Signs, labels, and color-coding

Signs, Labels, and Color-Coding

Warning labels will be affixed to items such as:

• • Containers of regulated waste
  • Containers of contaminated reusable sharps
  • Refrigerators and freezers containing blood or OPIMs
  • Containers used to store, transport, ship blood or OPIMs
  • Contaminated equipment being shipped or serviced
  • Bags or containers of contaminated laundry

Labels Will:

• • Be fluorescent orange or orange-red, with lettering and symbol in contrasting color
  • Be affixed as close as feasible to the container

Items that do not need labels:

• • Labeled containers of blood released for clinical use
  • Regulated waste that is decontaminated

Biohazard signs and tags used to:

• • Signify actual/potential presence of biohazard
  • Identify equipment, containers, rooms, etc. which contain or are contaminated with, viable hazardous agents
  • Signs are for ongoing biological hazards
  • Tags are for out of the ordinary, unexpected, or not readily apparent biological hazards