Enclosure (3) to COMDTINST 6220.9A
4. Attention must be directed to adequate drainage, cleaning and prevention of safety hazards (e.g.,
slippery surfaces, etc) for showers installed for alien migrant use. A privacy area for dressing
near the showers is recommended, if feasible.
D. Sewage and Infectious Waste Disposal.
1. Sewage Disposal. Coast Guard vessels have integrated sanitation systems that efficiently
contain human waste. Large numbers of alien migrants, however, can overwhelm shipboard
systems. Use of sanitation facilities and sewage disposal for alien migrants should be separated
from that of the vessel. Sanitation facilities established for alien migrants should be located for
easy access and physically separated from eating and living areas, in accordance with reference
(g). Handwashing facilities shall be provided. Alcohol-based hand cleansers are effective and
shall be provided if hand washing facilities are not available.
2. Infectious Waste. NOTE: Disposal of medical and/or biological waste is regulated by various
local laws. The unit must be aware of any local law or ordinance in their area of responsibility
and must conform to these regulations. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that most
medical waste is any more infectious than residential waste. However, the public concern about
the risk of medical waste must not be ignored. Identifying waste for which special precautions
are indicated is necessary.
a) Biohazard warning labels shall be affixed to containers of regulated waste, refrigerators, and
freezers containing blood or other potentially infectious material, and other containers used
to store, transport or ship blood or OPIM with the following exceptions:
(1) Red bags may be substituted for labels on bags or containers of regulated waste; and
(2) Individual containers of blood or OPIM may be placed in a labeled container during
storage, transport, shipment or disposal. Handling suspected waste shall be done in
accordance with 13.K.12 (Infectious Waste) of reference (b) and as directed in reference
(i).
b) The most practical approach to the management of infectious waste is to identify waste with
the potential for causing infection during handling and disposal, and for which special
precautions appear prudent.
(1) Medical wastes for which special precautions are prudent include sharps, microbiological
laboratory waste, pathology waste, and blood specimens or blood products;
(2) While any item having contact with blood / OPIM may be infectious, it is not usually
practical or necessary to treat all such waste as infectious. Materials containing small
amounts of blood, saliva, or other secretions (e.g., tainted gauze pads, sanitary napkins or
facial tissues) are not considered infectious waste; and
(3) Properly label and store all infectious waste in a secure area until transported to a
designated infectious waste deposal site.
2
Previous Page
