[STUDY] Regulated Medical Waste Management

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Last updated 1:37 AM on 7/6/26
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16 Terms

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Why was regulated medical waste regulations created?

1980 — HIV epidemic

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What agencies do what?

OSHA

  • Worker safety, RMW handling

CDC

  • Infection control recs (not law)

NIOSH

  • Worker safety research

FDA

  • Medical devices

EPA

  • environmental guidance

DOT

  • Transport medical waste

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Education and training programs

  1. exposure risk

  2. Preventive strategies

  3. Post exposure and follow up

  4. Administrative controls

Records kept for 3 years

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Office medical waste maanger (OMWM)

  • knows laws

  • Office protocols

  • Trains staff

  • Communicates with disposal company

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Waste in healthcare facilities

Office waste

• Common refuse
• Recyclable waste

Hazardous waste

• Digital scanner, eraser, and phosphor plates
• Lead apron
• Laptop computer w/software

Universal waste

• Fluorescent lamps
• Batteries

Medical waste

• Common (non-infectious) medical waste
• Regulated (infectious) medical waste

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Regulated medical waste

  • Liquid or semi liquid blood / OPIM

  • Dried blood

  • Contaminated sharps

  • Pathological waste

  • Microbiological waste

  • Biohazard bags

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Epidemiology

  • No evidence waste from hospital is more infectious than residential waste

  • Occupational exposure is more risky

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Waste segregation

  • Office waste

  • Hazardous waste

  • Universal waste

  • Medical waste

DONT MIX

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Liner bags must be

  • durable

  • puncture resistant

  • burst strength — prevent leaks and ruptures

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Sharps disposal

  • FDA regulates sharps containers

  • OSHA requirements

  • 1 handed scoop

Container must be

  • Puncture, leak proof

  • Closable, remain upright

  • BIOHAZARD

  • Class II

MUST BE

below eye level

within arms reach

never overfilled

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Liquid infectious waste (RMW)

  • Blood from surgery

  • Poured into clinical sink not handwashing sink (unless stated)

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How to store RMW

  • Limited access

  • Ventilated

  • Pest free

  • Biohazard sign

  • Twist tie bag

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How to treat RMW (onsite)

  • Autoclave (steam)

    • 121C or 250 F — 90 mins +

  • Microwave

  • Chemical disinfection

  • Sewer disposal of liquids

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How to treat RMW (off site)

  • DOT regulations

  • Transport permits

  • Contractors

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Record keeping

  • Keep infectious waste log

  • 3+ years

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Spills

  • wear PPE

  • EPA approved disinfectant

  • Leaking container → secondary container

  • Disinfect