Hazardous Waste Worker at Massachusetts General Hospital(MGH) in Boston, Massachusetts

Job Description:

GENERALSUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT

• Underdirect supervision of the Area Manager, the Hazardous Waste Worker (HWW)collects and processes infectious waste material while following establishedprotocol as determined by the Environmental Services Department.

• Collectsinfectious waste in storage area; packages and labels boxes for transportaccording to Department of Transportation's regulations.


• Maybe required to autoclave infectious waste generated throughout the hospital. After the waste is autoclaved, employeedisposes according to the Department of Public Health regulations.


• NotifiesArea Manager of any unusual circumstances regarding condition of waste bagssuch as leakage, packing, breakage, labeling and radioactive waste.


• Meetswaste transporters at loading dock, escorts driver to designated pick-up areaand signs the necessary manifest documents.


• Inthe event of a spill, i.e. blood, etc. in this area, thoroughly cleans entirearea where spill has occurred according of procedure.


• Whennecessary, washes and disinfects waste dumpsters/bins and cleans entire floorarea, including under the compactor area, in order to maintain a clean andodorless appearance.


• Emptiesthe regular waste into the compactor for disposal.


• Whenassigned, drives tow motor through the hospital to pick-up and deliver thewaste dumpsters.


• Drivesa van or light truck outside hospital grounds to pick up and deliver empty andfull bins containing trash, medical waste, paper/plastic recycling and/orcardboard.


• Sortsrecyclable material such as: plastic, cardboard, glass, cans


• Performsminor repairs/maintenance of dumpsters and flat bed trucks.


• Makesand transports bales of cardboard.

• Understands and speaks basic English with writing skills that are generally obtained through completion of high school with one month of on-the-job training.

• Ability to follow detailed specific protocol regarding the handling and disposal of regular and infectious waste.


• Ability to lift heavy boxes of approximately 40 pounds.


• Contacts with staff and general public when working in the Hospital

• Exposure to blood and body fluids, unpleasant odors and infectious waste during majority of the shift.


• Exposure to and possibility of accidental needlestick punctures from infectious waste; but adherence to safety precautions.


• Possibility of receiving cuts and bruises.


• Exposure to a wide range of temperature change occasioned by outside work as well as autoclaving duties.


• Possible exposure to low-level radioactive waste.


• Standing, stooping and lifting the majority of the work shift.