Healthcare facilities will always generate hazardous waste because of the materials used. Hazardous waste that is not well managed and disposed of can have adverse effects on the health of human beings and the immediate environment around the hospital (Blackman, 2001). Those responsible for healthcare facility planning should always consider putting in place the necessary measures and strategies to effectively manage hazardous waste in healthcare facilities in line with legal and regulatory requirements. An effective waste management outline will ensure the waste generated in the healthcare facility does not impact negatively the environment and human health.
Chemical products, radioactive waste, and chemotherapy agents are examples of hazardous wastes generated in healthcare facilities (Blackman, 2001). Some of the dangerous characteristics of hazardous wastes include toxicity, corrosivity, reactivity, and ignitability. Most of the hazardous waste in health facilities is generated in X-rays units, operating rooms, laboratories, pharmacies, and laundry areas. There are quite a several strategies that can be used to effectively manage hazardous waste in healthcare facilities. To begin with, hazardous waste must be sorted and stored in well-labeled containers that should always remain closed (Reinhardt, 1991). According to the state of Utah regulation on hazardous waste management, the waste should not be accumulated for more than 180 days and 600kg should be the maximum quantity. Secondly, there should be weekly inspections to check for any leaks or any kind of deterioration and the inspection report documented. All hazardous waste management facilities must be regularly maintained to minimize any risks of explosions, fires, and accidental release of the waste (Reinhardt, 1991).
For proactive measures, several plans need to be put in place to cater to emergencies (Blackman, 2001). The alarm systems and other communication channels should be accessible for fast communication and response in case of an emergency as a result of hazardous waste. The healthcare facility management should make emergency arrangements with the state emergency authorities for help in case of any emergencies (Blackman, 2001). Satellite accumulation areas that have less than 55 containers should be located near the generation point with all the containers marked and closed. The satellite areas should be always under the watch of an operator who should ensure that the standard procedure of hazardous waste disposal is followed. There are various bodies within the United States and specifically the state of Utah that are responsible for regulating hazardous wealth management and disposal (Reinhardt, 1991). These bodies operate at the federal or state level and have turf penalties for hazardous waste generators that do not comply with the laid down requirements. Some of the common regulatory bodies include OSHA, JCAHO, DHHS, and CLIA.
Each type of waste has specific regulations governing its disposal and management and therefore the healthcare facility should always be in touch with waste management experts for advice to ensure that no rule is violated. The local sewer authority should approve which type of hazardous waste should be discharged in the local sanitary sewer. The healthcare facility should furnish the local sewer treatment authority with all discharge reports with a certificate of waste minimization program.
References
Blackman, W. C. (2001). Basic hazardous waste management. New York, NY: Lewis Publishers.
Reinhardt, P. A. (1991). Infectious and medical waste management. New York, NY: Lewis Publishers.