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tjp <br />tae ly's Medical Center <br />Hazardous Gases and Vapors <br />Handled, used, stored and/or otherwise emitted include, but are not limited to: <br />• Formaldehyde —10% buffered Formalin solution (4% formaldehyde) is used primarily for the <br />purpose of preserving tissue and specimens in Pathology Lab, OR and L&D. <br />• Anesthetic Gases — For example: Nitrous Oxide is commonly used in the OR and OPS for <br />general anesthesia and certain cryogenic processes. Halogenated anesthetics (Desflurane, <br />Halothane, Isoflurane and/or Sevoflurane) may also be used for general anesthesia. <br />• Various compressed gas cylinders, including oxygen, medical air, nitrous oxide and nitrogen. <br />Systems for the identification and management of hazardous gases and vapors include, but are not <br />limited to: <br />• Mechanical ventilation, administrative controls, personal protective equipment and periodic <br />exposure monitoring for operations that involve the handling of solvents, reagents, fixatives <br />and other chemicals that may produce fugitive emissions, volatilize or otherwise off -gas into <br />occupied spaces and/or work areas; <br />• Personnel monitoring, system assessments, local exhaust ventilation/scavenger units and <br />alarm systems for the control of waste anesthetic gases (including nitrous oxide) and harmful <br />sterilant gases (such as ethylene oxide); and <br />• Systems for the proper securing and safe management of compressed gas cylinders. <br />Waste Management <br />Hazardous wastes will be managed from the point at which the material becomes a waste until its <br />final disposition or the point at which it is no longer hazardous. Waste streams include: <br />Chemical <br />Regulated pharmaceutical <br />Chemotheraputic <br />Radioactive and Medical wastes <br />Department managers (in conjunction with the Safety Officer) will evaluate waste streams to <br />ensure waste materials from all processes; procedures and operations are correctly characterized <br />and classified, per regulatory criteria. Department -specific waste determination and classification <br />must be documented and preserved for as long as the waste stream is generated, plus at least <br />three years (22 CCR 66262.11). <br />Department programs include waste source reduction and minimization components, such as <br />procurement and inventory control, encouraging full use and appropriate empty container <br />management, and acceptable/permitted on-site treatment processes. <br />Hazardous wastes are collected and accumulated on site in two main accumulation areas and in <br />satellite accumulation areas near the point of generation. These accumulation areas are provided <br />with structural features, containers, signage, equipment, and supplies conducive to occupational <br />safety, spill prevention and control, and environmental protection. <br />simc 6 Revised 1/10 <br />