Regulated Medical Waste Management Course #498
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Questions and Answers

Under the 'Medical Waste Tracking Act of 1988,' the EPA concluded that:

  • Due to the biological instability of most microorganisms commonly regarded as human pathogens, the actual adverse environmental or public health consequences or risks were negligible
  • The disease-causing potential of medical waste is greatest at the point of generation
  • Medical waste primarily represents an occupational health hazard
  • All of the above are correct (correct)

    • Which of the following federal agencies is responsible for safe and healthy working conditions?

  • OSHA (correct)
  • FDA
  • EPA
  • NIOSH

    • All of the following statements with respect to the responsibilities of an Office Medical Waste manager are correct except which one?

  • Should develop, implement, and maintain a written RMW management protocol that meets federal, state, and local requirements
  • Should be familiar with pertinent federal, state, and local requirements for RMW management
  • Act as advisor on RMW management matters to all office personnel
  • Is solely responsible for the creation and maintenance of a safe and healthy work environment (correct)

    • Waste generated in healthcare facilities may be categorized as:

    <p>All of the above are correct</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Based on the OSHA definition, RMW generated in oral healthcare settings may include:

    <p>All of the above are correct</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All of the following are considered preventive measures to minimize occupational exposure to RMW except which one?

    <p>Maintaining a sharps injury log</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All of the following statements with respect to waste segregation and office waste are correct except which one?

    <p>There are very specific requirements for the containment of office waste</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All of the following statements related to medical waste are correct except which one?

    <p>Unfixed oral tissues removed during surgery are not considered RMW</p> Signup and view all the answers

    As many as one-third of all sharps injuries occur during the disposal process as a result of:

    <p>All of the above are correct</p> Signup and view all the answers

    OSHA mandates that:

    <p>All of the above are correct</p> Signup and view all the answers

    NIOSH recommends:

    <p>All of the above are correct</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about the sharps disposal container is correct?

    <p>All of the above are correct</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements related to the safe handling of contaminated needles is correct?

    <p>All of the above are correct</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All of the following statements related to solid RMW are correct except which one?

    <p>Autoclavable bags need to be labeled after sterilization</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All of the following statements related to liquid RMW generated by suctioning during surgical procedures are correct except which one?

    <p>Liquid RMW may decant into the hand washing sink if no surgical sink exists</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All of the following statements about storing RMW prior to disposal are correct except which one?

    <p>RMW may be stored under the sink in the treatment room</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All of the following statements relative to the disposal of RMW are correct except which one?

    <p>The disposal of RMW is regulated by specific OSHA mandates</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All of the following statements relative to off-site shipping of RMW for treatment and disposal are correct except which one?

    <p>Biohazard bags must meet impact resistance by ASTM D1709 for shipping</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements related to recordkeeping, reporting, and tracking of RMW is correct?

    <p>All of the above are correct</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements related to spills of infectious material is correct?

    <p>All of the above are correct</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Medical Waste Management Overview

    • The Medical Waste Tracking Act of 1988 concluded that medical waste has negligible public health risks due to biological instability of pathogens.
    • Medical waste poses the greatest risk at its point of generation; it is considered an occupational health hazard.

    Regulatory Agencies

    • OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is responsible for ensuring safe and healthy working conditions.
    • Other agencies involved include EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), FDA (Food and Drug Administration), and NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health).

    Roles and Responsibilities

    • An Office medical Waste Manager must be familiar with federal, state, and local regulations but is not solely responsible for workplace safety.
    • Key responsibilities include developing and maintaining an RMW management protocol.

    Waste Classification

    • Waste generated in healthcare can be categorized into office waste, hazardous waste, universal waste, and medical waste.
    • Regulated medical waste (RMW) in dental settings includes contaminated sharps and items that could leak blood or OPIM when compressed.

    Preventive Measures

    • Engineering controls, work practice controls, and personal protective equipment are essential to minimize exposure to RMW.
    • Maintaining a Sharps injury log is not considered a preventive measure.

    Waste Segregation

    • Various waste categories must be separated at their points of origin, including office and hazardous waste.
    • Office waste has specific containment requirements, whereas the majority of waste in oral healthcare settings is typically office waste.

    Medical Waste Identification

    • Used needles, scalpel blades, and other sharp objects are classified as RMW regardless of usage status.
    • Items such as gauze and disposable materials with minimal contamination are generally not considered RMW.

    Sharps Injury Prevention

    • One-third of sharps injuries occur during disposal due to poor container design, placement, or handling practices.
    • OSHA mandates that sharps containers be puncture-resistant, leak-proof, and properly labeled.

    Sharps Container Specifications

    • NIOSH recommends sharps containers be accessible, appropriately sized, and within easy reach of users.
    • Containers must be kept upright to prevent spills and must allow for one-handed disposal.

    Safe Handling Protocols

    • Contaminated needles must never be broken or sheared, and specific techniques for recapping are required to prevent injuries.

    Solid and Liquid RMW Regulations

    • Solid RMW must be stored in closed, leak-proof containers, legally defined by OSHA.
    • Liquid RMW handling has stringent regulations; decanting into sinks is often restricted.

    Storage and Disposal Guidelines

    • RMW must be stored in designated, compliant areas, not simply under sinks.
    • Disposal requires treatment methods like autoclaving, microwave sterilization, or chemical disinfection, primarily regulated by state laws.

    Recordkeeping and Accountability

    • Some states mandate recordkeeping for RMW quantities generated and their disposal.
    • Generators may need to provide documentation for off-site treatment.

    Spill Management

    • Immediate cleanup of infectious waste spills is essential, using proper PPE and EPA-registered disinfectants.
    • Small spills should be managed by cleaning visible organic matter with absorbent materials into biohazard containers.

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    Description

    Test your knowledge on the Medical Waste Tracking Act of 1988 and understand the critical aspects of regulated medical waste management. This quiz covers essential concepts, risks, and regulations associated with medical waste to ensure safe handling and disposal.

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