Regulated Medical Waste (RMW) - Frequently Asked Questions
Does the STI System comply with Regulations
for RMW Treatment?
Yes. If your regulators issue approval letters, we will provide a copy for
your files.
Do I need to apply for a permit to
use the system on-site at one or more of my facilities?
Yes. Normally, the user must apply for permits to operate the system on-site.
WR2 will work with your facility to obtain the
necessary permits.
Will I have any off-site hauling needs
with the use of the STI System?
Yes. It will still be necessary to haul away Chemotherapeutic waste. You
may also want to haul away pathological waste for perception purposes. Normally,
both of these types of combined waste amount to 0.5% of the total Regulated
Medical Waste stream.
Does the system require a full-time
operator to feed the waste into the system manually?
No. Typically, the environmental service employees will roll the cart into
the machine, push one button, and walk away. It is that simple.
How much chemical (Sodium Hypochlorite
– Bleach) is used in the system, and does it have a negative impact on the
environment?
Each time the unit dumps a waste cart, a very small (ml) amount of bleach
and water is sprayed into the cart dumper. The use of bleach in the system
is approved by the USEPA, FIFRA branch for compliance with the USEPA standards,
and does not have a negative impact on the environment.
What is the source that treats the
waste in the STI System?
The waste is exposed to 215˚-240˚F direct steam for up to one hour. Does
the STI System require expensive autoclave bags? No. The equipment is going
to shred both the waste and the waste containers. We recommend that you
use the least expensive, compliant bags available.
Can the unit be installed and operated
outdoors in the extreme heat or cold?
Yes. The STI System may be installed indoors or outdoors. In areas where
freezing is a concern, WR2 heat-traces and insulates
the plumbing interconnections that are exposed to the cold temperature.
What is the life expectancy of the
cutters in the shredder?
WR2 estimates the cutters to last between two
to three million pounds of throughput. This is unheard of in our industry.
Once the cutters wear out, they are easy to replace.
What is the useful life of the STI
System?
The system’s life expectancy depends on how well the unit is maintained.
There isn’t much maintenance, but keeping the machine clean and serviced
will certainly extend its life. Rather than give an estimated life expectancy
in years, we like to think in terms of throughput.
How much waste will your facility
generate this year?
To date, the oldest single system (installed in 1995) has processed well
over 300 million pounds of waste.
How do I know if my facility has
the proper utility and space requirements for an STI Medical Waste System?
WR2 has a full staff of engineers dedicated
to answering these questions for you, and we are able to provide you with
conceptual drawings and solutions. If you would like to see what the system
will look like installed at your facility, just let us know.
How do I maintain the unit once it
is installed?
WR2 provides detailed operator and maintenance
training after each installation. In addition to this, we offer service
contracts for routine maintenance, as well as a customer service staff that
is on-hand 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our engineers are able to monitor
your STI System and make program changes from our Indianapolis headquarters,
so that you receive immediate attention.
Can I use the STI System to destroy
confidential HIPPA documents?
Yes. The STI System is commonly used to shred confidential records instead
of hiring a mobile service for this purpose.