Hazardous Materials Management Flashcards

What is the EPA Universal Waste rule and how does it apply to healthcare facilities?

Answer: It provides streamlined management standards for common hazardous wastes like batteries, mercury thermostats, and certain lamps

The Universal Waste rule simplifies management requirements for widely generated hazardous wastes such as batteries, mercury-containing equipment, pesticides, and lamps.

What is the purpose of secondary containment for hazardous chemical storage?

Answer: To capture spills or leaks and prevent hazardous materials from reaching drains, soil, or groundwater

Secondary containment captures spills and leaks from primary containers to prevent environmental contamination.

Under DOT regulations, which hazard class covers infectious substances during transportation?

Answer: Class 6, Division 6.2 Infectious Substances

DOT classifies infectious substances under Class 6, Division 6.2, covering materials known to contain pathogens that can cause disease.

What is the role of a Chemical Hygiene Officer in a healthcare facility laboratory?

Answer: To develop, implement, and oversee the Chemical Hygiene Plan and ensure compliance with the Laboratory Standard

The Chemical Hygiene Officer develops and implements the Chemical Hygiene Plan and ensures laboratory compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1450.

What type of spill kit should be available in areas where mercury-containing devices are used?

Answer: A mercury spill kit containing sulfur powder, collection containers, and specialized cleanup tools

Mercury spill kits contain specialized materials like sulfur powder to amalgamate mercury droplets, aspiration devices, and sealed containers.

What is the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit for ethylene oxide, a common healthcare sterilization agent?

Answer: 1 ppm as an 8-hour time-weighted average

OSHA PEL for ethylene oxide is 1 ppm as an 8-hour TWA, with an excursion limit of 5 ppm over 15 minutes.