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 GuideTo improve compliance with JCAHO

Environmental of Care Standard

• Availablewww.hercenter.org/regsandstandards/jcahoint

ro.html

How does the JCAHO Guide Work?

JCAHO standards address an organization’s performance in key functional areas. Each standard is presented as a series of "Elements of Performance" (EP) -- expectations that establish the broad framework that JCAHO surveyors use to evaluate a facility's performance.

Many of the environmentally relevant Elements of Performance fall under the Environment of Care (EC) standard, but others are included in the Human Resources (HR) and Leadership (LD) standards.

The Guide relates each JCAHO Element of Performance to specific federal regulations, to help facilities be in compliance with both.

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.htmScroll 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