All Points Medical Waste Blog
5 Top RCRA Compliance Violations
Are You In Violation?
The RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act) was established by the Environmental Protection Agency to oversee hazardous waste from cradle to grave. It includes oversight of the management, transportation, storage and disposal of hazardous waste. Every facility that generates this type of waste must comply with the RCRA and other regulations set forth by local, state and federal agencies in order to avoid the high cost of violations. Here’s a look at the 5 most common RCRA compliance violations:
1. No Inspection Logs
According to the EPA, areas where hazardous waste are stored must be inspected on a weekly basis to ensure that all of the materials are being safely and securely stored. It is imperative that these inspections not only take place, but also that you are logging the inspections in the event of an audit. Regular inspections and logs protect you and your facility from the risk of violation and help you to be sure that the storage area is safe.
2. Open Waste Containers
Waste containers storing hazardous waste must be closed and locked at all times. Just as with all of the different types of medical waste containers, hazardous waste containers must not be overfilled and waste must be pick up and disposed of on a regular basis to prevent spills and risk of exposure.
3. Insufficient Records
EPA and RCRA regulations require that all medical waste generators keep several different records and reports to maintain compliance. Some of these include hazardous waste manifests, waste testing and exemption reports.
4. Inadequate Staff Training
Every facility that generates medical waste must ensure that staff members are properly and consistently trained. OSHA mandates state that employees must have comprehensive training on the safe handling, management, storage and disposal of all kinds of medical waste generated in your facility.
All Points Medical Waste can help you remain compliant with the RCRA and OSHA regulations. We are a full-service family owned and operated medical waste disposal company located in Stuart, Florida serving South Florida businesses from Okeechobee County to Broward County. Give us a call today or fill out this form to learn more.