Waste Module Overview
Managing chemical waste is critical to lab safety, compliance, and the reduction of environmental impacts. The waste management module provides a streamlined process for handling chemical waste from cradle to grave and beyond.
Integration with the inventory manager minimizes the complexity of waste management. Tasks can be centralized which will reduce errors. Accurate labeling and tracking reduces the risk of mismanagement. Communication is standardized and provided in real-time. Reports are easily compiled to maintain compliance with regulatory agencies.
There are three primary activities involved when using the waste management module.
- Set up:
- Defining waste container types
- Creating waste labels.
- Creating waste profiles.
- Designating Central Accumulation Areas (CAA).
- Managing Waste Containers:
- Adding new containers.
- Adding/modifying container contents.
- Designating containers ready for pick-up.
- Transferring containers to a CAA.
- Managing Shipments:
- Consolidate items.
- Add containers to shipments.
- Add documents.
- Complete shipment.
Waste Module Rights
| Right | Permission |
|---|---|
| Manage Item-Perform Pickup | Relocate item to central accumulation area |
| Manage Item-Ready for Pickup | Designate item as ready for pickup |
| Manage Waste Container Types | View, add, modify and delete waste container types |
| Manage Waste Containers | View, add, edit, and delete waste containers View, add, edit, and delete waste records |
| Manage Waste Labels | View, add, edit, print, and delete waste labels |
| Manage Waste Profiles | View, add, edit, and delete waste profiles |
| Manage Waste Regulatory Data | View, add, edit, and delete waste regulatory data |
| Manage Waste Removal | Dispense, pick-up and remove waste. Add, update, and delete shipments Update shipment status Add, remove waste containers to/from shipments Manage consolidations and items within consolidations |
Waste Module Setup
There are several setup procedures that can help take full advantage of the features available within the waste management module.
Waste Container Types
Waste container types can be customized based on waste type, expected contents, and volume. When container types are pre-defined within the system, it allows end users to easily choose the appropriate container for their needs. Standardization reduces “ad-hoc” container creation and streamlines the process for creating new containers.
Take me to: Waste Container Types
Waste Profiles
Creating detailed waste profiles for each waste stream simplifies tracking and disposal.
A waste profile can be as simple as Waste Profile Name and Waste Type. Regulatory data may be added at the container level, as needed. However, this practice fails to utilize the extensive functionality built into the waste management module.
In labs where the process is routine and the waste stream is familiar, detailed waste profiles can be compiled based on expected contents, prior to waste container creation. Pre-defined waste profiles containing regulatory data, waste content options, and catalog associations streamline the tracking process by allowing the user to compile data once that can be used for all future waste containers matching the waste profile.
Pre-defined profiles may also be modified, in real time, at the container level to reflect if/when the waste composition changes, e.g. an unexpected reagent is added or not all of the expected reagents are placed in the container. Changes made to the profile, at the container level, do not modify the parent profile.
If needed, the waste profile assigned at container creation may be changed. The regulatory data, waste content options and catalog associations of the new profile will replace the profile data originally assigned to the container. Container contents can be discarded or retained when the profile is replaced.
Planning for detailed waste profile creation:
- Compile a list of expected contents.
- Gather regulatory information to be included in the profile.
- Identify catalog records to associate with the profile.
Take me to: Waste Profiles
Central Accumulation Areas (CAA)
Waste containers must be moved to Central Accumulation Areas (CAA) from satellite accumulation areas, the location at or near the point of generation, once the container has been designated as ready for pick-up or once the volume limit for the satellite accumulation area has been reached.
Defining CAAs within the inventory system allows for ease in transfer and tracking of each waste container and regular inventoried item that is ready for removal from point of use.
Take me to: Central Accumulation Areas (CAA)
Waste Label Documents
Custom waste label documents can be created by the Vertere support team for use with the waste management module. Contact Vertere at support@vertere.com for assistance.
Take me to: Waste Label Documents
Waste Containers
Waste containers are the central item in the waste management module. Once the setup phase is complete, the next step is to add waste containers.
Take me to: Add Waste Container
Over the lifetime of an active waste container, contents are added, regulatory data is updated, waste profiles are modified, and documents are printed. When a waste container has been filled, it will be designated as ready for pickup.
Regular inventoried items, in need of disposal, may also be included in the waste management process by designating the items as ready for pickup.
As the status of the container evolves through the system, the waste management module provides a centralized hub for tracking containers through every step of the waste management process.
Take me to: Search Waste Containers
Take me to: Manage Waste Containers
Waste Pickup
Once a waste container has been filled and designated as ready for pickup, it must then be transferred to the Central Accumulation Area for further processing prior to being shipped off site. The waste management module simplifies the process of tracking which containers are ready for pickup, printing a pickup list and transferring the containers to the CAA.
Pickup management is not restricted to dedicated waste containers. Regular inventoried items in need of disposal may also be included in the waste management process.
Take me to: Manage Waste Pickup
Waste Consolidations
Preparing waste items to be shipped off site often involves packing smaller, individual containers into a larger overpack container creating a waste consolidation. The waste management module provides the functionality to create consolidations that preserves the regulatory data and characteristics of each individual container contained in the consolidation.
When a consolidation is created, it is assigned a barcode separate from the individual barcodes included in the contents. Because the consolidation is a discrete entity, regulatory data may be assigned that reflects the hazards of the whole, rather than its individual parts.
Take me to: Manage Waste Consolidations
Waste Shipments
Creating and managing shipments is the last step in the waste management process prior to the waste leaving the generator’s site. The shipment section of the waste management module provides an easy-to-navigate hub where shipments can be created, regulatory data can be finalized, detailed waste reports can be generated and shipment documents, such as waste manifests, can be uploaded and stored.
Prior shipments are retained within the system to aid in reporting and document retention.
Take me to: Manage Waste Shipments