EPA Focus on Hazardous Pharmaceutical Waste: White Paper Helps Hospitals Avoid Fines

Dec. 5, 2007 - PRLog -- NEWTON, MASSACHUSETTS –  A new, free white paper, titled “Managing Pharmaceutical Hazardous Waste in the Hospital,” is now available for download at: http://www.eheinc.com/hazpharmawaste.htm.      

In recent months, federal U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state Departments of Environmental Protection (DEP) have begun inspecting and citing hospitals for improper disposal of pharmaceutical hazardous waste. Pharmaceuticals are sometimes overlooked as a source of hazardous waste in hospital pharmacies and patient care areas and may be improperly combined with biohazardous medical waste.

“The misclassification and improper disposal of pharmaceuticals can lead to the hospital being issued a significant citation or fine,” said Jack McCarthy, President and co-founder of EH&E (http://www.eheinc.com), a Newton, Mass.-based environmental engineering and consulting firm.  “To avoid this, a comprehensive program must be in place and procedures adhered to by hospital personnel.”

The white paper outlines six essential components for developing an effective and compliant Hazardous Waste Drug Program, and provides insight into practical implementation strategies. The steps include:

1.   Develop Working Group
2.   Classify Formulary
3.   Prepare Written Plan
4.   Coordinate Implementation Logistics
5.   Conduct Training
6.   Monitor Process

This white paper will be applicable to those that work with and dispose of hazardous pharmaceuticals in hospitals, to environmental health & safety managers, and to compliance directors, medical staff, and pharmacy technicians.

To download the free white paper, “Managing Pharmaceutical Hazardous Waste in the Hospital,” visit: www.eheinc.com/hazpharmawaste.htm or call 1-800-825-5343.


Note to Editors:
Download images from: http://www.eheinc.com/photos.htm

Press contacts:
•   Don Goncalves, Tiziani Whitmyre, Inc., 781-793-9380, dgoncalves@tizinc.com
•   Brandie Gerrish, Tiziani Whitmyre, Inc., 781-793-9380, bgerrish@tizinc.com

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EH&E (www.eheinc.com) has provided an extensive range of environmental and engineering consulting services for 20 years. Our team consists of more than 60 experts with an outstanding record of providing business-focused solutions for issues that affect the built environment. Our new series of eH&E web compliance solutions is just the latest example of our continuing effort to provide this knowledge and information to a wider range of companies.

Website: www.eheinc.com