Does thinking about all the types of regulated medical waste give you a headache? This collection of articles will ease the pain. We’ll answer common questions about medical waste and provide the background information you need to understand the requirements for safe handling, transportation, and disposal.
Tired of reading technical journals? Start with these three infographics instead. They’re informative, user-friendly guides that discuss the history of medical waste disposal in the United States, highlight 10 important facts about medical waste compliance, and discuss the dangers of improper disposal of medical and pharmaceutical wastes.
Yes, there’s a lot to learn about healthcare related wastes, and it’s all important! For example:
All healthcare facilities have to deal with regulated medical waste disposal. For example:
Medical waste and the accompanying government directives make working in this industry complicated and highly regulated. At Sharps Compliance, we try to lessen the stress by providing educational articles so you can better perform your job.
Did you know that regulated medical waste is not solely found in the healthcare setting? Tattoo studios, MedSpas, and other practices that perform body modification procedures produce medical waste. Improper disposal of sharps, such as a tattoo needle, cross-contamination of blood-soaked items, or the improper reuse of a dirty sharp, can lead to exposure of bloodborne pathogens.
Continue reading “Regulated Medical Waste in the Tattoo Industry”
This is an update of the article originally published on August 6, 2014. Regulations change frequently. That’s why Sharps Compliance monitors updates and communicates any changes to its customers.
“I don’t have time to close up and label the medical waste box – so the medical waste transport driver does it.”
This statement is often uttered by busy employees responsible for managing their facility’s medical waste. However, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and other regulatory bodies place the onus of responsibility for preparing and packaging medical waste on the generator of the waste, not the transporter.
This is an update of the article originally published on June 1, 2016. Regulations change frequently. That’s why Sharps Compliance monitors updates and communicates any changes to its customers.
Just when you thought that your waste was packaged properly, you learn that your state has laws that differ from federal regulations. Did you know that states have the authority to add additional rules to many federal regulations? It’s important to follow local, state, and federal requirements when packaging and labeling your waste. Here are a few simple steps that you can follow to lessen the potential environmental, safety, and financial risks associated with improper packaging of your medical waste.
Continue reading “The Do’s and Don’ts of Medical Waste Packaging”
Safe handling and disposal of used needles and sharps help prevent injuries caused by accidental needlesticks. Unfortunately, many people don’t properly dispose of their used syringes and sharps. As a result, other people are injured by used syringes that were carelessly discarded in garbage cans, dropped in parks and playgrounds, or left behind in other public places.
Continue reading “INFOGRAPHIC: What to Do if You Find a Discarded Syringe or Sharp”
This is an update of the article originally published on January 12, 2016. Regulations change frequently. That’s why Sharps Compliance monitors updates and communicates any changes to its customers.
Are used dental anesthetic carpules classified as medical waste, pharmaceutical waste, hazardous waste, or general waste that can be placed in the trash? Dental offices frequently ask our team this question about carpule disposal. The answer depends on the used carpule and the regulations for the state in which the office practices.
Continue reading “Proper Disposal of Dental Anesthetic Carpules”
