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Reduce Hazardous Chemicals
and Waste—Meeting JCAHO Standards with Pollution
Prevention
Pollution prevention (P2) activities
make great performance improvement initiatives. They
can help you achieve JCAHO standards included in the
Comprehensive Accreditation Manual for Hospitals (CAMH)
and meet rules, regulations and Hospitals
for a Healthy Environment (H2E) goals. They also
promote the health of the public-keeping in line with
the basic premise of health care.
Hazardous chemicals may cause or significantly
contribute to increased mortality, or an increase in
serious incapacitating illness.
To the extent possible eliminate hazardous
chemicals and waste in the organization such as disinfectants,
ethylene oxide, formalin, mercury, oil-based paints
and paint thinner, pesticides and sterilants.
Use H2E’s
Chemical Minimization Plan to help reduce hazardous
chemicals and waste in the organization.
For non-hazardous alternatives the
following Web resources are available:
Batteries
Batteries contain heavy metals
such as cadmium, lead, mercury and nickel. Reduce or
eliminate the use of batteries. Use rechargeable items
such as IV pumps and pagers, or use rechargeable batteries.
Recycle spent batteries where possible.
Electronics,
Computers, Brown Goods
Many electronic items, such as computers, contain heavy
metals like cadmium, lead and mercury in their circuit
boards, casing and monitors.
Purchase products with the end in
mind. Develop programs for updating old equipment and
develop purchasing policies that provide for the take
back of equipment.
Recycle old equipment with a reputable
vendor.
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