NOM-087-ECOL-SSA1-2002: RPBI

Overview of NOM-087 Alcohol SSA1 2000

Definition and Context

• The General Law of Ecological Balance defines hazardous waste as materials that pose a danger to ecological balance or the environment due to their corrosive, reactive, explosive, toxic, flammable, or biological characteristics.

• These wastes are managed according to specific laws and regulations established by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), which considers input from various relevant agencies.

Historical Background

• On November 17, 1995, NOM-087 was published in the Official Journal of the Federation, outlining requirements for handling hazardous biological-infectious waste generated in medical facilities.

• An update to NOM-087 was deemed necessary based on experiences and competencies from involved sectors to ensure its provisions effectively protect public health and the environment.

Medical Waste Management Guidelines

• The updated NOM-087 includes guidelines for separating, packaging, storing, collecting, transporting, treating, and disposing of hazardous biological-infectious waste (RP). This waste is produced during healthcare activities involving humans or animals.

• It emphasizes that any organism capable of causing disease must be handled with care; this requires proper conditions for containment and contact with susceptible individuals.

Classification of Hazardous Waste

• The classification system divides hazardous biological-infectious waste into five categories based on established norms:

• Blood and blood products.

• Cultures of infectious agents.

• Pathological waste including human organs and tissues.

• Non-anatomical waste such as contaminated materials.

• Sharp objects used in healthcare settings.

Packaging Requirements

• Specific packaging protocols are mandated:

• Blood should be collected in hermetically sealed red containers.

• Infectious cultures require red polyethylene bags for collection.

• Pathological samples must be placed in yellow bags designated for such materials. Liquid wastes like amniotic fluid also have specific disposal requirements outlined in yellow containers.

Steps for Waste Management

1. Identification: Waste must be identified immediately after generation at its source to prevent misclassification and reduce risks during collection processes. Proper identification aids subsequent packaging efforts.

2. Separation: Waste separation should align with physical state and type—sharp objects need distinct handling compared to pathological or non-anatomical wastes. This ensures safe management practices are followed throughout the process.

3. Packaging: Once separated by type and condition, appropriate containers must be utilized according to a specified table that outlines different final disposal methods for each category of hazardous waste generated by medical activities.

Waste Management in Healthcare Facilities

Storage and Handling of Waste

• Proper storage of hazardous waste (RPG) is crucial; containers must be covered and kept closed at all times to prevent spillage. Surrounding areas should remain free of waste debris.

• The maximum storage times for medical waste vary by hospital size: 30 days for hospitals with five beds, 15 days for those with 6 to 60 beds, and 7 days for hospitals with over 60 beds.

Collection Procedures

• Personnel responsible for collecting solid waste within hospitals must be trained on the risks associated with their work and understand the different types of waste generated. They should also know the appropriate containers for each type of waste.

• Collection frequency should be one or two times daily or when containers reach 80% capacity; bags must not exceed this limit, nor should they be compressed. Secure closure mechanisms are essential to prevent leaks.

Treatment Methods

• Health institutions can treat their own medical waste using autoclaves, which is a cost-effective method except for sharp objects and human remains. This ensures proper disposal before final collection.

• Treated medical waste can be disposed of in regular garbage trucks, while untreated waste must go to authorized collection companies to ensure safe handling and compliance with regulations.

Regulatory Compliance

• The Mexican Official Standard NOM-087 was published on November 7, 1995, outlining guidelines for managing infectious biological wastes (HERV). Compliance monitoring falls under the jurisdiction of environmental authorities alongside health departments.

• Establishments generating hazardous medical waste without adequate space may use plastic or metal containers; pathological wastes require incineration or burial unless used therapeutically or for research purposes.

Safety Measures and Training

• Untreated RPM (residual pathogenic materials) must not mix with municipal or industrial wastes during transport; establishments need contingency plans in case of spills or accidents related to these materials.

• The NOM-087 provides preventive measures and training information aimed at protecting patients, the environment, and laboratory personnel from exposure to infectious agents during routine operations involving potentially hazardous materials.