Utah Biohazard Waste Regulations

Highlighted Requirements

The Utah rule sets minimum standards for the storage, transportation, and disposal of infectious waste from health facilities that generate more than 200 pounds of infectious waste per month and are defined as large quantity generators (LQG).

For LQG’s, if infectious waste is to be stored longer than seven days, it must be stored at or below 40 Fahrenheit

Small health facilities that generate 200 pounds or less of infectious waste per month are not regulated by the Utah Infectious Waste Requirements. Several local health departments have requirements that apply to health facilities that generate lower amounts of infectious waste. One should contact their local health department for requirements that may be different from the state rule.

Overview

Utah’s medical waste disposal regulations are managed by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality Division of Solid and Hazardous Waste. The Division of Solid and Hazardous Waste uses the Infectious Waste Management Guidance to interpret Rule R315-316 in the management of infectious medical waste. The complete detailed disposal requirements are outlined in R315-316: Infectious Waste Requirements .

OSHA Regulations

In addition to the state medical waste environmental regulations there are some Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules that apply to medical/infectious waste. Utah is one of 24 states operating an approved occupational safety and health program. This program is operated by the Utah Occupational Safety and Health. OSHA rules (Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens Standards) impact various aspects of medical/infectious waste, including management of sharps, requirements for containers that hold or store medical/infectious waste, labeling of medical/infectious waste bags/containers, and employee training.