4-24. INFECTIOUS WASTE DISPOSAL
Infectious wastes are those wastes that are contaminated with disease
organisms and/or which are offensive from the standpoint of sight or odor. Examples of
infectious wastes are bandages, animal carcasses, laboratory tissue specimens,
dressings, surgical wastes, food service wastes from infectious disease wards, used
disposable needles and syringes, and materials contaminated with blood, body fluids, or
excreta.
a. Collection. The proper collection and handling of infectious wastes is
extremely important. Hospital, laboratory, and other medical facility commanders are
responsible for this function. Only trained Army Medical Department personnel should
be detailed to carry it out. Personnel handling infectious wastes must wear protective
clothing (gloves, apron, goggles, and so forth). Only containers specifically designated
and marked for that purpose should be used for the collection of infectious waste. The
normal marking is a yellow band around the container. A plastic bag or liner should be
used to minimize the contamination of the container itself. Infectious waste should be
disposed of more frequently than other types of waste--at least daily.
b. Disposal. The preferred method for disposing of infectious wastes is by
burning in incinerators specifically designed for these wastes. If appropriate
incinerators are not available, infectious waste may be buried with the specific approval
of the appropriate medical officer.
MD0535
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