Medical Waste Disposal for Funeral Homes

January 20, 2023

Medical Waste Disposal for Funeral Homes

Medical Waste Disposal for Funeral Homes. Funeral homes receive bodies from several sources that include both known and unknown medical conditions and diseases states. They also receive human bodies in a variety of physical states from hospitals, hospice, in-home deaths, and the coroner’s office. The job of the funeral home can run from preparing a body for a service to ensuring cremation. All expose the staff and the funeral home location to medical waste that can be potentially dangerous and therefore there are local, state, and federal compliance laws set in place to protect individuals, the community, and the environment.

Types of Funeral Home Waste

Medical waste that is generated at a funeral home is most often considered to be biohazardous. This is due to the variety of health conditions of the bodies that they must deal with.

• Blood: If a body is to be embalmed, it requires that the blood be drained from the veins, and it is then replaced with embalming fluid through the arteries. The embalming process helps to keep the body from deteriorating and consists of several toxic chemicals. The blood that is drained from the body is allowed to be disposed of through standard drain systems which is then cleaned when it enters water waste management.
• Medications/Pharmaceuticals are not only the medicines that the deceased may have taken when they were ill but also may include trace elements of chemotherapy agents during cancer or other treatments.
• Sharps are considered to be any object that can pierce the skin that may contain elements that can contaminate or infect people, the community, and/or the environment. Funeral homes are often required to use a variety of sharps including but not limited to scissors, scalpels, knives, trocars, and incision needles.
• Swabs and Dressings are any items that have been contaminated to bodily fluids that may be contaminated and are required to be disposed of properly to avoid infecting staff, any other individuals, the community, and the environment.
• Masks, Gloves, and Gowns are required to be worn by employees to protect them from the spread of diseases and infections as they work on the bodies. These items can contain biohazardous medical waste as well as chemicals that are hazardous.
• Tissue builders, cosmetics, adhesives, and cosmetics are other products that are used in the preparation of a body. These may contain solvents or chlorinated compounds that are toxic such as trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene and are used topically. The gauze and swabs used for application are considered to be hazardous waste as well the chemicals themselves.

Almost all funeral homes contract with a medical waste disposal company for the removal of all toxic, hazardous, and medical waste. All employees at a funeral home are required to have extensive training on the correct disposal, labeling, and storage of medical waste. Funeral directors are required to be aware of and comply with all local, state, and federal guidelines regarding medical waste and OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) guidelines for the safety and protection of their staff and any people that enter the facility.

Why is Medical Waste Disposal Important for Funeral Homes?

Funeral homes must take the appropriate precautions to ensure that medical waste is disposed of properly. As a result, they may be subject to fines if they fail to comply with regulations. Additionally, improper disposal of medical waste can result in serious health risks. It is essential that funeral homes have a plan in place to properly manage and dispose of medical waste.

Medical waste is classified as biohazardous, and therefore must be disposed of in a way that does not pose a risk to people or the environment. It is important for funeral homes to understand the types of medical waste they generate and the regulations and guidelines that apply to their disposal.

Regulations and Guidelines to Follow for Medical Waste Disposal

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have regulations and guidelines in place to ensure that medical waste is disposed of in a safe and responsible manner.

The EPA regulates the generation, transportation, treatment, and disposal of medical waste. Funeral homes must take the necessary steps to ensure that they are in compliance with state and federal regulations.

OSHA also has regulations and guidelines in place to ensure the safe handling and disposal of medical waste. These regulations cover things such as the proper storage and labeling of medical waste, the use of personal protective equipment, and the proper disposal of medical waste.

It is important for funeral homes to be aware of the regulations and guidelines that apply to their medical waste disposal and to ensure that they are in compliance.

Benefits of Using a Professional Medical Waste Disposal Service

Using a professional medical waste disposal service has many benefits. These services provide funeral homes with safe, cost-effective, and compliant disposal of medical waste. They also provide convenience and peace of mind, as funeral homes do not have to worry about managing and disposing of medical waste on their own.

Professional medical waste disposal services also provide training and education on the proper handling and disposal of medical waste. This helps to ensure that funeral homes are in compliance with regulations and guidelines.

A professional medical waste disposal service can also provide funeral homes with a comprehensive waste management plan. This plan can help funeral homes ensure that they are taking the appropriate steps to manage and dispose of medical waste in a safe and responsible manner.

Bio-MED Medical Waste Management Services

Bio-MED is a leading provider of medical waste management services. They provide funeral homes with a comprehensive waste management plan that includes safe and compliant medical waste disposal.

Bio-MED’s medical waste disposal services include on-site treatment in their own medical waste processing plant and off-site collection and transportation, as well as hazardous waste management.

They also provide training and education on the proper handling and disposal of medical waste with a complete online compliance training program.

Bio-MED is dedicated to providing funeral homes with the highest level of service and support. Their team of experienced professionals is available to provide assistance and guidance to ensure that funeral homes are in compliance with regulations and guidelines. Contact Bio-MED today to see how much you can save!

Tips for Safe and Effective Medical Waste Disposal

Funeral homes should take the necessary steps to ensure that they are following regulations and guidelines when disposing of medical waste. Here are some tips to help ensure safe and effective medical waste disposal:

• Store medical waste in a secure area.
• Use personal protective equipment when handling medical waste.
• Ensure that the container is sealed, labeled, and properly packaged for transport.
• Keep your medical waste records for at least three years.
• Use a professional medical waste disposal service.

It is important for funeral homes to take the appropriate steps to ensure that medical waste is disposed of in a safe and responsible manner.

Conclusion

Medical waste disposal is an important responsibility for funeral homes. It is essential that funeral homes understand the regulations and guidelines that apply to their medical waste disposal and take the necessary steps to ensure that they are complying.

Using a professional medical waste disposal service can help funeral homes ensure that they are disposing of medical waste in a safe and responsible manner. Bio-MED is a leading provider of medical waste management services. Contact Bio-MED today to see how much you can save!