Medical Waste 2017 Flashcards
What did the California Medical Waste Management Act do?
set specific requirements regarding handling, treatment, and disposal of medical waste
“medical waste” means waste which meets what first requirement?
(Long)
the waste is composed of waste which is generated or produced as a result of any of the following actions:
diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of humans or animals
research pertaining to the activities
the production or testing of biologicals
properly contained home-generated sharps - brought in by pt, fam member, authorized person to a point of consolidation (think pt bringing sharps to designated needle disposal center)
removal of waste from trauma scene by specialist
What is the second set of requirements for something to be considered “medical waste?”
(Long)
the waste is either:
biohazardous waste
sharps waste
“biologicals” meaning medicinal preps ie. serums, vaccines, antigens, antitoxins
trauma scene waste
Who needs a permit for medical waste?
anyone who generates any amount of medical waste
What does it mean to be a small quantity generator of medical waste?
<200 lbs max waste in any month
What does it mean to be a small quantity generator that provides treatment?
<200 lbs max in any month and uses autoclave before disposal
What is a large quantity generator of medical waste?
> 200 lbs in any month
Give examples of three types of small quantity generators and how they may dispose of their waste
pharmaceuticals - mailback
biohazards - mailback or autoclave
sharps - mainback
you can hire a medical waste transporter as well
What are the requirements of medical waste warning signage?
must be in both english and spanish
must be readily legible during daylight from distance of at least 25 ft
What is a biohazard?
biological substances that pose a threat to human and animal health
ex: microogranisms, viruses, biological toxins
What approach do you take for Biohazard Level 1?
What are examples of biohazards in this level?
precautions are minima - gloves, facial protection
wash hands and disinfect surfaces
ex: bacillus subtilis, canine hepatitis, e. coli, varicella (chicken pox)
What are some examples of Biohazard level 2s?
hepatitis B
hepatitis C
Influenza
Lyme disease
West Nile Virus
Salmonella
What are some examples of Biohazard Level 3s?
Anthrax
BSE
HIV
Mumps
SARS
Smallpox
Tuberculosis
Typhus
Yellow Fever
What are the precautions needed for Biohazard level 4?
space suit and self contained oxygen supply
entrance/exit contain multiple showers
vacuum room
UV room
multiple airlocks electronically secured to prevent doors that open up simultaneously
What are some examples of Biohazard level 4s?
Bolivian fever
Dengue fever
Ebola
Hanta virus
Lassa virus
