The primary objective of this document is to identify the operation and maintenance (O&M) procedures that should be practiced on hospital medical waste incinerators and associated air pollution control equipment to minimize air emissions. This document provides general guidance on proper O&M procedures with the intention of identifying good operating practices. The document is intended as a technical guide for use by Federal, State, and local agency personnel, hospital waste management personnel, and hospital incinerator operators. The document presents background information on hospital and medical waste incineration systems including a summary of combustion principles and descriptions of the types of incinerators typically used for hospital medical wastes. Background information on add-on air pollution control systems also is presented. Key operating parameters and good operating practices for the inceneration and air pollution systems are identified and discussed. General guidance on maintenance of the systems also is provided. Common operating problems, their possible causes, and possible solutions to the problems are presented. Other topics discussed include control and monitoring instrumentation, recordkeeping procedures, and safety.

Shipping list no.: 90-229-P. "January 1990." Includes bibliographical references. "EPA/625/6-89/024."