Hazardous Waste/ Regulated Waste

All of the following statements related to the safe handling of contaminated needles are correct, EXCEPT for one. Which one is the exception? A. Careful recapping of the local anesthetic syringe is permissible. B. If bending or removing of a needle from the syringe is necessary, it must be accomplished with the use of a mechanical device or a one-handed technique. C. Recapping must be accomplished by the one-handed "scoop technique," i.e., using the needle itself to pick up the cap and then pushing the cap against a hard surface to ensure a tight fit over the needle. D. Contaminated disposable needles must never be sheared or broken.

A. Careful recapping of the local anesthetic syringe is permissible.

All of the following statements represent best management practices for the disposal of lead foil in radiographic film packets, EXCEPT one. Which one is the exception? A. Lead foil is best disposed of as municipal waste. B. Lead foil must be treated as hazardous waste. C. Collect and store lead foils in a wide-mouthed, airtight container labeled "Hazardous Waste - Lead Foil." D. Once the container labeled "Hazardous Waste - Lead Foil" is full, have an approved hazardous waste transporter deliver it to an approved hazardous waste management facility for recycling or disposal.

A. Lead foil is best disposed of as municipal waste.

All of the following statements reflect best management practices for the disposal of spent x-ray developer solution, EXCEPT for one. Which one is the exception? A. Never discharge spent developer solution into the sanitary system. B. If the pH is not within regulatory limits or the oral healthcare facility is on a septic system, collect and store spent developer solution in a container labeled "Hazardous Waste - Used Developer." C. Once the container labeled "Hazardous Waste - Used Developer" is full, have an approved hazardous waste transporter deliver it to an approved hazardous waste management facility. D. Discharge spent developer solution into the sanitary sewer system if the pH is within approved limits of state and local jurisdictions.

A. Never discharge spent developer solution into the sanitary system.

. All of the following statements relative to the disposal of RMW are correct, EXCEPT for one. Which one is the exception? A. The disposal of RMW is regulated by specific OSHA mandates. B. Most states require that RMW be treated before disposal and most states allow on-site treatment. C. The most common on-site treatment methods include (1) steam sterilization (autoclaving), (2) microwave sterilization, (3) chemical disinfection, and (4) sewer discharge for liquid RMW. D. Some states require permits for any type of on-site treatment; other states leave it up to the generator to select a treatment method based on current best practices.

A. The disposal of RMW is regulated by specific OSHA mandates.

All of the following statements related to spills of infectious material are correct, EXCEPT for one. Which one is the exception? A. There are numerous document examples of bloodborne pathogen transmission from housekeeping services. B. Infectious waste spills must be cleaned up immediately using appropriate PPE such as gloves, coveralls, mask, and goggles. C. Small spills are managed by removing visible organic matter with absorbent material (e.g., disposable paper towels) discarded into a leak-proof, properly labeled containers biohazard container. D. OSHA regulations require the use of an EPA-registered disinfectant from List B, D, or E to disinfect housekeeping surfaces after a spill.

A. There are numerous document examples of bloodborne pathogen transmission from housekeeping services.

Oral healthcare practitioners registered with the DEA may destroy unused controlled substances in accordance with state guidelines, which require appropriate documentation. A. True B. False

A. True

Unwanted leaded aprons and collars must be treated as hazardous waste - have an approved hazardous waste transporter deliver unwanted leaded safety devices to an approved hazardous waste management facility for recycling or disposal. A. True B. False

A. True

All of the following statements about hazardous waste management are correct EXCEPT which one? A. Under the RCRA, hazardous waste generators are the first link in the cradle-to-grave hazardous waste management system. B. Although various types of facilities generate different quantities of hazardous waste, the regulatory requirements for all hazardous waste generators are the same. C. VSQGs generate ≤100 kg of hazardous waste per calendar month or ≤1 kg of acutely hazardous waste per calendar month. D. VSQGs may not accumulate and store more than 1,000 kg of hazardous waste.

B. Although various types of facilities generate different quantities of hazardous waste, the regulatory requirements for all hazardous waste generators are the same.

All of the following statements related to waste are correct, EXCEPT for one. Which one is the exception? A. The EPA defines any garbage, refuse, sludge, and other discarded material resulting from industrial, commercial, mining, agricultural, healthcare, and community activities as solid waste. B. Discarded recycled waste does not qualify as solid waste. C. The definition of solid waste does not imply that the waste is physically solid, it may be a semi-solid (or semi-liquid), liquid, or contained gaseous material. D. By definition, discarded material is any solid waste that is inherently waste-like, recycled, or abandoned.

