Question and Answer Document Infectious Waste.pdf

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1) The government needs to clarify the requirement for the treatment of the waste and the intention. It is not clear if a medical waste incinerator is required or an alternative treatment method followed up with incineration at a solid waste facility, especially with the witnessed incineration. Medical Waste Disposal (non-witness incineration). The contractor shall dispose of medical waste in accordance with local, state, and federal regulation. Is the requirement to have the waste processed via a medical waste incinerator or to have it treated and then incinerated at a solid waste facility?

ANS: The requirement is to have medical waste incinerated IAW state regulation.

2) Is there any potential for pathological waste to be in the waste stream. Delaware defines pathological waste as:

a. “6. “Pathological wastes” which shall mean all human tissues and anatomical remains, including human fetal remains, which emanate from surgery, obstetrical procedures, autopsy and laboratory procedures.”

ANS: NO

3) Is there potential for any items that would not be able to be shredded, such as body armor or equipment?

ANS: YES

4) Why is the government identifying Category A (Sections 1.1.2 and 1.1.3) , when standard medical waste is category B? This will exponentially increase the cost and limit the disposal options for all vendors.

ANS: This was changed to reflect Category B Waste under 49 C.F.R Sec. 173.134. It contains a mix of paper, cotton, plastic materials that are contaminated with biological liquid, hazardous chemical, and potentially infectious materials.

5) According to section 1.1.4, Documentation

a. 1.1.4. Documentation: Documentation for pick up will be provided on the date of pick-up. Individual will provide the generator with a manifest and a shipping document stating quantity of containers and total volume. Shipping document must state account number, shipping document number, shipping date, driver identification, container codes, and total number of containers and total weight of all containers picked up. Manifest document must contain manifest number, generator number, transporter information and permit number, treatment/disposal facility identification and transportation information to include Delaware permit number and individual name and signature. Destruction documentation will be forwarded to the generator with the billing statement and shall reflect incineration as its end state. All documentation must be available to the generator and any other required agency for a minimum of three years, as specified by local, state and federal regulations.

i. Is the government requiring a signature from the incinerator confirming the waste was processed as the final destruction document?

ANS: YES

ii. To further clarify, if an autoclave is used for initial treatment and then the waste is sent to a solid waste incinerator, is that solid waste incinerator signature required for the destruction document.

ANS: Category B Waste must be disposed of in accordance with Federal, State, and Local regulation.

6) Witness incineration

a. Is the government requiring this waste to be delivered directly to a medical waste incinerator? Is there a time limit for the government staff that will be accompanying the vehicle?

i. Is an autoclave as the initial treatment, then the autoclaved waste delivered to a solid waste incinerator acceptable?

ANS: Category B Waste must be disposed of in accordance with Federal, State, and Local regulation.

What will be placed in the container?

ANS: We have identified this waste as Category B under 49 C.F.R Sec. 173.134. It contains a mix of paper, cotton, plastic materials that are contaminated with biological liquid, hazardous chemical, and potentially infectious materials.

What size container(s)?

ANS: At minimum 45lb Medical Hazardous Waste Cardboard Boxes are required.

How often would they need incineration?

ANS: Reference the Performance Work Statement

What would the incineration process require from Blue Hen Disposal?

ANS: Complete incineration.