Page 58 - Compendium Chapters for Course 1 (IC, DPA, OSHA)

waste stream is detailed below.
Silver-Containing Wastes (X-ray Photographic Fixer)
Silver from used fixer is a valuable resource that should be recycled. There are two basic management options for fixer:
(1) on-site treatment and disposal; or
(2) off-site treatment and disposal.
Whether treated onsite or offsite, fixer is easily and economically recyclable and recycling is the preferred method of management. Untreated fixer cannot be discharged to the sewer.
X-ray Photographic Developer
Do not mix used developer and fixer solutions. Waste developer may be flushed down the drain, as long as the pH of the solution does not exceed the pH standard of the local sanitation agency. Most developer solutions are slightly caustic in nature. Caustic solutions with a pH greater than the local pH limit may not be discharged down the sanitary sewer.
X-ray System Cleaners Containing Chromium
Cleaners used to clean the x-ray developing systems may contain chromium. Check the cleaner's MSDS. If the MSDS lists some form of chromium, such as sodium dichromate, the waste cleaner solution must be managed as hazardous waste. If possible, switch to a non- chromium containing cleaner which can be discharged to the sanitary sewer. Otherwise, the waste must be handled as hazardous waste, requiring proper collection, labeling, and disposal.
Medical Waste
The Department of Health Services (DHS) Environmental Management Branch regulates the storage, transportation, and disposal of regulated medical waste. In some counties, the management and enforcement of the Medical Waste Management Act has been delegated to the local health department. Regulated medical waste consists of sharps (hypodermic needled, blades, syringes) and bio-hazardous wastes (e.g. laboratory wastes, solid 'red-bag' wastes covered with blood or other potentially infectious materials, and pharmaceuticals). Medical wastes should be managed and disposed according to the requirements set by the Medical Waste Management Program of DHS or your local health department.
Note that wastes containing mercury or contaminated with mercury should never be placed with the medical wastes as these wastes will be incinerated and release mercury into the environment.
Intro Page - 58
Introductory Chapter: Dental Practice Act, Infection Control and Cal-OSHA
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