State Medical Waste Regulations for Pennsylvania

The disposal, storage and transfer of medical waste is a component in the operations of hospitals, health clinics, dental practices and medical research facilities. It is extremely important for the health of workers, as well as the general public, that the proper rules are followed in the disposal of infectious hazardous waste. There are local, state and federal guidelines that must be observed. Pennsylvania is no exception.

Medical waste disposal regulations in Pennsylvania, including the city of Pittsburg PA, are managed by the state’s Department of Environmental Protection. The state is also covered at the federal level by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and their Occupational Exposure in Bloodbourne Pathogens Standards.

As these guidelines cover all aspects of dealing with medical waste. For example, waste can be kept in a storage container at room temperature until it has become full, but not in excess of 30 days from the time the first waste materials were introduced to the container. If during this time the waste have become putrescent it must be picked up and transported off-site within 24 hours.

Filled storage containers may be kept in a refrigerated unit for up to 30 days from the time the first waste was introduced to the container. After this time period the container can be frozen for up to 90 days from the date waste items were first introduced to the container.

The Pennsylvania Code is an official publication of the state and it sets forth guidelines for Regulated Medical and Chemotherapeutic Waste in the following areas:

• General permits — concerns issuing permits to facilities including the application process, public notice, review period, approval and renewal.
• Transfer facilities — addresses the application, operation and storage requirements for medical waste.
• Processing facilities — related to requirements for plans to monitor and operate medical waste processing facilities.
• Segregation and storage — details the specifics of segregation, storage, labeling and the duration of storage of regulated medical waste.
• Collection and transport — concerns the transportation of medical waste offsite.

The regulation of medical waste is a serious concern for all municipalities. Failure to comply with the regulations can result in heavy fines for the offenders, however, the importance for compliance is critical for public safety.

Categorised in: Pittsburgh

This post was written by Dev