Author: Trade Craft

MedSharps Completes Environmental Facility Review Practiced by Fortune 500 Companies

Posted on by Trade Craft

On October 5th, 2022, MedSharps was formally recognized by CHWMEG for successfully completing its Facility Review Program (FRP).

CHWMEG is a trade association of manufacturing and industrial organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies that have created initiatives to reduce, recycle or reuse the waste associated with their operations. These initiatives are part of a global effort to minimize negative impacts on our environment.

MedSharps now joins Fortune 500 companies in CHWMEG’s member organization, which includes tech giants Apple, Google, and energy sector companies like Chevron, Exxon/Mobil, and General Electric.

MedSharps President Rob Marshall said, “We’re honored to be recognized along with some very distinguished companies. Receiving this award is just confirmation that we’re aligned with other forward-thinking environmentally conscious organizations.”

To gain recognition from CHWMEG, a business must pass a Facility Review Program (FRP) which looks at an organization’s methods of treatment, disposal, storage, and recycling of manufactured wastes. The Facility Review Program consisted of an inspection of the headquarter’s facility and a thorough review of MedSharps’ policies and procedures.

Marshall also commented, “It’s an exciting accomplishment for the company. It validates our practices of high standards and reinforces our commitment to our customers and the environment.”

Running a facility that exceeds industry environmental standards is just one facet of MedSharps’ overall commitment. Some other highlights to take note of are:

HIPAA, EPA, and OSHA Compliant

MedSharps’ disposal, treatment, storage, and recycling procedures are compliant with all federal, state, and local regulatory agencies. Regulations can change or be modified on short notice but MedSharps stays informed and keeps clients up to date on any modified rules. MedSharps is also fully certified by several federal agencies including the Center for Veterans Enterprise (CVE).

Insurance that Exceeds Industry Standards

While most medical waste disposal companies are insured for up to $1,000,000, MedSharps exceeds industry standard with general liability coverage of $2,000,000.

Comprehensive Removal, Treatment and Disposal

MedSharps is full service when it comes to medical waste. They provide biohazard containers to collect used single-use and reusable sharps, remove the medical waste from facilities on a scheduled basis, treat the medical waste with an autoclave or other methods and properly dispose of the waste per OSHA, EPA, and HIPPA guidelines. MedSharps can also customize services to companies that have different needs.

Mailback Program

For at home sharps users, MedSharps offers a mailback program. Customers can purchase a sharps container and return them when full using free shipping.

Paper Destruction and E-Waste

MedSharps also offers paper shredding and e-waste destruction services. We are certified by the National Association of Information Destruction (NAID) and will provide secure on-site services for any sized job.

Customer Service

MedSharps offers on-demand customer service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If a customer needs help, at any time or day of the week, someone at MedSharps will be available to assist. 

Family Owned and Operated

MedSharps is a family owned and operated business that values loyalty and customer relationships above profit margins.

Competitive Pricing

A full range of outstanding services are presented to every prospective customer in the form of competitive pricing free of hidden fees, surcharges or long term contracts. MedSharps believes in total transparency when quoting a job as this is the best way to assure customers receive a fair price and excellent customer service.

“Getting an award for your efforts is always a good thing, and we’ll display this plaque from CHWMEG proudly,” Marshall said, “But nothing is more important or makes us more proud than helping our customers and giving them the assurance that we do things the right way.”

 

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Medical Waste Removal: It’s Not Just for Hospitals

Posted on by Trade Craft

Sharps containers and colored medical disposal bags are a common sight at hospitals, medical clinics, and doctor’s offices; but there are many other types of businesses that generate medical waste. Regardless of the type or quantity created by businesses, they all require a medical waste management plan.

 

OSHA’s blood-borne pathogen standard protects “employees who work in occupations where they are at risk of exposure to blood or potentially infectious materials.” This means that any industry where needles are used or where medical waste is created falls under this standard, and regulations must be followed to maintain compliance. 