B. Discarded recycled waste does not qualify as solid waste.

All of the following statements related to liquid RMW generated by suctioning during surgical procedures are correct, EXCEPT for one. Which one is the exception? A. Liquid RMW generated by suctioning during surgical procedures may be decanted directly into clinical sinks unless prohibited by state or local regulations. B. In the absence of a surgical sink, liquid RMW generated by suctioning during surgical procedures may be decanted into the hand washing sink. C. If discharge into a sanitary sewer is prohibited, liquid RMW must be placed into a rigid container, labeled or color coded red and double bagged using biohazard bags. D. The State-by-State Regulated Medical Waste Resource Locator is good resource for the OMWM to determine available options for the disposal of liquid RMW.

B. In the absence of a surgical sink, liquid RMW generated by suctioning during surgical procedures may be decanted into the hand washing sink.

All of the following statements with respect to the responsibilities of an Office medical Waste manager are correct, EXCEPT for one. Which one is the exception? A. Should be familiar with pertinent federal, state and local requirements for RMW management. B. Is solely responsible for the creation and maintenance of a safe and healthy work environment. C. Should develop, implement, and maintain a written RMW management protocol that meets federal, state, and local requirements. D. Act as advisor on RMW management matters to all office personnel.

B. Is solely responsible for the creation and maintenance of a safe and healthy work environment.

All of the following statements about listed wastes are correct EXCEPT which one? A. With the possible exception of non-halogenated solvents such as acetone or xylene, F-listed wastes are not likely to be found in oral healthcare facilities. B. K-listed wastes are considered source-specific wastes and are the most common listed wastes likely to be found in oral healthcare facilities. C. Examples of P-listed chemicals found in oral healthcare facilities include epinephrine (P042 [H]) and nitroglycerin (P081 [H and R]). D. Examples of U-listed chemicals that may be found in oral healthcare facilities include formaldehyde (U122 [T]) and phenol (U188 [T]).

B. K-listed wastes are considered source-specific wastes and are the most common listed wastes likely to be found in oral healthcare facilities.

All of the following statements related to solid waste are correct, EXCEPT for one. Which one is the exception? A. Most solid waste generated in oral healthcare settings is non-hazardous solid waste, a subset of municipal solid waste. B. Most solid waste generated in oral healthcare settings is hazardous solid waste, a subset of municipal solid waste. C. A small percentage of solid waste generated in oral healthcare settings is hazardous solid waste derived from hazardous material. D. Hazardous material may be biological, chemical, radiological, or physical agents used or generated in the workplace.

B. Most solid waste generated in oral healthcare settings is hazardous solid waste, a subset of municipal solid waste.

Which of the following federal agencies is responsible for safe and healthy working conditions? A. EPA B. OSHA C. FDA D. NIOSH

B. OSHA

All of the following statements about storing RMW prior to disposal are correct, EXCEPT for one. Which one is the exception? A. The storage of RMW must be in accordance with applicable regulations of the United States, States and Territories, and political subdivisions of States and Territories. B. RMW must be stored in a designated, conveniently located storage area such as under the sink in the treatment room. C. In preparation for storage, sharps containers must be closed, if there is a chance of leakage, the container must be placed in a secondary container. D. Red biohazard bags must be "twist tied," if a bag seems especially heavy, it must be place inside another red biohazard bag prior to moving it to storage.

B. RMW must be stored in a designated, conveniently located storage area such as under the sink in the treatment room.

OSHA mandates all of the following, EXCEPT for one. Which one is the exception? A. Sharps disposal containers be puncture resistant, the sides and the bottom be leak- proof, and they be closable (i.e., they have a lip, flap, door, or other means of closing the container). B. Sharps disposal containers be labeled with the universal biohazard symbol and the word "SHARPS-HAZARD," and/or color-coded red. C. The labels on sharps disposal containers must be fluorescent orange or orange-red, with the symbol and lettering in a contrasting color. D. Sharps containers must be closable (i.e., they have a lip, flap, door, or other means of closing the container).

B. Sharps disposal containers be labeled with the universal biohazard symbol and the word "SHARPS-HAZARD," and/or color-coded red.

All of the following statements with respect to waste segregation and office waste are correct, EXCEPT for one. Which one is the exception? A. The various waste categories generated in oral healthcare facilities (office waste, hazardous waste, universal waste, and medical waste) must be separated at their points of origin. B. There are very specific requirements for the containment of office waste. C. Most waste generated in oral healthcare settings is office waste. D. The waste receptacle, lined with a plastic liner bag, should be of sufficient size and strength to accommodate the type and quantity of office waste generated.

