Is Your Facility Guilty Of These Common Medical Waste Violations?
In spite of the abundance of information on proper medical waste disposal and the laws that back this up, there are some public violations that people make with medical waste removal. It is an environmental and health issue that can be costly and detrimental if ignored. Not only is this compliance issue.
What Are Some Of The Top Medical Waste Violations?
Unreliable Training Of Staff
An efficient medical waste removal program is only as strong as the people who implement and follow it. Facilities employ the use of the resources available, not only because it’s the law, but a efficient program mitigates risk. Some agencies offer resources for medical waste producers to help prepare a training program. This factors ensure the safety of workers, as well as decrease the chances of infection and contamination.
Not Proper Labeling Of Medical Waste And Biohazardous Waste Containers
Packaging includes sharps containers, plastic bags, biohazard containers, and reusable containers. Medical waste packaging and labeling in a facility that deals with regulated medical waste is the responsibility of the facility itself. Failure to comply with safe containment is both an environmental and community health issue. One that can comes with hefty fines.
Many states classify waste into sub-categorizes, such as human blood, cultures and stocks, blood products, sharps, and animal waste. Keeping types of medical waste separate and using properly marked containers is not only mandated by law. It also helps you choose how and when, not to mention whom removes the waste for you.
Failing To Plan
Every facility that produces medical waste must have a medical waste removal plan. Plans should reduce the amount of waste, ensure regulatory compliance, and strengthen infection control procedures. Not having a plan leads to discarding mistakes and risking the spread of infection.
Mishandling Of Medical Waste Disposal And Removal
Whoever signs the manifest for waste pickup must have had the proper OSHA/DOT training and knowledge behind the medical waste. If your average Joe signs for anything that involves medical waste, your facility will receive a citation for noncompliance.
Insufficient Signage
Hazardous waste needs special handling, disposal, and storage. In order to properly store and dispose of waste the EPA and DOT have requirements that must be met. Failure to post signage about restricted areas, hazardous containers, or infection control can put staff and patients at serious danger.
Failure to comply with government-mandated medical waste regulations can be a puzzling and costly experience. Do you want to find a reliable medical waste disposal and management service to take care of your medical waste? Give us a call (844) 494-8222 and we’ll be happy to help!
Additional resources to help you avoid common medical waste violations & stay compliant:
- Choosing the Right Sharps Containers for Your Facility
- Improper Medical Waste Packaging: What You Need To Know
- What Is NOT Considered Medical Waste?
- Do I Need An OSHA Certification?
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