Demonstration of Healthcare Waste Management Tools

Developed by H2E

Janet Bowen and Mary DeverEPA Region 1617-918-1795/617-918-1717

Today’s Objectives

•BRIEF Overview of new H2E Tools

•Demonstration of the Data Collection/Benchmarking and Mercury Tool

New H2E/National Tools

• Healthcare Environmental Resource Center (HERC)

• Environmental Compliance & Improvement Guide (JCAHO)

• Waste Management Tool

• Mercury Database Tool

Healthcare Environmental Resource Center

• Formally launched April 2005 - Still under development

• Expected to integrate existing H2E website into HERC by Fall 2005

• State Locators for regulations - RCRA, Universal Waste, Infectious Waste

www.hercenter.org

Hospitals for a Healthy Environmentwww.hercenter.org

Compliance and P2 Assistance

Environmental Compliance & Improvement Guide (JCAHO)

• Purpose of Guide

To improve compliance with JCAHO Environmental of Care Standard

• Availablewww.hercenter.org/regsandstandards/

jcahointro.html

Symbols in JCAHO Guide

= Compliance

= Environmental Improvement

= Tools and Resources

Choose a Standard.

“Clip Board” Versions

Standards and Elements of Performance“Full” Versions

Compliance Language

Pollution Prevention Language

H2E Waste Management System

• Excel spreadsheet to assist hospitals track waste data – solid, hazardous, recyclable, regulated medical

• Currently being piloted with hospitals

• Register for this FREE tool at

http://www.hercenter.org/wms.html

Analyze Your Waste Streams

• List all categories and subcategories of a specific waste stream

• Determine who is responsible for each waste stream category – who manages it and who pays the bills

• Use waste bills to calculate the amount (weight or volume) and cost of each waste stream

Why Collect Waste Data?

• Helps set priorities for waste reduction

• Establishes baseline to measure success

• Helps identify potential cost reductions

• Helps identify procurement priorities

• Provides justification for your programs

Mercury Assessment Tool

• Based on CA Excel speadsheet (2002)

• Use to help inventory mercury items

• Use to calculate the amount of mercury

http://www.h2e-online.org/tools/merc-man.htm Scroll down and click Mercury Assessment Worksheet. To access

the manual open the spreadsheet and click on INSTRUCTIONS at the bottom

Demonstration

• H2E Waste Management Tool

• Mercury Assessment Tool