ABSTRACT
Healthcare organizations use a wide variety of hazardous substances, including disinfectants, sterilizing agents, solvents, chemotherapeutic drugs, compressed gases, and hazardous wastes. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), EPA, Department of Transportation (DOT), and accreditation organizations, including the Joint Commission, require healthcare organizations to properly receive, handle, manage, and dispose of hazardous materials in an effective manner. Organizations should develop and implement comprehensive written plans that protect staff, patients, and visitors. Organizations must adhere to the requirements of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), the EPA Resource Conversation and Recovery Act (RCRA), and DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations. Healthcare organizations should work to consolidate hazardous material management plans with requirements of accreditation, licensing, and regulatory agencies. Using an integrate approach would improve hazardous material safety and disposal efforts.
