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Guide to JCAHO Environment
of Care Standard 3.10.4
© 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. Citations from JCAHO standards are ©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. These pages do not reflect any changes in the standards made after 2005. |
Please
note: this page is under development. Contact
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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. |
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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