Function Specific Training

Certain types of medical waste require special treatment and packaging

Sharps

• Require sharps containers

Pathological waste

• Requires incineration

• Requires special labeling to ensure incineration

Trace-chemotherapeutic waste

• Requires incineration

• Requires special labeling to ensure incineration

Regulated Medical Waste Sharps

Sharps• Needles

• Scalpels

• Broken capillary tubes

• Broken glass

• Anything that can puncture

Requirements

• Must be placed in a sharps container prior to being packaged to prevent exposure

• Lids must be secured ensure the sharps are properly contained for shipment

• No liquids should be in the sharps containers

Regulated Medical Wastes Requiring Incineration

Pathological Waste

• Organs

• Tissues

• Animals

• NO FULL HUMAN REMAINS

Requirements

• Must be properly labeled for incineration

• Typically packaged in disposable containers (cardboard boxes or fiber drums)

• No free flowing liquids

Trace-chemotherapeutic waste

• IV bags, gowns, gloves and other disposable items

Certain wastes are not acceptable as regulated medical waste

• Complete human remains.

• Compressed gas cylinders, canisters, inhalers and aerosol cans.

• Medical devices containing mercury.

• Pharmaceutical wastes.

• Bulk chemotherapeutic wastes.

• Chemicals.

• Hazardous waste.

• Radioactive waste.

Regulated medical waste requires specific markings and

labels

Regulated medical waste packaging requires the following:

• Inner packaging

• Outer packaging

• Liners tied of securely

• Lids and tops secured

• Proper labels and markings

• ContainmentNo leaking containers

Regulated medical waste containment requires two

layers of packaging

• Inner Packaging• Outer packaging

Regulated medical waste inner packaging

• Inner Packaging Red bag liners (usually provided by

transporter) Require US DOT compliance

ASTM D 1922 and ASTM D 1709 Certified Impact and tear resistance

Regulated medical waste outer packaging

Bulk versus non-bulk

Non-bulk

• Boxes, reusable tubs, containers less than 119 gallons in size

Bulk

• Roll off containers or large carts in excess of 119 gallons

Regulated medical waste label and marking requirements

include:• Biohazard symbol Acceptable in place of the

infectious substance label (29CFR 1910.1003(g))

• UN3291

• Transporter Information

• Generator Information

• Emergency Number

Instructions for the proper

packaging of regulated medical

waste boxes

Instructions for the proper

packaging of regulated

medical waste

reusable containers

What is acceptable in RMW containers?

If medical waste containers are not packaged properly

If regulated medical waste containers are

improperly packaged, they will be

rejected by the transporter. The

containers must be properly marked,

labeled, and sealed. The generator must

repackage the containers for the next

scheduled pick up.

Shipping of medical waste requires proper shipping papers

Shipping papers are also often referred

to as manifests. This document

ensures that the waste is properly

characterized, shipped, and treated

from the point of generation to the

ultimate disposal of the material.

Below is a sample of a medical waste manifest

The generator section identifies who generated the regulated medical waste, and how much medical waste was shipped

The generator’s certification confirms that the shipping papers are correct and properly identify

the quantities and materials that are shipped.

The transporters certify that they have received the materials as described in

the generator section.

The destination or treatment facility confirms the receipt and processing of

the regulated medical waste.