1. Sterilizers using EtO should have how many chambers? After February 28, 2010, a single chamber process is required for ethylene oxide (ETO) treatment of medical equipment and devices in hospitals and healthcare facilities.

For more information see HERC's Sterilants and Disinfectants section.

2. What RICE work practice standards do I need to follow for a 600 HP emergency generator?Assuming your generator is used only for emergency use and less than 100 hours/year for testing, the following practices must be followed for area and major sources:

Work Practice Standard

1. Change oil and filter every 500 hours of operation, or annually, whichever comes first.
2. Inspect air cleaner every 1000 hours of operation or annually, whichever comes first.
3. Inspect all hoses and belts every 500 hours of operator or annually, whichever comes first, replace as necessary

To check on your responsibilities for other sized generators or different operating conditions, see the Combustion Portal Applicability Tool.

For information on boilers, generators and related equipment, see HERC's Healthcare Facility Management section.

3. What’s the right way to manage epinephrine wastes? Under federal regulations, if the sole active ingredient is an epi salt (bicarb, HCl, etc.), then it is not a hazardous waste. If the sole active ingredient is the epi base, then it is a hazardous waste and must be managed as such.

However, be sure to check with your state environmental agency. Some states (e.g., Hawaii) are not following the federal guidelines and your epi waste may need to be managed as a hazardous waste. Find a state agency contact using the Hazardous Waste State Resources Locator.

For more information, see HERC's Pharmaceutical Wastes in Healthcare Facilities section.

Visit the New Veterinary Compliance Assistance Center
The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) launched the Veterinary Compliance Assistance Center (VetCA) on July 15, 2011. VetCA, developed with the assistance of the American Veterinary Medical Association, provides veterinarians with everything they need to know
about meeting environmental regulatory obligations, all in one place. VetCA includes tools, references, links, and best practices, designed to uncomplicate the maze of environmental regulations facing vets. VetCA covers hazardous material/waste, medical waste, carcass disposal, facility issues, and more.

Healthcare Waste Conference – May 2-3, 2012 – Dallas Convention Center, Dallas, Texas
The Healthcare Waste Institute’s annual Healthcare Waste Conference (formerly the Medical Waste Conference) is the only show in the United States strictly devoted to healthcare waste. The event focuses on the latest regulatory, legislative, and technical issues that affect the healthcare waste business, and attracts key decision makers from around the world.
Use code MW1 for 25% off! www.healthcarewasteconf.com

ETO Update. After February 28, 2010, a single chamber process is required for ethylene oxide (ETO) treatment of medical equipment and devices in hospitals and healthcare facilities. More ...

National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAP) for Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines (RICE). Any healthcare facility with either emergency or non-emergency generators should be aware of the implications of this wide-reaching rule, which may require retrofits of existing generators. More...

Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC). On Nov. 5, 2009 EPA promulgated revisions to the December 2008 amendments. Regulated facilities must develop and implement SPCC Plans that establish procedures and equipment requirements to help prevent oil discharges from reaching navigable waters. More...

On September 25, 2009, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a series of steps that building owners and school administrators should take to reduce exposure to PCBs that may be found in caulk in hospitals constructed or renovated between 1950 and 1978. More.

New Federal Rule Establishes Requirements During Renovation, Repair and Painting Activities that Disturb Lead-Based Paint
The covered facilities include parts of hospitals where children under age six are present on a regular basis. The rule applies to renovation, repair or painting activities. (More information.)

Healthcare in New England. A guide to environmental resources and assistance for hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

Sustainable Healthcare. Current information and breaking news on sustainable practices, conferences/ workshops, and MLB maintained by Virginia Thompson, winner of the 2009 Federal Women's Program Heroine Award.

EPA proposes to add Hazardous Pharmaceutical Waste to Universal Waste Rule. See Fact Sheet.

Disposal of Unused Medications
—Advice for Households
This fact sheet provides guidance to private citizens on ways to safely dispose of unused medications.

Dental Wastes: This fact sheet HERC provides is an overview of best management practices for handling and recycle/disposal of wastes commonly generated at dental offices, including amalgam, x-ray wastes, cleaners, etc. More...

Epinephrine Fact Sheet: This fact sheet provides information to assist healthcare facilities with hazardous waste determinations regarding epinephrine wastes (PO42). For Information on state rules, download PharmWaste Technologies state summary.

Need help in carrying out your waste reduction, mercury elimination, or environmental compliance program? Practice Greenhealth can show you the way.

New Library Feature
added to HERC