Function Specific Training

Certain types of medical waste require special treatment and packaging Sharps Require sharps containers Pathological waste Requires incineration Requires special labeling to ensure incineration Trace-chemotherapeutic waste

Regulated Medical Waste Sharps Needles Scalpels Broken capillary tubes Broken glass Anything that can puncture Requirements Must be placed in a sharps container prior to being packaged to prevent exposure Lids must be secured ensure the sharps are properly contained for shipment No liquids should be in the sharps containers

Regulated Medical Wastes Requiring Incineration Requirements Must be properly labeled for incineration Typically packaged in disposable containers (cardboard boxes or fiber drums) No free flowing liquids Pathological Waste Organs Tissues Animals NO FULL HUMAN REMAINS Trace-chemotherapeutic waste IV bags, gowns, gloves and other disposable items

Certain wastes are not acceptable as regulated medical waste Complete human remains. Compressed gas cylinders, canisters, inhalers and aerosol cans. Medical devices containing mercury. Pharmaceutical wastes. Bulk chemotherapeutic wastes. Chemicals. Hazardous waste. Radioactive waste.

Regulated medical waste requires specific markings and labels

Regulated medical waste packaging requires the following: Inner packaging Outer packaging Liners tied of securely Lids and tops secured Proper labels and markings Containment No leaking containers

Regulated medical waste containment requires two layers of packaging Inner Packaging Outer packaging

Regulated medical waste inner packaging Red bag liners (usually provided by transporter) Require US DOT compliance ASTM D 1922 and ASTM D 1709 Certified Impact and tear resistance

Regulated medical waste outer packaging Bulk versus non-bulk Non-bulk Boxes, reusable tubs, containers less than 119 gallons in size Bulk Roll off containers or large carts in excess of 119 gallons

Regulated medical waste label and marking requirements include: Biohazard symbol Acceptable in place of the infectious substance label (29CFR 1910.1003(g)) UN3291 Transporter Information Generator Information Emergency Number

Instructions for the proper packaging of regulated medical waste boxes

Instructions for the proper packaging of regulated medical waste reusable containers

What is acceptable in RMW containers?

If medical waste containers are not packaged properly If regulated medical waste containers are improperly packaged, they will be rejected by the transporter. The containers must be properly marked, labeled, and sealed. The generator must repackage the containers for the next scheduled pick up.

Shipping of medical waste requires proper shipping papers Shipping papers are also often referred to as manifests. This document ensures that the waste is properly characterized, shipped, and treated from the point of generation to the ultimate disposal of the material.

Below is a sample of a medical waste manifest

The generator section identifies who generated the regulated medical waste, and how much medical waste was shipped

The generator’s certification confirms that the shipping papers are correct and properly identify the quantities and materials that are shipped.

The transporters certify that they have received the materials as described in the generator section.

The destination or treatment facility confirms the receipt and processing of the regulated medical waste.