 

Regardless of the regulations, laws, and potential fines from OSHA, HIPAA, the FDA, or the EPA; improper handling of medical waste can compromise the safety of staff, patients, customers, and the general public. It can also lead to serious issues like environmental pollution. 

 

Here are a few examples of businesses that might need a medical waste management plan

  • Dental Offices/Oral Surgeons – In many cases, dentists and oral surgeons use the same tools and equipment you’d find in a clinic or hospital. Sharps, blood-contaminated waste and other bio-hazardous materials require the correct containers and a waste management plan to ensure proper disposal.
  • Spas/Beauty Salons/Estheticians – These types of facilities often use needles for injectable beauty products. Any gauze or tissue that comes into contact with blood needs to be treated as medical waste. These facilities are held to the same OSHA standards as hospitals or medical clinics.
  • Pharmacies – Many pharmacies offer seasonal flu shots or other vaccines to their customers. The used syringes need to be disposed of properly in a sharps container to ensure the safety of their staff and customers.
  • Veterinary Practices – Even though the patients aren’t human, veterinarians still use syringes to administer shots, and certain surgical procedures will create biohazardous medical waste.
  • Tattoo Studios – The needle a tattoo artist uses should be considered a sharp because it can be contaminated with blood and could present a hazard if not properly disposed of. An industry-standard sharps container should be part of their waste management plan. This includes any needles used for body piercings.
  • Acupuncture and Alternative Medicine – Acupuncture needles are not reusable in any situation. They are considered medical sharps and must be discarded after use. Alternative medicine practitioners also fall under OSHA guidelines when it comes to medical waste management.
  • Morgues/Funeral Homes – Any medical waste produced from autopsies or preparing a body for burial is also held to OSHA standards when it comes to medical waste disposal.
  • Law Enforcement/First Responders – When responding to any incident, there is always the danger of needles or other hazardous sharps being present. Used needles can still transmit viruses like hepatitis and HIV. A proper disposal method is vital to keeping the first responders and officers safe from harm.

If your business falls into one of these categories, MedSharps can create a medical waste management plan tailored to your needs and budget. We also keep you up to date on all the regulations to keep your business in compliance.

 

Get a free quick quote now or visit our website to learn more about our medical waste management services.

 

Grey’s Anatomy OSHA Violations You Didn’t Know About

Posted on by Trade Craft

3 Times Grey’s Anatomy Got It Wrong

 

For years, viewers loved to watch the drama play out at Seattle Grace Hospital. As fun as it is to follow the daily trials and tribulations of the doctors and nurses on Grey’s, was it very realistic?

1. SHARPS BIN

Look how happy Meredith is. It’s great that there’s a sharps container in the exam room and it’s definitely out of the reach of small children; however, there are a couple of serious issues with this placement. The container is directly over the rubber glove dispenser and that could pose a problem if the container leaks. It’s also slightly too high for workers to properly place contaminated sharps safely inside. OSHA has specific guidelines on container placement, and MedSharps can help you find a convenient and compliant spot for your sharps containers.

2. BIOHAZARDOUS WASTE 

Brain surgery is a breeze on the TV show. What’s harder for the doctors? Ordering dinner or where to put all the blood-soaked bandages and gauze. Blood-borne pathogens are a serious issue, so it’s important to have a clearly-labeled red biohazard bag in any room where waste could be created.

 

 

 

3. WASTE REMOVAL

Meredith looks shocked here. Maybe she just found out her latest love is her cousin, or maybe she’s shocked that the waste bins are full and haven’t been disposed of yet. Overflowing medical waste bags and bins that sit around in the office put everyone at risk. Even a new intern will tell you infectious disease is serious business. Seattle Grace should update their medical waste management plan and hire a service that will haul away those bags on a regular basis and dispose of them properly.

 

In the real world, MedSharps takes medical waste management seriously. Our medical waste and sharps bins exceed industry standards and we will keep you HIPAA and OSHA compliant, ensuring the safety of your staff and patients. Let us customize a plan just for you.

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