4 Reasons Why Hospitals Need Chemical Storage Buildings
In 2014, a New York medical facility received a fine of $156,710 from the EPA. An inspection revealed improper handling, storage and transportation of hazardous waste.
Regulatory compliance is a powerful motivation for the use of chemical storage buildings. But, here are four other good reasons for hospitals to consider chemical storage buildings.
1. Chemical Storage Buildings Help Meet Hazardous Waste Regulations
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulates the treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous waste. Inspectors pay close attention to how hospitals store hazardous materials and chemicals, to make sure their storage practices don’t endanger human health or the environment. Chemical storage buildings help you meet these stringent RCRA regulations.2. Chemical Storage Buildings Control Temperatures for Pharmaceutical Drugs and Blood Samples
Hospitals deal with pharmaceutical drugs that need specific storage conditions. The properties of drugs may change if stored outside of their recommended storage temperatures. Besides limiting their usefulness, they may even become harmful to patients. Blood samples and other human tissue also need very controlled storage conditions. Climate controlled chemical storage buildings meet this need. They can be air conditioned, refrigerated or heated, depending on the temperature requirements. If necessary, the climate control equipment can be explosion proof. This makes them suitable for flammable materials too.3. Chemical Storage Buildings Control Access to Sterilants and Disinfectants
Hospitals use sterilants and disinfectants extensively. They eliminate all harmful bacteria that could cause disease to patients. This is especially important in surgeries. Sterilants and disinfectants are essential for preventing infections. But, they kill all living organisms – not just the harmful ones. Hospitals must be careful to control and store these materials safely. Prevent unauthorized access to sterilants and disinfectants with chemical storage buildings.4. Chemical Storage Buildings Provide Fire Resistant Storage for Cleaning Chemicals, Fuels and Oils
Though hospitals buildings are designed to provide medical care for patients, they have the same general characteristics as many other facilities. For example, they use large machines like electrical generators and HVAC systems. These require the availability of fuels and oils for operations and maintenance. But fuels and oils are often hazardous and flammable. Hospital campuses stretch out over large areas. Janitorial crews use chemicals for cleaning and keeping them in pristine condition. OSHA and the EPA the storage and usage of hazardous and flammable chemicals. Chemical storage buildings provide a safe and compliant storage facility to avoid fines. U.S. Chemical Storage supplies both 2-hour and 4-hour fire-rated buildings for storing flammable chemicals.Order a Chemical Storage Building for Your Hospital Today
U.S. Chemical Storage supplies fire-rated and non fire-rated chemical storage buildings for hospitals. They are compliant with all the relevant codes and regulations to provide peace of mind. Contact us today for a free quote.References
- EPA. EPA Takes Action to Protect Public from Hazardous Waste
- Healthcare Environmental Resource Center. Common Hazardous Materials in Healthcare Facilities
- Healthcare Environmental Resource Center. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act