B. There are very specific requirements for the containment of office waste.

All of the following statements related to medical waste are correct, EXCEPT for one. Which one is the exception? A. Needles, scalpel blades, suture needles, endodontic files, orthodontic wires, local anesthetic cartridges, and glass slides, even if unused, must be considered RMW. B. Unfixed oral tissues removed during surgery, biopsies, and extracted teeth are not considered RMW. C. Generally, gauze, cotton balls or rolls, swabs, and used dressings containing small amounts of blood or OPIM are not considered RMW. D. Generally, disposable non-absorbent materials such as gowns, gloves, drapes, bracket table covers, rubber dams, patient bibs, and face masks are not considered RMW.

B. Unfixed oral tissues removed during surgery, biopsies, and extracted teeth are not considered RMW.

All of the following statements related to solid RMW are correct, EXCEPT for one. Which one is the exception? A. OSHA requires that solid RMW be placed in containers that are closable, constructed to contain all contents, and prevent leakage of fluids during handling, storage, transport, or shipping. B. Biohazard bags used to collect RMW within a facility must be certified by the manufacturer to meet the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) ASTM D1709 Impact Resistance Of Polyethylene Film By The Free-Falling Dart Method. C. Autoclavable biohazard bags are available and some feature an indicator that changes to read "AUTOCLAVED" during steam sterilization; but RMW that has been decontaminated still needs to be labeled or color-coded. D. It is recommended to place a larger general office waste container beside the regulated waste container.

C. Autoclavable biohazard bags are available and some feature an indicator that changes to read "AUTOCLAVED" during steam sterilization; but RMW that has been decontaminated still needs to be labeled or color-coded.

All of the following statements relative to off-site shipping of RMW for treatment and disposal are correct, EXCEPT for one. Which one is the exception? A. In nearly all states, transporters of RMW must have a transport permit to pick up and transport the waste to a treatment and disposal facility. B. The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) mandates that the biohazard bags used to line approved shipping containers for transport of RMW from the generator's facility to a treatment and disposal facility be certified by the manufacturer to meet USDOT standards. C. If the biohazard bags used to collect and transport RMW within a facility meet impact resistance of 165 grams by the ASTM D1709 method, it meets USDOT requirements for shipping RMW from the generator's facility to a treatment and disposal facility. D. OSHA requires that RMW containers be closed prior to removal from the workstation to prevent spillage or protrusion of contents during handling, storage, transport, or shipping

C. If the biohazard bags used to collect and transport RMW within a facility meet impact resistance of 165 grams by the ASTM D1709 method, it meets USDOT requirements for shipping RMW from the generator's facility to a treatment and disposal facility

All of the following are considered preventive measures to minimize occupational exposure to RMW, EXCEPT for one. Which one is the exception? A. Engineering controls B. Work practice controls C. Maintaining a Sharps injury Log D. The use of personal protective equipment

C. Maintaining a Sharps injury Log

All of the following types of wastes are covered under universal waste regulations EXCEPT which one? A. Waste batteries B. Pesticides C. Mercury-containing scrap amalgam D. Fluorescent lamps

C. Mercury-containing scrap amalgam

All of the following statements represent best management practices for the disposal of pharmaceutical agents, EXCEPT for one. Which one is the exception? A. In general, the disposal of expired and other drugs is regulated by the federal EPA and/ or its counterpart state agencies if the sole active ingredient in the formulation is a listed hazardous waste. B. In general, the disposal of expired and other drugs is regulated by the federal EPA and/ or its counterpart state agencies if the formulation contains some ingredient in sufficient quantity to be considered a hazardous waste. C. Non-hazardous and non-controlled drugs may be disposed of into sanitary sewer or septic systems. D. Disposal of controlled substances is regulated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

C. Non-hazardous and non-controlled drugs may be disposed of into sanitary sewer or septic systems.

All of the following statements about characteristic wastes are correct EXCEPT which one? A. Examples of ignitable wastes (D001) that may be found in oral healthcare facilities include alcohol and silver nitrate. B. Examples of corrosive wastes (D002) that may be found in oral healthcare facilities include acetic acid and sodium hydroxide. C. Reactive wastes (D003) leaching into groundwater drinking supplies from wastes disposed of in landfills is one of the most common ways the general population can be exposed to hazardous chemicals. D. Some toxic wastes generated in oral healthcare facilities may contain lead (D008), mercury (D009), and silver (D011).

C. Reactive wastes (D003) leaching into groundwater drinking supplies from wastes disposed of in landfills is one of the most common ways the general population can be exposed to hazardous chemicals.

