Managing the Navy's Infectious Medical Waste
Abstract
The Navy generates infectious medical waste in treatment facilities ranging from large hospitals in excess of 1,000 beds, to small outpatient clinics. In addition, significant amounts of medical waste are generated by ships. Current management of waste includes on-site incineration, on-site treatment followed by both on-site and off-site disposal, and contracted removal. Because of the Navy's presence throughout the world, there is a myriad of local, county, state, and national regulations that must be complied with in any method of disposal. In addition to regulatory compliance, management decisions are influenced by analysis of other risks involving public perception. That is to say, with certain treatment alternatives, there is a risk that items which are rendered non-infectious or are non-infectious from the start may turn up in the hands of the public. If these items are identifiable as related to medical treatment, there can be a false public perception that infectious waste is being disposed of improperly. The objectives of this report are as follows: Summarize the type, quantity and sources of medical waste generated by the Navy. Review infectious medical waste treatment and disposal alternatives currently used or available to the Navy. Evaluate current naval instruction and policies on medical waste, for compliance with applicable regulations. Identify weaknesses in the Navy's overall management of infectious medical waste and recommend corrective action that can be taken to achieve more effective management policy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 04, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA262003
Entities
People
- Patrick J. Hamilton
Organizations
- University of Texas at Austin