Do not shred contaminated waste ● Do not use waste management processes that involve shredding incoming waste materials that have suspected or confirmed Ebola-virus contamination. ● Shredding, particularly with equipment that is not closed and ventilated out of the work area, may result in generation of bio-aerosols (aerosolized droplets containing infectious particles that can be inhaled). ● Shredders may become clogged or jammed by atypical, porous waste materials (e.g., linens, carpet, curtains, or other textiles) that must be discarded when decontamination is not possible. Final disposal of treated waste ● Waste that has been properly treated and disinfected using thermal/heat treatment (e.g., microwaves), autoclaving, incineration, or a combination of these or other generally accepted methods is not considered to be infectious. ● Depending on state regulations, such waste can safely be disposed of following the protocols normally used by a facility under the jurisdiction of the state where it is located. Use appropriate respiratory protection ● In instances where workers may be exposed to bio-aerosols (e.g., as a result of using high-pressure air or water for cleaning) suspected or known to contain Ebola virus, additional respiratory protection is needed. In these cases, medically qualified workers must use, at a minimum, a NIOSH-approved, fit-tested N95 respirator. See https://www. cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/ topics/respirators/disp_part/n95list1. html. ● Wearing a respirator for extended periods of time can be uncomfortable. Workers who need respirators for long time periods may find powered air-purifying respirators more tolerable. Safer waste processing techniques ● Select waste processing techniques that minimize potential worker exposure to Ebola virus or other pathogens. ● Incinerate entire, unopened waste containers in incinerators to eliminate exposures associated with handling and opening containers. Incinerator facilities should be operated in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations. ● If using autoclave or rotoclave equipment, develop, validate, and regularly test protocols using biological and non-biological indicators to ensure that the autoclave Infection control for all waste workers ● Limit the number of workers who handle waste to essential staff. For example, instruct and train healthcare workers generating waste during care of an Ebola patient to properly package the waste instead of requiring an environmental services or waste collection worker to also handle the waste. ● Whenever gloves are removed or changed, wash hands with soap and water, or use alcohol-based hand rubs if soap and water are unavailable. Always wash with soap and water if hands are visibly soiled. ● Avoid touching the face or other exposed parts of the body while wearing gloves or before washing/sanitizing bare hands.
● If at all possible, do not enter a clogged shredding machine to resolve a jam. If a worker must do so, always ensure that the machine is powered off and follow proper lockout/tagout procedures for controlling hazardous energy: https://www. osha.gov/control-hazardous-energy. ● Ensure that the worker has proper PPE to protect against all health and safety hazards that are possible from the waste and the machinery, including bloodborne pathogens and other infectious diseases, and mechanical, electrical, and other physical hazards of the equipment.
● As with any solid waste, other applicable disposal requirements should be considered (e.g., if non-infectious materials, such as toxic metals, are present in regulated amounts).
● Respirators used for protecting workers against Ebola virus may not be effective for also protecting them from exposure to certain chemicals used for treating and decontaminating waste, or for cleaning and decontaminating equipment. To learn more about the requirements for selecting an appropriate respirator to protect against chemical exposure (elastomeric respirator with appropriate chemical or combination cartridges or a supplied-air respirator), consult OSHA’s Respiratory Protection standard, 29 CFR 1910.134, and the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the specific chemical(s) that workers are using. See OSHA’s Respiratory Protection web page: https://www.osha.gov/ respiratory-protection. temperature and pressure are maintained for long enough time periods to kill all organisms throughout the waste content and that heat/steam can penetrate packaging and any porous materials. ● Weekly (or more frequent) testing with biological or non- biological indicators ensures that autoclave equipment is functioning properly. ● Do not use open burning techniques, which could expose workers and other individuals to harmful air contaminants. ● Do not shred contaminated waste. ● Change clothing and shower as soon as possible if work clothing becomes soiled. Discard soiled work clothing with other Ebola-contaminated waste. ● Consider wearing dedicated, washable footwear while on the job. ● Notify a supervisor immediately if exposed to potentially infectious material or waste on the job, including on work clothing or exposed skin or through mucous membranes including eyes, nose, and mouth.
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Book Code: FTX1624
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