Purpose
The purpose of this
plan is to insure the proper
management of infectious, pathological and objectionable waste from its
point
of generation throughout its off site transportation and destruction,
in
compliance with Minnesota Statutes, Sections 16.76 to 116.83 and
145.1621 and
parts 4622.0100 to 4622.1200, governing the management of infectious
and
pathological
wastes and the development of generator management plan.
Hazardous,
radioactive,
mixed, and normal wastes will not be addressed in this plan.
Policy
Proper waste handling and disposal
procedures are necessary to ensure that infectious, pathological,
objectionable and normal wastes generated at the University of
Minnesota Duluth (UMD) and its satellite research facilities are
collected, stored, transported, and disposed of in such a manner to
minimize potential health risk to patients, staff, students, and the
general public, in accordance with the Minnesota Department of Health,
the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), and the Western Lake
Superior Sanitary District (WLSSD).
Wastes Generated by UMD are classified as:
- Infectious waste (laboratory waste, blood, regulated
body fluids,
research animal waste and sharps) or pathological waste as defined by
the Minnesota Infectious Waste Control Act of 1989, sections 116.76 to
166.83.
- Objectionable Waste (WLSSD definition)
- Broken Glass
- Normal Waste (general refuse).
- Hazardous, radioactive and mixed wastes.
All employees and laboratory personnel involved in the use, management,
and disposal if Infectious, objectional and/or pathological wastes
shall be made familiar with, and must strictly adhere to the guidelines
of this plan.
Responsibilities
The responsibility for safe handling, use,
disposal and appropriate management of infectious waste in the
laboratory or service area lies with the generator of that waste.
Scientists, researchers and principal
investigators will undertake projects involving the use of biohazards
and the generation of infectious waste only if all personnel directly
or indirectly involved in the generation, handling and disposal of
known and potentially infectious or bio-hazardous materials have had
the necessary training, and were made familiar with the requirements of
this plan to insure that safe and prudent work practices are followed.
Supervisors are also responsible for
making sure that employees under their supervision, who are involved in
the management, disposal and transportation of infectious waste, have
received adequate instructions and become sufficiently proficient in
prudent practices to allow them to work safely.
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