Environment & Ecology Practice Question›› Environment ››
Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules
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Key provisions and regulations
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Question 1
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With reference to the Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016, consider the following statements:
1. Bio-medical waste should be stored for more than 48 hours before treatment.
2. Every occupier generating bio-medical waste must apply for authorization from the prescribed authority.
3. Incineration of chlorinated plastic bags and gloves is prohibited.
4. Deep burial is an accepted disposal method for all bio-medical waste categories across India.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Explanation
The Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016, notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, provide a comprehensive framework for the management of biomedical waste in the country.
Key Highlights:
● Segregation and Disposal: The rules emphasize the segregation of biomedical waste at the point of generation into specific color-coded categories to ensure proper disposal.
● Authorization: All healthcare facilities (HCFs) are required to obtain authorization from the respective State Pollution Control Boards for handling biomedical waste.
● Treatment Facilities: The rules mandate the establishment of Common Bio-Medical Waste Treatment Facilities (CBWTFs) to cater to multiple healthcare facilities, promoting centralized waste treatment.
● Training and Immunization: Healthcare workers involved in handling biomedical waste must receive regular training and immunization against diseases such as Hepatitis B and Tetanus.
● Monitoring and Reporting: Annual reports on biomedical waste management practices are to be submitted by healthcare facilities to the prescribed authorities, ensuring compliance and transparency.
These rules aim to protect public health and the environment by ensuring the scientific disposal of biomedical waste.
Statement 1 is not correct: The rules state that bio-medical waste should not be stored beyond 48 hours without prior permission from the prescribed authority.
Statement 2 is correct: All healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and laboratories, must obtain authorization for generating and handling bio-medical waste.
Statement 3 is correct: The incineration of chlorinated plastic waste (e.g., bags and gloves) is prohibited to prevent the release of toxic emissions. However, this is one provision among many.
Statement 4 is not correct: Deep burial is allowed only in rural areas where incineration or other treatment options are not available. It is not permitted everywhere.
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