulated medical waste from general trash immediately where it is generated and places each waste stream into the correct approved container.
• Place sharps directly into an approved sharps container
  The trained waste handler places sharps directly into the approved puncture-resistant sharps container without recapping, bending, or manually breaking them.
• Close and label waste containers
  The trained waste handler closes each container using the facility-approved method and applies the required biohazard label or marking before the container leaves the work area.
• Move waste using the approved internal transport method
  The trained waste handler moves waste using the approved cart or tote, keeps containers upright and secured, and prevents contact with other materials during transport.
• Store waste in the designated accumulation area
  The trained waste handler places the waste in the designated accumulation area, confirms access controls are in place, and keeps containers protected from damage until pickup.
• Inspect containers before pickup
  The trained waste handler inspects each container before pickup, checks for leaks, damage, overfill, and labeling issues, and confirms the waste is ready for vendor collection.
• Complete pickup documentation and retain records
  The trained waste handler completes the pickup documentation, records the transfer details, and retains the required records according to facility policy.
• Escalate spills, exposure incidents, or non-conformance
  The trained waste handler stops work, reports the issue, and routes the process to incident response whenever a spill, leak, sharps injury, exposure, or labeling failure occurs.
• Notify the supervisor and initiate incident response
  The trained waste handler notifies the supervisor, contains the incident if safe to do so, and begins the facility spill or exposure response procedure.
• Close the waste handling record
  The trained waste handler reviews the completed record, confirms all required fields are accurate, and closes the waste handling record for audit or supervisory review.