Management of Regulated Medical Waste Flashcards
What is the instruction # for regulated medical waste?
BUMEDINST 6280.1B
What is Group 6 of RMW?
Isolation wastes
What is group 2 of RMW?
Pathological wastes
What is group 3 of RMW?
Blood and blood products
What is group 4/7 of RMW?
Sharps
What is group 8 of RMW?
Other, designated by local infection control authority
What is group 9 of RMW?
Chemotherapy waste
What are non-RMW example?
Solid materials intended for disposal (waste/trash)
Definition RMW
Capable of causing disease or would pose other adverse health risks to individuals/communities if improperly handled
What kind of waste is waste that originated from medical isolation rooms?
RMW
How are sanitary napkins originating from post-partum suits/GYN surgical ward handled?
RMW
How many groups of RMW are there?
9
Where is RMW separated from other wastes?
At point of origin
Can RMW be transported in chutes or dumbwaiters?
No
What is the storage time for pathological RMW?
30 days
If waste is not immediately processed, 24hrs
How is RMW treatment achieved?
Incineration
Inactivation by heat, chemicals or radiation
How are liquid wastes disposed of?
Steam sterilization then into sanitary sewers
How is chemotherapy trace wastes disposed?
Do not mix with non-chemo/RMW products
Place in yellow bins
How long does federal regulations require facilities to maintain shipping paperwork?
2 years after RMW is accepted
How is RMW labeled?
Date
Type
Amount
Disposition
Dilution ratio of water and bleach
1:10 w/ clear water
How is anatomical pathology transported to incineration?
Double wall corrugated boxes that are double lined w/ plastic bags
What considerations may dictate using alternate means of disposal for anatomical pathology waste such as cremation or burial by a licensed mortician?
Ethical considerations
Blood, suction fluids and other potentially infectious liquid wastes may be decanted into what type of sinks, unless this practice is specifically prohibited by state/local laws?
Clinical
Define gelatinization
Forms semi-rigid gel when added to liquids
What kind of waste cannot be safely decanted?
Bulk
How often is training conducted?
Initial and annual
Infectious waste shall be sterilized and rendered noninfectious before what steps are taken?
Compacting and grinding
Whose approval is required before the purchase of an infectious waste treatment system?
Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
New treatment techniques must have successful use elsewhere for how many years prior to USN use?
2 years
Effective steam sterilization temp/time/psi for microbial infectious waste?
250* x 90min @ 15psi
How long can infectious waste be stored w/out refrigeration?
7 days
Where are ashes after incineration sent?
Sanitary landfill
What is group 5 of RMW?
Animal waste
How should pathological wastes be stored?
Dedicated refrigerators/freezers
What is group 1 of RMW?
Cultures, stocks and vaccines
How long can non-pathological RMW be stored in the facility?
7 days
How long can frozen pathology be stored in a facility?
30 days
How long is the medical department required to keep records of all RMW?
2 years
