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LODI MEMORIAL HOSPITAL <br />HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MANAGEMENT PROGRAV, <br />0 <br />iii Page 1 of 2 <br />INITIATED: Jan. 1990 <br />HMMP # 512.01 <br />Medical Waste, previously called Infectious Waste is defined as <br />"Waste capable of producing an infectious disease". In order for, <br />waste to be infectious, it must contain pathogens with sufficient <br />virulence and quantity so that exposure to the waste by a <br />susceptible host could result in an infectious disease. <br />A very important part of the policies and procedures on hazardous <br />materials is that of covering Infectious Waste (IW). More <br />employees and departments are directly involved with infectious <br />wastes than any other type of hazardous material present in the <br />hospital. Of the solid wastes generated by hospitals, most are <br />non -hazardous, but as much as ten to fifteen percent by weight <br />fall into the infectious waste category. IW policies must <br />address the designation, handling, transport, storage, and <br />disposal method(s) for this waste. The poes are consistent <br />with CDC and EPA guidelines discussed above and should include <br />department -specific information. A few key points for Infectious <br />Waste Management are: <br />Owing to concerns of landfill operators and the public, <br />untreated IW should. not be transported to landfills. In so <br />instances, landfills may be willing to accept untreated IW, <br />but they often require prior notice and use special handli <br />procedures for these wastes. I <br />2. Never compact IW or comingle it with general refuse. <br />3. Do not use waste chutes for IW bags. <br />4. Sharps must be containerized in puncture resistant and <br />easily identifiable containers® Needles should never be <br />clipped. <br />5. Special handling may be required for Infectious waste which <br />also contain chemical wastes. These wastes should not be <br />incinerated in incinerators which are not permitted under <br />RCRA. <br />R <br />