OUR PROCESS
OUR PROCESS
Our Process:
At HNHS Waste Management, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional service while upholding the highest environmental, safety, and regulatory standards in the management of regulated medical waste.
Our Autoclave Process
We utilize a Mark Costello Autoclave, a trusted system known for its effectiveness in sterilizing medical waste. The autoclave operates on a high-pressure steam cycle at 276°F (135°C), a temperature scientifically proven to achieve complete disinfection by killing all pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and spores.
Each batch of medical waste undergoes a 30-45 minute cycle in the vacuumsealed autoclave. This includes the following stages
1. Pre-Vacuum Phase: Air is removed from the chamber to allow steam to penetrate deeply into the waste material. This ensures uniform heating and disinfection.
2. Sterilization Phase: Steam is injected into the chamber, maintaining a high temperature and pressure for the duration of the cycle. This environment effectively eliminates infectious agents, rendering the waste non-hazardous.
3. Post-Vacuum and Cooling Phase: After sterilization, a vacuum extracts remaining steam, and the waste is cooled to allow safe handling.
POST-TREATMENT HANDLING
Once sterilized, the waste is rendered non infectious and is transferred into a secure, enclosed compactor. The compactor ensures containment and minimizes the volume of waste, facilitating efficient transport. The treated waste is then classified as special waste and transported to a licensed Waste Management (WM) landfill, where it is disposed of in full compliance with state and federal regulations.
POST-TREATMENT HANDLING
Once sterilized, the waste is rendered non infectious and is transferred into a secure, enclosed compactor. The compactor ensures containment and minimizes the volume of waste, facilitating efficient transport. The treated waste is then classified as special waste and transported to a licensed Waste Management (WM) landfill, where it is disposed of in full compliance with state and federal regulations.
OUR ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY STANDARDS
QUARTERLY
MERCURY TESTING
To maintain compliance with environmental standards, we conduct rigorous testing to ensure no mercury or hazardous residues are present in our discharge or waste streams.
STEAM MANAGEMENT VIA HEAT EXCHANGER
Our autoclave system’s advanced heat exchanger cools the steam generated during the process. This steam is then combined with tepid water and safely discharged into a sanitary drain system. This design eliminates any external emissions, ensuring that no plume or airborne pollutants are released into the atmosphere.
WASTE VOLUME REDUCTION
By compacting the treated waste, we reduce the volume transported to landfills by up to 85%, contributing to more sustainable waste management practices.
ADHERING TO INDUSTRY STANDARDS
Our process aligns with the best practices employed by regulated medical waste processors using autoclave technology, including:
Continuous Monitoring: We monitor critical parameters such as temperature, pressure, and cycle duration to ensure consistent and effective sterilization.
Biological Indicator Testing: As part of our routine validation, we use biological indicators (e.g., spore tests) to verify the autoclave’s performance and effectiveness in sterilizing waste.
Scheduled Maintenance and Calibration: Regular maintenance and calibration of the autoclave ensure it operates at peak efficiency and meets all regulatory requirements.
OUR COMMITMENT
This thorough, science-based approach reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting public health, the environment, and our compliance with all regulatory standards. By employing state-of-the-art autoclave technology and following strict protocols, we ensure that our medical waste processing is both safe and environmentally responsible.