Effective Date: 09-19-17
Reviewed Date: 04-05-21
Reference: CFR 29 1910.1030(D)(4)(iii)(C); Ca Title 15 1265; Medical Waste Management Act, Section 118280; CCR 5193; South Facility Unit Order 3-03-070, 5-10-010
PURPOSE OF ORDER:
The purpose of this order is to establish guidelines for the safe disposal of inmates’ used shaving razors.
SCOPE OF ORDER:
This order applies to all personnel assigned to, and working at, Pitchess Detention Center (PDC) South Facility.
ORDER:
Bloodborne pathogens are defined as pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease. These pathogens can be found on used sharp objects such as needles and razor blades. The California Department of Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (Cal/OSHA) bloodborne pathogens standard states: “Disposal of all regulated waste shall be in accordance with applicable regulations of the United States, and territories” (Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] 29 1910.1030[D][4][iii] [C]).
Additionally, Cal/OSHA’s bloodborne pathogens standard requires that, during use, sharps containers must be “easily accessible to personnel and located as close as is feasible to the immediate area where sharps are used or can be reasonably anticipated to be found”.
California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 15 section 1265 mandates the issuance of shaving implements to inmates in Los Angeles County jail custody. South Facility’s inmate services personnel are responsible for the issuance of personal hygiene kits to indigent inmates housed at South Facility. The hygiene kits include one small disposable plastic razor. When an inmate wishes to trade his used razor for a new one, personnel shall visually check each used razor to ensure the blade is intact. Once confirmed, the used razor shall be disposed of, by the inmate, into a biohazard, puncture resistant, sharps container, which shall be available at every staff station and the inmate processing area (IPA).
On a regular, scheduled basis personnel from the inmate services unit shall remove the full used sharps containers, and replace them with new ones. The red plastic biohazard containers are one-time use only containers. The full containers of used razors shall be kept in the locked fenced area in George compound (in front of the visiting area), pending removal by a contracted biohazard disposal company.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Safe work practices include the wearing of latex disposable gloves, which shall be provided and utilized by all employees when handling biohazardous waste. The gloves provide protection against direct skin contact with the biohazardous materials. The gloves shall be discarded after each use and shall not be reused.
PERSONNEL TRAINING
Employees performing this procedure will be provided training. The training will include:
Revision Date 04/05/19
09/19/17 SOUF