Connecticut Medical Waste Requirements
A look at Connecticut medical waste requirements.
Medical waste in the state of Connecticut is regulated by the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP). Medical waste is often referred to as regulated medical waste, biohazardous waste, or, more simply, hazardous waste, but in Connecticut, medical waste is known as biomedical waste (BMW).
According to DEEP, medical waste, or BMW is defined as “…infectious, pathological and/or chemotherapy waste generated during the administration of medical care or the performance of medical research involving humans or animals.” State law excludes hazardous and radioactive waste from BMW.
Connecticut has very specific rules for medical waste disposal depending on the type of waste. Per DEEP, chemotherapy waste and pathological waste, including human tissue must be disposed of by incineration. Infectious waste, such as sharps and body fluids, must be disposed of via incineration or autoclaving.
Storage of medical waste is rather stringent; medical waste must be stored away from other waste materials and only accessed by authorized personnel, transporter, and treatment facility operator.
Perhaps the most peculiar regulation in the state of Connecticut is what happens when a patient asks to keep a limb or organ, whether it’s for religious or personal reasons. Because the limb or organ in question is generated at a hospital, the hospital is considered “generator,” the facility bears the responsibility of proper disposal. While it’s not exactly outlawed to pass these artifacts to patients, the state recommends that healthcare professionals caution patients about disposal practices and risks of infection.
Connecticut is one of 24 states operating an approved occupational safety and health (OSHA) program. However, the Connecticut program only covers the workplace safety and health of public sector employees. Private sector employees in Connecticut are covered by Federal OSHA.
As a medical waste generator, your best course of action is to hire a compliant medical waste disposal company to take care of the complicated disposal process. Our online OSHA Compliance program helps you train your staff on new and revised procedures. A well-trained employee means risk mitigation and better safety measures. Topics include Bloodborne Pathogens, Hazcom, HIPAA, DoT, Fire Safety, and Electrical Safety.
Contact Red Bags today to discuss how we can help you comply with your state medical waste requirements.
Service Areas: Connecticut Medical Waste; Long Island Medical Waste; New York City Medical Waste; Westchester Medical Waste and more!