Hazardous Waste Worker

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

• Collects infectious waste in storage area; packages and labels boxes for transport according to Department of Transportation's regulations.
• May be required to autoclave infectious waste generated throughout the hospital. After the waste is autoclaved, employee disposes according to the Department of Public Health regulations.
• Notifies Area Manager of any unusual circumstances regarding condition of waste bags such as leakage, packing, breakage, labeling and radioactive waste.
• Meets waste transporters at loading dock, escorts driver to designated pick-up area and signs the necessary manifest documents.
• In the event of a spill, i.e. blood, etc. in this area, thoroughly cleans entire area where spill has occurred according of procedure.
• When necessary, washes and disinfects waste dumpsters/bins and cleans entire floor area, including under the compactor area, in order to maintain a clean and odorless appearance.
• Empties the regular waste into the compactor for disposal.
• When assigned, drives tow motor through the hospital to pick-up and deliver the waste dumpsters.
• Drives a van or light truck outside hospital grounds to pick up and deliver empty and full bins containing trash, medical waste, paper/plastic recycling and/or cardboard.
• Sorts recyclable material such as: plastic, cardboard, glass, cans
• Performs minor repairs/maintenance of dumpsters and flat bed trucks.
• Makes and 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.