Interpretation Response #22-0070
Below is the interpretation response detail and a list of regulations sections applicable to this response.
Interpretation Response Details
Response Publish Date:
Company Name: Scopelitis, Gavin, Light, Hanson & Feary, P.C.
Individual Name: Mr. Timothy W. Wiseman
Location State: IN Country: US
View the Interpretation Document
Response text:
August 22, 2023
Mr. Timothy W. Wiseman
Partner
Scopelitis, Gavin, Light, Hanson & Feary, P.C.
10 West Market Street, Suite 1400
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Reference No. 22-0070
Dear Mr. Wiseman:
This is in response to your July 14, 2022, letter requesting clarification of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180) applicable to the transportation of used sharps. Specifically, you ask about a plastic film bag used as an inner packaging when transporting sharps in a Large Packaging.
We have paraphrased and answered your questions as follows:
Q1. In your letter, you note that § 173.197(e)(3) of the HMR specifies that sharps transported in a Large Packaging must be packaged in a puncture-resistant, non-bulk inner packaging (sharps container)—which in your opinion may be similar to the plastic film bag identified in § 173.197(e)(1) used to transport solid regulated medical waste. You ask whether the non bulk inner packaging (sharps container) may be a plastic film bag provided it is puncture-resistant, and—when exceeding 20 gallons—capable of passing the performance test in Part 178, Subpart M at the Packing Group II performance level.
A1. Paragraph (e)(1) of § 173.197 specifies the requirements for the inner packaging for solid regulated medical waste transported in a Large Packaging. Sharps are objects that can pierce certain types of packaging, therefore, the inner packaging for sharps transported in a Large Packaging must conform to § 173.197(e)(3). Each puncture-resistant, non-bulk inner packaging (sharps container) used to transport sharps in a Large Packaging must be securely closed to prevent leaks or punctures in conformance with instructions provided by the packaging manufacturer and each sharps container exceeding 76 L (20 gallons) in volume must be capable of passing the performance tests in part 178, subpart M at the Packing Group II performance level. A sharps container intended for reuse in a Large Packaging must be approved and certified as a medical device for reuse by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and meet additional requirements under § 173.197(e)(3). Please note, a sharps container may be subject to other requirements, such as The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Bloodborne Pathogens standard (see 29 CFR § 1910.1030) and FDA and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements.
Q2. You ask what specific performance test may be required under Part 178, Subpart M for the plastic film bag used as the inner packaging of a Large Packaging when transporting sharps.
A2. PHMSA has not identified a testing procedure to determine whether a poly bag can resist punctures from hypodermic needles and other sharp objects generated in the medical industry. If you can identify a test standard that demonstrates puncture resistance of a poly bag to objects— such as used hypodermic needles— and provides for an appropriate level of safety for the transportation of hazardous materials, you may ask PHMSA to incorporate by reference a new standard by filing a petition for rulemaking in accordance with rulemaking procedures in §§ 106.95-106.105.
I hope this information is helpful. Please contact us if we can be of further assistance.
Sincerely,
T. Glenn Foster
Chief, Regulatory Review and Reinvention Branch
Standards and Rulemaking Division
106.95-106.105, 173.197, 173.197(e)(1), 173.197(e)(3), 178