SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5080

                    As of February 15, 1999

Title:  An act relating to requiring plans for biomedical waste operations.

Brief Description:  Requiring hazard analysis and critical control points plans for biomedical waste operations.

Sponsors:  Senator Swecker.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Environmental Quality & Water Resources:  2/16/99.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & WATER RESOURCES

Staff:  Richard Ramsey (786-7412)

Background:  Hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) planning was developed in the 1960s for the space program and has been adopted by many food processors, governments and food retailers as a system to assure food safety.  The seven steps in an  HACCP are:  (1) conduct an analysis of high risk products; (2) identify critical control points; (3) establish critical limits; (4) develop critical control point monitoring procedures; (5) pre-set corrective actions; (6) create a record keeping system; and (7) establish verification procedures.

The goal of HACCP is to identify significant public health hazards and take steps to control the hazard.  A hazard that is significant is: (1) reasonably likely to occur or (2) likely to result in an unacceptable risk to the public.

Summary of Bill:  Within two years, each facility that deactivates biomedical waste under a solid waste permit must develop a hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) plan.  The plan must be updated every two years and new operations must complete a plan prior to beginning operations.  A completed HACCP plan is reviewed by the local health department in consultation with the Departments of Ecology, Health and Labor and Industries.  These agencies may propose revisions to a HACCP plan if the biomedical waste treatment facility makes significant changes in its operations, the source of waste changes, or a disease of concern emerges at the facility.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.