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HomeHealth and Safety CodeDiv. 104Pt. 14Ch. 4§ 117938 Medical Waste Treatment Rules

§ 117938 Medical Waste Treatment Rules

Health and Safety Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 117938 Medical Waste Treatment Rules

Key Takeaways

  • •If a small place (like a clinic) treats medical waste on their own property, they might get checked every two years by the government.
  • •Workers who handle the waste treatment machines must be trained to use them safely, clean up messes, and wear the right gear.
  • •Workers need to get this training every year, and the place must keep records of it for at least two years.

Example

A small doctor's office uses a machine to safely get rid of used needles and bandages.

The office must make sure its workers know how to use the machine the right way and keep records of their training. The government might come to check if they’re doing it safely every two years.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 117938 Medical Waste Treatment Rules

(a) Small quantity generators using onsite steam sterilization, incineration, or microwave technology to treat medical waste are subject to biennial inspection of that onsite treatment facility by the enforcement agency and may be subject to the permitting requirements for onsite medical waste treatment facilities as determined by the enforcement agency. (b) (1) The operators of the treatment equipment specified in subdivision (a) shall be required to receive training in the operation of the treatment equipment, proper protective equipment to wear, if any, how to clean up spills, and other information required to operate the treatment equipment in a safe and effective manner. (2) Annual training for the operators shall be provided after the initial training has been completed. (3) The training shall be documented for each treatment operator and retained on file at the generator facility for a minimum of two years. Training shall comply with applicable federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations, including those found in Section 1910 of Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations. (Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 564, Sec. 41. (AB 333) Effective January 1, 2015.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

small quantity generatorsonsite steam sterilizationincinerationmicrowave technologybiennial inspectionpermitting requirementsoperator

Related Statutes

  • § 117925 Medical Waste Treatment Registration
  • § 117923 Medical Waste Treatment Fees
  • § 117920 Medical Waste Registration Fees
  • § 117924 Medical Waste Generator Fees
  • § 117928 Medical Waste Storage Permits

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Health and Safety Code. Section 117938.
View Official Source