STUDENT GUIDE
MODULE 18: MANAGEMENT OF CHEMICAL , CYTOTOXIC , P HARMACEUTICAL AND RADIOACTIVE
WASTES
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MODULE 18: MANAGEMENT OF CHEMICAL, CYTOTOXIC, PHARMACEUTICAL AND RADIOACTIVE
WASTES
Estimated Time
Module Overview
Learning Objectives
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Student Preparation
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Review Questions
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Lecture: 1 hour
Activity: 1 hour
Describe sources and types of chemical, cytotoxic, pharmaceutical, and radioactive
wastes in a healthcare setting
Discuss risks associated with exposure to these specific wastes
Describe all aspects of management of these specific wastes
Describe treatment and disposal methods
Identify hazardous (non-infectious) wastes in a healthcare facility
Identify key steps in collection, handling, storage, transport, treatment and disposal
of these wastes
Blue Book Chapter 2, 7, 8
Think about how your facility manages chemical, cytotoxic, pharmaceutical, and
radioactive wastes
What are some sources of chemical, cytotoxic, and pharmaceutical wastes in your
facility? What are some examples of these healthcare wastes that may occur both
inside and outside of your facility? What are some major hazards and risks that are
posed by these wastes?
What are some sources of radioactive wastes in your facility? Give some examples,
as well as their hazards and risks.
How does your facility segregate chemical and pharmaceutical wastes? What about
specific wastes that have cytotoxic and/or genotoxic properties? What handling
and safety procedures are followed by those who deal directly with the wastes?
How does your facility store chemical, cytotoxic, pharmaceutical, and radioactive
wastes? What treatment and disposal methods does it use or has it used in the past
for each category of waste?
What are country/region-specific policies and guidelines for chemical and
radioactive waste management? What about international guidelines specifically
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meant for radioactive wastes? Is your facility able to follow these guidelines?
How does your facility regulate mercury? Are there plans to use alternative sources
in place of mercury and to eventually phase out its use in most medical equipment?
Does your country receive assistance from the Global Healthcare Waste Project?
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INSERT SLIDES
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INSERT READINGS/REFERENCES/HOMEWORK
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RESOURCES FOR MODULE 18 ACTIVITY
ACTIVITY: MODULE 18: EXERCISE
Knowledge and understanding of toxicity, risk of exposure, and health impact of a chemical is very important for the safe use and disposal
of chemicals in a healthcare facility. The purpose of this exercise is to learn how to find qualitative information on chemical exposure from
the label, materials safety data sheets (MSDSs) and the ILO International Occupational Safety and Health Information Centre (CIS). Use
other accompanying documents about phasing out mercury in health care and the health effects of mercury.
MSDSs are prepared by a chemical manufacturer and provide basic information on the chemical, physical properties, and related health
effects. The MSDSs gives guidance on using, storing and handling substances safely on the job and in emergencies such as fires and spills.
However, information on MSDSs may be incomplete or inaccurate. MSDSs are another piece of information that can help to better
understand workplace exposures. The CIS forms contain information on types of hazard/exposure, acute symptoms, prevention and first
aid/fire fighting.
Module 18: Exercise: __________________________ [Note to instructor: fill in the name of the selected chemical in the blank]
You have been provided a number of resources, including MSDSs and CIS forms. Discuss the following in your groups:
a. Describe the potential health effects from exposure to this chemical?
b. Does this chemical cause cancer? What other health effects does this chemical cause?
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c. What are the ways this chemical can get into the body?
d. What are the symptoms from exposure to this chemical?
e. What does this chemical look like?
f.
How should this chemical be stored?
g. What are the recommendations for limiting exposure when using this chemical?
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h. Does this chemical cause environmental harm?
Now think about your facility and answer these questions
1. Location of use and storage (for example, is it stored in a locked cabinet, with what other chemicals is it stored?)
2. Is there a standard operating procedure on how this chemical is stored, used and disposed?
3. How many people have access or how many staff use this chemical?
4. Do they receive any training on how to safely use this chemical?
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5. Describe common causes of exposure?
6. What protective equipment is used while handling this chemical?
7. What happens if there is a spill or accident? Describe key steps in your protocol.
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DE-BRIEF AND SUMMARY NOTES
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