Avoid these common (and costly!) medical waste removal mistakes.
Keeping up with state and federal regulations when it comes to medical waste removal may seem tedious at best, but failure to follow these rules can result in hefty punishments, including, but not limited to serious fines.
What are some of the more common (and costly!) violations with medical waste removal?
Improper Labeling
There are specific federal markings required for hazardous waste, including the biohazard symbol, this-side-up-arrows, signs that dictate regulated medical waste, all of which must be present and clearly visible. There are also state regulations on properly labeling as well. Improperly labeling containers poses a risk to staff, patients, and the community, and can result in penalties and fines for non-compliance.
Improper Training for Staff
The EPA and OSHA have resources for healthcare facilities to create a training program that will ensure the safety of workers. Failing to follow protocol and adequately train staff can result in the spread of infection, compromising not only customers and patients, but the environment as well.
Discarding waste in the wrong container
Common sense tells us that sharps do not belong in a regular trash receptacle, but you’d be surprised that there are still facilities whose staff improperly dispose of infectious waste. Sharps go in a sharps container, whereas red bag waste should contain anything that is infectious biological material, including blood and blood products, cultures, and culture stocks.
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.
Transporting waste yourself
Proper packaging, labeling and transportation of regulated medical waste is mandated by federal and state regulations. These regulations are managed by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and require a permit for transport. Applying for a permit is expensive and requires hours of training classes. Violations could lead to severe fines and penalties. Don’t rely on shipping it yourself.
Failure to comply with government regulations as they pertains to medical waste disposal can be a confusing and costly experience. Let MedXwaste take the guesswork out of it for you. Contact us today.
Service Areas: Long Island Medical Waste; New York City Medical Waste; Westchester Medical Waste and more!
