Pharmacy Hazardous Waste Training

1. YOU are responsible for the proper management of Hazardous Waste materials in your area.

TRUE

FALSE

“While there are policies and procedures in place governing, and coordinators overseeing the proper management of Hazardous Waste, everyone is responsible for the materials they come into contact with here at the VAMC.”

Explanation

“While there are policies and procedures in place governing, and coordinators overseeing the proper management of Hazardous Waste, everyone is responsible for the materials they come into contact with here at the VAMC.”

2. In the event of a suspected Hazardous Waste spill, you should call the Operator at ext. 4999 for assistance and to report the spill to Safety and Security Officers.

TRUE

FALSE

“As Hazardous Waste has various degrees of toxicity, trained personnel are needed to minimize all exposures due to a spill situation.”

Explanation

“As Hazardous Waste has various degrees of toxicity, trained personnel are needed to minimize all exposures due to a spill situation.”

3. Hazardous Wastes are kept and stored in a brown paper bag, located in a pullout drawer of a metal filling cabinet in the Pharmacy Department Administration Office.

TRUE

FALSE

“Hazardous Wastes are gathered and stored in leak proof plastic bins located in the main outpatient pharmacy in Building 17. These bins are weighed and inspected at least weekly. Once filled they are processed through the Safety Officer and then sent to Federally Regulated Hazardous Waste processing facilities.”

Explanation

“Hazardous Wastes are gathered and stored in leak proof plastic bins located in the main outpatient pharmacy in Building 17. These bins are weighed and inspected at least weekly. Once filled they are processed through the Safety Officer and then sent to Federally Regulated Hazardous Waste processing facilities.”

4. Nitroglycerin and Epinephrine (for medical use) are no longer classified as Hazardous Waste.

TRUE

FALSE

“Nitroglycerin and Epinephrine products for medical use are no longer listed by the United States EPA as Hazardous Waste.”

Explanation

“Nitroglycerin and Epinephrine products for medical use are no longer listed by the United States EPA as Hazardous Waste.”

5. Only UNUSED Nicotine products (patches, lozenges, or gum) which are deemed no longer usable are classified as Hazardous Waste.

TRUE

FALSE

“Used NICOTINE products are not considered as Hazardous Waste, only UNUSED products are. Therefore used products maybe disposed of in regular trash streams.”

Explanation

“Used NICOTINE products are not considered as Hazardous Waste, only UNUSED products are. Therefore used products maybe disposed of in regular trash streams.”

6. Hazardous Waste management is fun and easy to understand, with all of the Regulations and Guidelines being listed on a simple to comprehend single page list.

TRUE

FALSE

“Hazardous Waste management is governed and regulated by multiple Federal, State, and Local agencies. This creates confusing overlap, contradictions, questionable jurisdictions. For any answers, guidance or clarification please contact either Mr. Douglas A. Davis RPh or Ms. Elisa Breeze CPhT in the Pharmacy Department at extension 6010 or 4081.”

Explanation

“Hazardous Waste management is governed and regulated by multiple Federal, State, and Local agencies. This creates confusing overlap, contradictions, questionable jurisdictions. For any answers, guidance or clarification please contact either Mr. Douglas A. Davis RPh or Ms. Elisa Breeze CPhT in the Pharmacy Department at extension 6010 or 4081.”