b. Collection of Refuse Within MTF. Waste is to be collected at regular
intervals at MTFs.
c. Transportation of Waste Within the MTF. Refuse waste will be transported
within the MTF via easily cleaned impervious containers, unless a gravity chute or
pneumatic tube system is present. If they are present, the sealed bags of waste will be
placed in a large plastic bag, sealed, and transported to the system openings.
d. Outside Pickup Stations. Refuse is to be taken out of the facility to
specified collection points for incineration or disposal at the designated and approved
sanitary landfill. The waste is to be stored in leakproof containers such as compactors
and dumpsters. These containers must be cleaned and sanitized as needed.
1-22. REGULATED MEDICAL WASTE
a. Responsibilities. Hospital, clinics, and other medical facility commanders
are responsible for the proper segregation, safe handling, collection, treatment, and
transportation of all locally generated waste IAW AR 40-5. Movement and disposal of
regulated medical waste containers is also the responsibility of the MTF General refuse
collection and disposal and operation of incinerators and/or sanitary landfills are
engineering and housing responsibilities. Contingency plans must be developed and
implemented to ensure safe storage, transportation, and disposal of these wastes will
be carried out if the primary method is temporarily disabled or unavailable. One of the
responsibilities of preventive medicine personnel is to monitor the entire process of this
waste disposal.
b. Handling of Regulated Medical Waste Inside MTF. Regulated medical
waste requires more caution and know-how by the trained handlers. The operation is
usually monitored by a regulated medical waste disposal officer who makes sure that
proper measures are taken. Specific handling procedures should be outlined in the
infection control SOP and should include at a minimum that:
(1) Handlers must have up-to-date immunization records. When on the job,
they need to wear protective clothing such as gloves, aprons, and goggles.
(2) The generating MTF will store the regulated medical waste in the area of
generation until it is collected for disposal.
(3) Containers (with lids as needed) are to be lined with impervious, tear-
resistent, and distinctively color-coded (see AR 385-30, Safety Color Code Markings
and Signs). For example, red or orange indicates biological or regulated medical waste
material that is to be autoclaved; purple specifies radiation or ionized material. Color
coding of plastic bags warns employees of what they are handling and prevents the
use of such cans for other purposes. Color coding iapplicable for installation and field.
Contaminated laundry shall be handled as little as possible with a minimum of agitation
and bagged or containerized at the location where it was used and shall not be sorted
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