Several federal agencies play a role for ensuring laboratory safety. Such roles include regulating clinical sample handling, diagnostic testing, infectious substance shipping, hazardous material disposal and waste, and others. All of these agencies list their applicable requirements within the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs).
Some of the regulating federal agencies include OSHA, DOT, and EPA:
The
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) ensures safe working conditions by setting and enforcing standards (e.g. bloodborne pathogens, respiratory protection, hazard communication, etc.). It also provides training and resources. See
29 CFR Part 1910 for more information.
The
Department of Transportation (DOT) regulates the safe transport of hazardous materials, including potentially infectious substances. See
49 CFR Parts 171-180, Division 6.2 of the Hazardous Material Regulations (HMR) for more information.
The
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates hazardous waste, including infectious substances. It also evaluates and approves disinfectants for use against infectious material. See
40 CFR for EPA’s mission of protecting human health and the environment.
