BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS

Housekeeping

Regulated waste, another component of housekeeping, is defined in the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard as:

Liquid or semi-liquid blood or OPIM

Contaminated items that would release blood or OPIM in a liquid or semi-liquid state if compressed

Items that are caked with dried blood or OPIM and are capable of releasing these materials during handling

Contaminated sharps

Pathological and microbiological waste containing blood or OPIM.

Regulated waste must be placed in closeable, leak-proof containers built to contain all contents during handling, storing, transporting, or shipping. These containers must be labeled appropriately.