The biomedical waste program protects health care workers, sanitations workers, and the general public from risks associated with potentially infectious biomedical waste. If biomedical waste is handled improperly, these workers are at risk for contracting dangerous diseases.
The Florida Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Protection have responsibilities under this program. Department of Environmental Protection has primary responsibility for biomedical waste incineration and final disposal. Department of Health has primary authority and responsibility for facilities that generate, transport, store, or treat biomedical waste through processes other than incineration.
Chapter 64E-16, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) requires health care professionals to ensure proper disposal of the biomedical waste that they generate.
Sharps Disposal
Biomedical waste generated by individuals in their own homes from use of syringes or diagnostic lancets should be properly packaged and disposed. Indian River County Utilities partners with the DOH-Indian River in providing a community Sharps disposal and container exchange program for Indian River County residents. DOH-Indian River’s Environmental Health Office serves as the primary sharps disposal location.
Complaints
Complaints concerning biomedical waste are investigated locally by DOH-Indian River that has the resources to clean up small amounts of improperly disposed biomedical waste. Emergency situations are referred to the Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Emergency Response at 850-245-2010.
Code requires biomedical waste generating facilities to provide training to personnel whose responsibilities include some aspect of managing biomedical waste. Personnel must be trained prior to assuming any duties associated with biomedical waste and must receive an annual refresher course. Training must detail the procedures included in the facilities written operating plan.