1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(B): Containers for Regulated Medical Waste
Regulated waste must go in containers that are closable, built to hold all contents and prevent fluid leaks during handling, storage, transport or shipping, labeled or color-coded as the rule requires, and closed before removal. If the outside of a container becomes contaminated, it must be placed in a second container that meets the same requirements.
Key takeaways
- 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(B) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 19 times in the last 3 years, in 19 inspections, with $32,040 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TN (8), NV (3), OR (2).
- Related part: 1910.1030(d) Methods of compliance (455 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(B) ("Other Regulated Waste Containment") is one requirement inside 1910.1030 Bloodborne pathogens, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(B) Other Regulated Waste Containment — 19 citations
(1) Regulated waste shall be placed in containers which are:
(i) Closable;
(ii) Constructed to contain all contents and prevent leakage of fluids during handling, storage, transport or shipping;
(iii) Labeled or color-coded in accordance with paragraph (g)(1)(i) this standard; and
(iv) Closed prior to removal to prevent spillage or protrusion of contents during handling, storage, transport, or shipping.
(2) If outside contamination of the regulated waste container occurs, it shall be placed in a second container. The second container shall be:
(i) Closable;
(ii) Constructed to contain all contents and prevent leakage of fluids during handling, storage, transport or shipping;
(iii) Labeled or color-coded in accordance with paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this standard; and
(iv) Closed prior to removal to prevent spillage or protrusion of contents during handling, storage, transport, or shipping.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.1030.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 9 |
| 2026 | 8 |
Top states: TN (8), NV (3), OR (2), NC (2), NY (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| COMPASSUS HOME HEALTH | ALBUQUERQUE, NM | $16,554 |
| CHILDSMILES PC HOLDINGS | ELIZABETH, NJ | $8,512 |
| 159097 - SHELBY HOUSE, LLC | SHELBY, NC | $5,200 |
| RATAS INVESTMENTS LLC | WINNEMUCCA, NV | $1,774 |
| HEALTHSTAR PHYSICIANS PC | KNOXVILLE, TN | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(B), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Disposal of blood and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM). (2009-06-02)
- Applicability of OSHA's bloodborne pathogens standard to the containment and disposal of electric razors in correctional facilities and health care settings. (2008-01-02)
- Requirements for the construction of trash receptacles used in operating rooms for the containerization of regulated waste. (2007-08-09)
- Application of OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens standard to contractors who clean up blood following accidents. (2007-05-22)
- Whether dental anesthetic carpules are considered to be "contaminated sharps" or "regulated waste". (2007-01-09)
- Disposal methods for blood collection tubes. (2000-03-13)
- Application of provisions of the Bloodborne Pathogens standard to Funeral and Nursing Homes. (1992-06-01)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.1030(d) Methods of compliance 455 citations
- 1910.1030(d)(4) Housekeeping 262 citations
- 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii) Regulated Waste 195 citations
- 1910.1030(d)(2) Engineering and work practice controls 141 citations
- 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(A) Contaminated Sharps Discarding and Containment 131 citations
- 1910.1030(d)(2)(i) 53 citations
- 1910.1030(d)(2)(vii) 48 citations
- 1910.1030(d)(3) Personal protective equipment 48 citations
- 1910.1030(d)(2)(vii)(A) 33 citations
- 1910.1030(d)(4)(iv) Laundry 23 citations
- 1910.1030(d)(4)(i) General 23 citations
- 1910.1030(d)(2)(viii) 22 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of container is needed for regulated waste?
One that is closable, contains all contents and prevents leakage, is labeled or color-coded, and is closed before removal.
What if the outside of the container gets contaminated?
It must be placed in a second container meeting the same requirements.
When must the container be closed?
Prior to removal, to prevent spillage or protrusion of contents.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.1030 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.