All of the following statements identify correctly the agency responsible for developing and enforcing rules for medical waste management, hazard communication, and hazardous waste management, EXCEPT for one. Which one is the exception? A. The federal OSHA and its counterpart state agencies are responsible for developing and enforcing rules for regulated medical waste management. B. The federal OSHA and its counterpart state agencies are responsible for developing and enforcing rules for hazardous communication compliance. C. The federal EPA and its counterpart state agencies are responsible for developing and enforcing rules for hazardous communication compliance. D. The federal EPA and its counterpart state agencies are responsible for developing and enforcing rules for hazardous wastes management.

C. The federal EPA and its counterpart state agencies are responsible for developing and enforcing rules for hazardous communication compliance.

All of the following statements are correct with respect to solid wastes EXCEPT which one? A. Hazardous waste management begins with a determination whether the material to be discarded is a solid waste. B. A solid waste is subject to EPA regulations if it is a listed or a characteristic waste. C. Hazard codes I (ignitable), C (corrosive), R (reactive), and E (toxicity characteristic waste) reflect typical hazardous properties of specific listed solid wastes. D. Characteristic hazardous wastes with measurable "characteristic" properties such as ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity are listed on the EPA's F, K, P, or U lists.

D. Characteristic hazardous wastes with measurable "characteristic" properties such as ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity are listed on the EPA's F, K, P, or U lists.

All of the following statements represent best management practices for the disposal of radiographic film, EXCEPT for one. Which one is the exception? A. Collect and store unused (undeveloped) film in a wide-mouthed, airtight container labeled "Hazardous Waste - Unused X-ray Film." B. Once the container labeled "Hazardous Waste - Unused X-ray Film" is full, have an approved hazardous waste transporter deliver it to an approved hazardous waste management facility. C. Developed radiographic films have little residual silver and may be disposed of as non- hazardous office waste for recycling or disposal. D. Developed radiographic film must be disposed of as hazardous waste.

D. Developed radiographic film must be disposed of as hazardous waste.

All of the following statements with respect to EPA-registered intermediate-level hospital disinfectants and FDA-registered sterilants/high-level disinfectants are correct, EXCEPT for one. Which one is the exception? A. EPA-registered intermediate-level hospital disinfectants include chlorine-containing products, quaternary ammonium compounds with alcohol, phenolics, and iodophors. B. FDA-registered sterilants/high-level disinfectants include glutaraldehyde, glutaraldehyde with phenol, hydrogen peroxide, and hydrogen peroxide with peracetic acid. C. Information to determine if a chemical (including disinfectant and sterilant) is hazardous can be obtained from the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by the supplier of the product. D. Disinfectant wipes impregnated with an EPA registered intermediate-level hospital disinfectant must be disposed of as regulated hazardous waste

D. Disinfectant wipes impregnated with an EPA registered intermediate-level hospital disinfectant must be disposed of as regulated hazardous waste

As many as one-third of all sharps injuries occur during the disposal process as a result of all the following, EXCEPT for one. Which one is the exception? A. Inadequate sharps disposal container design B. Inappropriate sharps disposal container placement C. Inappropriate sharps disposal handling practices, including overfilling of sharps disposal containers by HCP D. Failure to regularly shake the sharps container to settle the contents

D. Failure to regularly shake the sharps container to settle the contents

All of the following statements related to recordkeeping, reporting, and tracking of RMW are correct, EXCEPT for one. Which one is the exception? A. Some states require that generators maintain records of the quantity of RMW generated and its disposition; some require the submission of an annual report. B. The OMWM should maintain an Infectious Waste Log that includes: date, type of waste, amount (weight, volume, or number of containers), and disposition. C. If infectious waste is transported off-site, the receiving facility must provide the generator written documentation of proper treatment and disposal. D. If cradle-to-grave documentation of RMW of disposal is required, such documentation must be retained on file for thirty years.

D. If cradle-to-grave documentation of RMW of disposal is required, such documentation must be retained on file for thirty years.

All of the following statements about the sharps disposal container are correct, EXCEPT for one. Which one is the exception? A. Sharps containers must be kept upright throughout use to keep the sharps and any liquid from spilling out. B. The fill status of the container must be obvious under prevailing lighting conditions at the workstation. C. The container's opening must be identifiable and easily accessible by the user and must facilitate one-handed disposal of sharps. D. Intact local anesthetic cartridges may not be disposed of in a sharps container.

D. Intact local anesthetic cartridges may not be disposed of in a sharps container.

All of the following statements represent best management practices for the disposal of chemical disinfectants and sterilants, EXCEPT for one. Which one is the exception? A. Ensure office personnel have read the SDS for all chemicals (including the SDS for chemical disinfectants and sterilants) used in the oral healthcare facility and are trained to handle hazardous chemicals. B. Rinse empty disinfectant and sterilant containers with water, remove or deface labels to indicate the container no longer contains hazardous chemicals, and discard as non- hazardous office waste. C. Replace chemiclaves with autoclaves to avoid the use of formaldehyde. D. Rinse empty disinfectant and sterilant containers with water, leave labeling, and discard as regulated hazardous waste.

