1. Function Specific Training

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. Regulated medical waste requires specific markings and labels

7. 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

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

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

10. 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

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

12. Instructions for the proper packaging of regulated medical waste boxes

13. Instructions for the proper packaging of regulated medical waste reusable containers

14. What is acceptable in RMW containers?

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. Below is a sample of a medical waste manifest

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

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

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

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