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Infection Prevention & Control Program <br />A. Purpose <br />The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act requires that generators of hazardous <br />waste "have a program in place to reduce the volume and toxicity of waste generated to <br />the extent that is economically practical". A hazardous waste minimization program is an <br />organized, comprehensive, and continual effort to reduce waste generation. <br />Generators of hazardous waste are urged to equate costs of original materials with the <br />costs of disposal, since the costs are often substantially higher than the original material <br />cost. Curtailing the generation of wastes not only cuts costs of disposal but also provides <br />for a cleaner and safer workplace. <br />The following guidelines are designed to help the care centers reduce their amounts of <br />waste: <br />® Avoid over purchasing <br />® Review material procurement specifications and limit the amount of purchasers <br />per department <br />• Accept raw materials only after inspection <br />® Conduct frequent inventory checks <br />® Ensure that inventory quantity does not go to waste <br />® Test outdated materials for effectiveness <br />• Verify shelf life expiration dates <br />® Return expired materials to supplier. <br />® Ensure all containers are properly labeled <br />® Eliminate shelf life requirements for stable compounds <br />® Store containers in a way which facilitates visual inspection for corrosion and <br />leaks <br />® Stack, containers in a way to minimize the chance of tipping, puncturing, or <br />breaking <br />• Maintain MSDS to correctly handle spill situations <br />® Store and handle materials according to manufacturer's instructions <br />• Empty containers thoroughly before disposing of them <br />® Use water soluble paints and inks instead of solvent base <br />® Reduce the number of different solvents used <br />® Use aqueous cleaners <br />0 Prevent mixing of hazardous waste with non -hazardous waste <br />1. All employees shall receive training regarding what constitutes regulated waste. <br />Examples of other waste that should be handled with care but need not be "red <br />bagged" include: <br />Infection. Prevention & Control Program <br />March 2009 <br />