D. Rinse empty disinfectant and sterilant containers with water, leave labeling, and discard as regulated hazardous waste.

Based on the OSHA definition, RMW generated in oral healthcare settings may include all of the following EXCEPT for one. Which one is the exception? A. Contaminated sharps B. Contaminated items that would release blood or OPIM in a liquid or semiliquid state if compressed and items caked with dried blood or OPIM and are capable of releasing these materials during handling C. Liquid or semi-liquid blood and OPIM; and pathological, and microbiological waste D. Sanitary napkins

D. Sanitary napkins

All of the following statements reflect best management practices for the disposal of spent x-ray fixer solution, EXCEPT for one. Which one is the exception? A. Use a CRC to capture silver from the spent fixer solution and collect the silver-iron residue in a container labeled "Hazardous Waste - Silver Residue." B. Have an approved hazardous waste transporter deliver the full "Hazardous Waste - Silver Residue" container to an approved hazardous waste management facility. C. Dilute the de-silvered fixer solution with water and discharge it into a sanitary sewer or septic system. D. The CRC may be disposed of as municipal waste.

D. The CRC may be disposed of as municipal waste.

All of the following statements related to the management of non-hazardous and hazardous solid wastes are correct, EXCEPT for one. Which one is the exception? A. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of 1976, an amendment to the Solid Waste Disposal Act provides general guidelines for the management of non-hazardous and hazardous solid wastes. B. The RCRA gives the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to develop explicit, legally enforceable requirements for waste management. C. The EPA promulgates guidance documents and policy directives to clarify issues related to the implementation of the RCRA. D. The RCRA gives the federal Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) the authority to develop explicit, legally enforceable requirements for waste management

D. The RCRA gives the federal Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) the authority to develop explicit, legally enforceable requirements for waste management.

Under the "Medical Waste Tracking Act of 1988," the EPA conducted a model waste management program and concluded all of the following, EXCEPT for one. Which one is the exception? A. Due to the biological instability of most microorganisms commonly regarded as human pathogens, the actual adverse environmental or public health consequences or risks were negligible. B. The disease-causing potential of medical waste is greatest at the point of generation. C. Medical waste primarily represents an occupational health hazard. D. The model program regulated medical waste in twelve states.

D. The model program regulated medical waste in twelve states.

Best management practices for the disposal of mercury-containing scrap amalgam include all of the following, EXCEPT for one. Which one is the exception? A. Stocking pre-capsulated amalgam alloys in a variety of sizes to minimize the amount of hazardous mercury-containing amalgam waste generated. B. Collecting and storing used disposable amalgam capsules in a wide-mouthed, airtight container labeled "Hazardous Waste - Amalgam Capsules." C. Using chairside disposable or reusable traps, vacuum pump filters, or an ISO 11143-compliant amalgam separator to capture amalgam particles generated when removing old or carving new amalgam restorations. D. The rinsing of reusable chairside mercury traps in the sink.

D. The rinsing of reusable chairside mercury traps in the sink.

NIOSH recommends all of the following, EXCEPT for one. Which one is the exception? A. The placement of a sharps container of sufficient size, i.e., one that accommodates both the volume generated and the largest sharp used, at each workstation. B. That the sharps container be readily accessible, i.e., without obstacles between the user and the container. C. That horizontally, sharps containers must be located within easy arm's reach and the vertical height must be below eye level, i.e., the user must have a clear, unobstructed view of the container's opening. D. The sharps container be placed in an isolated secure location, such as the back of the central storage space.

D. The sharps container be placed in an isolated secure location, such as the back of the central storage space.

All of the following statements related to hazardous wastes management in oral healthcare settings are correct, EXCEPT for one. Which one is the exception? A. Under federal regulations nearly all oral healthcare facilities fall under the VSQG category. B. Some states do not recognize the EPA's VSQG category and in those states dental offices are regulated as SQGs. C. Some states have a VSQG category, but require that VSQGs follow SQG requirements related to the tracking of and accountability for the waste. D. Under federal regulations oral healthcare facilities that fall under the VSQG category are required to obtain an EPA ID number.

D. Under federal regulations oral healthcare facilities that fall under the VSQG category are required to obtain an EPA ID number.

A defective lead apron is best characterized as _______________. A. office waste B. universal waste C. medical waste D. hazardous waste

D. hazardous waste