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