One question that comes up frequently with our customers, is “What are my OSHA requirements”. Now we have the answer in an easy to review format to help support regulatory compliance at your practice. Our OSHA Quick Guide covers what is required for Training, MSDS, Safety Guides, and more, who should take the courses, and […]

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In 1976, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established one of the agency’s most encompassing pieces of legislation with the Resource Conservation and and Recovery Act more commonly referred to as RCRA.  The legislation was formed in direct response to public outcry regarding the limited oversight of solid waste management at the time and increasing awareness of environmental issues. […]

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In June 2017, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule under the Clean Water Act mandating specific standards to control mercury discharges into publicly owned treatment works. The EPA’s new rule requires dental practices that place or remove dental amalgam to control amalgam waste through the use of ISO 1143-certified amalgam separators.  The […]

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When communicating with customers about medical waste services, one of the first questions that is always asked is “What is disposal service going to cost?”.  This is obviously an important consideration of any purchase decision and the answer depends on different factors which involve the frequency of service, volume of wastes disposed of, and the […]

Common Medical Waste Management Mistakes

The proper management of medical waste can be a complicated process, but an extremely necessary one for any facility generating these regulated materials.  Not only can the improper handling and disposal of medical waste expose patients, healthcare providers, the public, and medical waste service providers to hazardous materials, but it can also result in serious […]

Mail Back Medical Waste Icon

If your facility generates a small volume of clinical waste or is located in rural Alaska, you might find that best disposal solution for these materials involves your mailbox.  Consider the use of USPS-authorized medical waste mail back systems as a cost effective, compliant, and efficient disposal option for wastes generated at your practice.  Through these mail back […]

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In 1991, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) established the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard to protect workers from the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens, including the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV/Aids) and the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV).  While protection from these specific viruses is of great importance, these two examples represent a portion of the […]

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It seems counter intuitive, but has your medical waste service provider ever made efforts to help you with medical waste reduction at your practice?  Chances are your current provider hasn’t and that is largely because the more waste you generate, the more your current provider is able to charge. Many practices increase their medical waste […]

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The medical waste industry is very complex and dynamic. With so many different types of medical waste, different rules and regulations from federal, state, and local entities, it can quickly become challenge managing all requirements.  Compounding this is the fact that improper management of this waste stream can result in meaningful impacts to both the […]

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Alaska medical waste regulations are managed by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (AKDEC).  Medical waste regulations are outlined in Alaska Administrative Code (18 AAC 60.030) as part of more encompassing regulations involving solid wastes.  Within this code, medical waste is defined similarly to other jurisdictions as any material that is potentially pathogenic which includes […]

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Overview of DOT Medical Waste Regulations The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) provides specific medical waste regulations which outline how generators of these materials share joint and several liabilities with their waste service provider.  Per federal law, all generators of hazardous wastes, including medical wastes, maintain some level of liability for their wastes throughout the […]

PPE Gloves

Most all health care practitioners are aware of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) role in promoting workplace safety through its Bloodborne Pathogen Standard.  This standard, established in 1991, is detailed in 29 CFR 1910.1030 and contains the specific guidelines which outline compliance requirements for any business where some potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens […]

Alaska medical waste disposal

In 2016, the universal biohazard symbol that is used to visually communicate the presence of known and potentially infectious biological material celebrated its 50th birthday.  According to The New York Times, the universal biohazard symbol was developed by Charles L. Baldwin, an Environmental Health Engineer, of Dow Chemicals in 1966.  Still in use today and […]

Envirolaska Circle

We are fortunate to live and work in one of the most spectacular places in world, Alaska.  Our remoteness, climate, and geography further support our state’s uniqueness while making the process of delivering quality health care in our communities quite remarkable.  At Entech, we believe that we can make a difference in supporting the work […]