Nom 087 Ecol Ssa1 2002 Resumen

In Mexico, the proper management of hazardous biological-infectious waste (RBI, Residuos Peligrosos Biolà³gico-Infecciosos) is essential to protect public health and the environment. The NOM-087-ECOL-SSA1-2002 is an official Mexican regulation that establishes the classification, handling, transportation, and disposal of these hazardous wastes.

This regulation applies to hospitals, laboratories, veterinary clinics, and any facility that generates biological-infectious waste. In this topic, we will summarize the key points of NOM-087-ECOL-SSA1-2002, including its objectives, classifications, storage guidelines, and disposal methods.

What Is NOM-087-ECOL-SSA1-2002?

NOM-087-ECOL-SSA1-2002 is a Mexican Official Standard that regulates the handling of hazardous biological-infectious waste (RBI) to prevent contamination and health risks. It was issued by the Secretarà­a de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (SEMARNAT) and Secretarà­a de Salud.

This regulation provides detailed guidelines for waste classification, labeling, packaging, and final disposal to minimize the impact of hazardous waste on the environment.

Objectives of NOM-087-ECOL-SSA1-2002

The primary goals of this regulation are:

✔ Ensure the safe handling of hazardous biological-infectious waste to prevent the spread of diseases.
✔ Protect public health and environmental safety by establishing proper disposal procedures.
✔ Define specific responsibilities for waste generators, transporters, and disposal facilities.
✔ Reduce contamination risks associated with healthcare waste.

Classification of Hazardous Biological-Infectious Waste

NOM-087-ECOL-SSA1-2002 classifies hazardous biological-infectious waste (RBI) into five main categories:

1. Non-Anatomical Solid Waste

These are materials contaminated with biological fluids, including:

• Disposable medical supplies (gloves, gauze, bandages)

• Laboratory materials (cultures, swabs, petri dishes)

• Surgical waste (blood-soaked gauze, cotton)

2. Liquid Waste

Any liquid material contaminated with infectious agents, including:

• Blood and bodily fluids

• Culture mediums and laboratory samples

3. Sharp Objects (Punzocortantes)

Waste that can cause injury and carry infections, such as:

• Needles, syringes, and scalpels

• Broken laboratory glassware

• Surgical blades and lancets

4. Pathological Waste

Includes human and animal tissues, organs, and body parts, such as:

• Biopsy samples

• Amputated limbs

• Placenta and fetal remains

5. Animal Waste

This category includes carcasses and biological materials from infected animals, mainly from veterinary clinics and research laboratories.

Proper Handling and Storage of Hazardous Waste

NOM-087-ECOL-SSA1-2002 provides clear guidelines on how to handle, store, and dispose of biological-infectious waste.

1. Waste Collection and Separation

• Waste must be separated at the point of generation using color-coded containers:

  • Red bags: Non-anatomical solid waste

  • Yellow bags: Pathological waste

  • Rigid puncture-proof containers: Sharp objects

• Containers must be resistant, leak-proof, and properly labeled.

2. Temporary Storage Guidelines

• Hazardous biological-infectious waste must be stored in a designated area within the facility.

• The storage area must have proper ventilation and temperature control.

• Maximum storage time should not exceed:

  • 24 hours for liquid waste

  • 7 days for solid waste (if refrigerated at 4°C)

3. Waste Transportation Requirements

• Transportation must be done by authorized waste management companies.

• Vehicles must have specialized containment systems to prevent spills.

• Waste must be labeled with hazard symbols and handling instructions.

Final Disposal Methods

To minimize environmental and health risks, NOM-087-ECOL-SSA1-2002 defines specific disposal methods for each type of waste:

1. Incineration

✔ Used for pathological waste, sharps, and contaminated materials.
✔ High-temperature incineration destroys infectious agents.

2. Autoclaving (Steam Sterilization)

✔ Used for solid waste and some liquid waste.
✔ Kills microorganisms before disposal in sanitary landfills.

3. Chemical Treatment

✔ Used for liquid waste containing blood and bodily fluids.
✔ Involves chlorination or other disinfectants before disposal.

4. Encapsulation and Burial

✔ Used for sharps and non-recyclable materials.
✔ Waste is sealed in containers before landfill disposal.

Who Must Comply with NOM-087-ECOL-SSA1-2002?

This regulation applies to all facilities that generate biological-infectious waste, including:

• Hospitals and clinics

• Laboratories (medical and research)

• Veterinary clinics and farms

• Pharmaceutical industries

• Funeral homes and morgues

Failure to comply with NOM-087-ECOL-SSA1-2002 can result in legal penalties, fines, and environmental damage.

Importance of Compliance

Proper waste management helps to:

✔ Prevent the spread of infectious diseases in healthcare settings.
✔ Protect the environment from contamination of water, soil, and air.
✔ Ensure workplace safety for healthcare workers handling hazardous waste.
✔ Promote sustainable waste management practices.

Common Violations and Penalties

Some of the most frequent violations include:

✘ Improper waste segregation, mixing hazardous waste with general trash.
✘ Failure to label or store waste properly.
✘ Illegal dumping or burning of hazardous waste.
✘ Transporting waste without proper authorization.

Fines and penalties depend on the severity of the violation, with authorities enforcing strict compliance measures.

NOM-087-ECOL-SSA1-2002 is a critical regulation that ensures the proper management of hazardous biological-infectious waste in Mexico. By following its guidelines, healthcare facilities and laboratories can minimize health risks, protect the environment, and comply with legal requirements.

Understanding and implementing this standard is essential for safe and responsible waste disposal in medical, research, and industrial sectors.