UWRG Biohazard Cleanup Requirements by State

Overview

This guide outlines regulatory requirements and best practices for performing biohazard cleanup across all 50 U.S. states. It includes federal mandates, key certifications, and an operator-level state-by-state cheat sheet identifying what is required in each jurisdiction for compliance, including certifications, disease education, waste handling, transportation, and state-specific licensing or registration obligations.

Federal & Industry Standards (Apply in All States)

• OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030): Exposure Control Plan, annual training, Hepatitis B vaccination offer, PPE, medical records.
• OSHA Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1910.1200) and Respiratory Protection (29 CFR 1910.134): Hazard labeling, SDS, and respirator program with medical clearance & fit testing.
• EPA / CDC Guidance: Best practices for medical/regulated waste segregation, packaging, storage, and disposal.
• USDOT/PHMSA (49 CFR Parts 171–180): Requirements for transporting regulated medical waste; hazmat training for applicable drivers.
• Industry Standards (Recommended): IICRC S540, IICRC TCST, ABRA certifications, documented infectious disease & trauma scene cleanup training.

States with Specific Trauma Scene Cleanup Requirements

California

• Authority: California Department of Public Health (CDPH) - Medical Waste
• Trauma Scene License: Trauma Scene Waste Management Practitioner
• Key Rules: Registration as a Trauma Scene Waste Management Practitioner; compliance with the Medical Waste Management Act, OSHA, and DOT.

Georgia

• Authority: Georgia Board of Trauma Scene Waste Management
• License: Trauma Scene Waste Management Practitioner (Company & Practitioner)
• Key Rules: Registration, insurance/bonding, and compliance with Georgia trauma scene waste regulations.

Florida

• Authority: Florida Department of Health - Biomedical Waste Program
• Requirements: Biomedical waste generator permit and, if applicable, transporter registration.
• Key Rules: Compliance with Chapter 64E-16 F.A.C., OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, and DOT requirements.

Operator-Level Cheat Sheet: All States & DC

Each state requires compliance with OSHA, DOT, and its own Regulated Medical Waste (RMW) rules. The links below direct to RMW / biomedical waste guidance (via EnvCAP/HERC or state programs) where you can confirm generator registration, transporter requirements, packaging, storage, and recordkeeping standards.

Internal Company Compliance Checklist

• Maintain active business registration and any required local licenses.
• Implement OSHA-compliant Bloodborne Pathogens & Hazard Communication programs.
• Provide initial and annual training; offer Hepatitis B vaccination.
• Maintain a written waste management plan (segregation, packaging, labeling, manifests).
• Use licensed/permitted medical waste transporters and treatment facilities.
• Ensure key staff hold IICRC TCST or equivalent trauma/biohazard cleanup training.
• Carry appropriate insurance: General Liability, Pollution Liability, Auto, Workers’ Comp.
• Retain records (training, manifests, permits) for verification and audits.

Recommended Resources

• HERC State-by-State Regulated Medical Waste Resource Locator
• OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
• IICRC S540 Trauma and Crime Scene Cleanup Standard

Training & Certifications

The following training and certifications are required for UWRG Locations performing trauma and biohazard cleanup. Each link opens in a new tab.

• OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Training & Certificate
• OSHA Hazard Communication Training
• OSHA Respiratory Training
• USDOT Hazmat Transportation Training
• EPA Guidance – Check Your State's HERC Website Listed Above
• IICRC Trauma and Crime Scene Technician (TCST) Course