Guide to JCAHO Environment
of Care Standard 3.10.4
Please note: this page is under development. Contact
(603) 795-9966,
if you have questions or suggestions.
Introduction Table of Contents Checklist for 3.10.4
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Environment of Care Standard 3.10: The
organization manages hazardous materials and waste risks
Element of Performance 4. Storage
of Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Waste
The organization provides adequate and appropriate
space and equipment for safely handling and storing hazardous
materials and waste.
© 2005
Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Any
use of any or all of the Joint Commission standards and elements of
performance beyond this particular tool is strictly forbidden without
the written permission of the Joint Commission.
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This page provides a set
of criteria for evaluating a facility's
hazardous materials and hazardous waste storage areas.
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= Compliance |
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= Environmental Improvement |
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=
Tools and Resources |
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Hazardous Materials Management
Hazardous Waste Management
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Hazardous waste
is stored in non-leaking, sturdy, compatible containers.
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Containers of hazardous waste are marked with the words ¿Hazardous
Wasteî, and a descriptive name of the waste.
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Hazardous waste
storage areas are secure and prevent release to the environment (e.g.
secondary containment of containers is in use, containers are not leaking,
and containers are kept closed).
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Adequate aisle
space is maintained in hazardous waste storage area to ensure access
to containers in event of spills or leaks.
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Weekly
inspections of the hazardous waste storage areas are performed and
documented according to written procedures Inspections include
checking for leaks, corroded containers, and other potential problems.
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Storage cabinets
and/or storage rooms are available for the storage of flammable liquids.
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Hazardous waste
use is diminished to reduce spill and exposure risk. |
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Space and equipment are
provided for safe handling and storage of
hazardous waste. |
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Hazardous waste
generator size is reduced. |
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Spills |
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Spill
control and decontamination
equipment is readily available
in areas where hazardous waste is handled or stored.
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Emergency spill
hotline number is readily available. |
Regulated Medical
(Infectious) Waste
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Adequate medical
waste storage areas are provided and kept secured. Door
is labeled with OSHA biohazard symbol.
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Refrigeration available
when necessary to prevent putrefaction of medical waste.
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Specimens of blood
or other potentially infectious materials are placed in a container
which prevents leakage during collection, handling, processing, storage,
transport, or shipping.
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When moving containers
of contaminated sharps from the area of use, the containers are closed
immediately prior to removal or replacement to prevent spillage or
protrusion of contents during handling, storage, transport, or shipping.
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Certified biological
safety cabinets (Class I, II, or III) where needed are available and
used.
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Universal Waste
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Storage space for
universal waste is maintained.
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Containers are structurally
sound
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Recycling occurs
within one year of initial accumulation.
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Containers are properly
labeled with the name of the universal waste and the accumulation start
date. (e.g., “Universal Waste Batteries”).
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Records, documents,
and procedures indicate that Universal Waste (e.g., batteries) are
not stored or accumulated on site for longer than one year.
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Radioactive Materials and Waste
Facilities
and Equipment
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Facility design
incorporates appropriate spaces throughout the building for recycling,
reuse and accumulation of items for manufacturer take-back |
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Facility design
provides ample and convenient space for staging hazardous materials
and waste that facilitates recycling |
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