EPIC+: Education, Process Improvements & Compliance for Environmental Risk Reduction in the Biotechnology and Lab R&D Industry

Laboratories

 

The goal of the program is to reduce the most common hazardous waste ,  medical waste  and  hazardous materials  violations found in the Biotech and R&D industry sector. The main objective is to demonstrate that education and outreach can be effective tools in obtaining compliance from the regulated community. 

 

EPIC+ Seminar 2024

Biocom California and the Department of Environmental Health & Quality's Hazardous Materials Division presented the EPIC+ Seminar on June 18, 2024. The EPIC+ Program strives to reduce the most common hazardous waste, medical waste and hazardous materials violations found in the Biotech and R&D industry sector. 

To review what was covered during this presentation, please see slides below:

EPIC+ 2024

What to Expect When Inspected by HMD

Top Ten Biotech Violations

Generator Improvement Rule (GIR)

Li-Ion Batteries

Industry Perspective Presentation

If you attended this seminar and would like credit as your annual EPIC+ training, please complete the following post-quiz and submit it to hmdepic@sdcounty.ca.gov.

EPIC+ Online Training

Participants that meet program Performance Standards outlined below are eligible for a 25% reduction in their Unified Program Facility Permit base and per-item material and waste fees (see current fee schedule)

Every biotech participating in the EPIC+ Program must have at least one employee complete the online training or attend an EPIC+ seminar, at least every 12 months.

To get credit for the online training you must review the EPIC+ Online Training materials below and complete the exam posted. You must score at least 75% to receive credit.

Eligibility for New Applicants

San Diego Biotech/R&D Lab testing businesses interested in participating in the program must meet the following eligibility requirements in order to be considered for the EPIC+ program: 

  • Must have a valid Unified Program Facility Permit (UPFP) in good standing. 
  • Submitted a complete  EPIC+ application to the EPIC+ Coordinators
  • Had the same business operator for the last two HMD inspections. A change of ownership may have caused a change in facility operator.
  • Have Scored Fewer Than 15 Points (each) During Their Last Two Full CUPA Inspections
    • New businesses must have had at least 2 full CUPA inspections to participate. 
    • New facilities under a parent organization are eligible after the initial inspection if the parent business is located in San Diego County, and has achieved performance standards.
  • A full CUPA inspection entails all elements as applicable: medical waste, hazardous waste, hazardous materials business plan, APSA, UST.  Abbreviated Large Quantity Medical Waste and Underground Storage Tank inspections do not count toward two initial inspections.

Required Performance Standards

 Complete Annual EPIC+ Training Requirement

  • Participants must have at least one employee (may not be consultant or vendor) complete the annual training by attending the EPIC+ seminar or completing the online training.
    Previous EPIC+ Workshop Presentations

 Continue to score fewer than 15 points at each full CUPA inspection.

  • Businesses already in the program that score 15 or more points during a compliance inspection will be ineligible to continue in the program, but may reapply after undergoing 2 full CUPA inspections scoring fewer than 15 points.
  • A full CUPA  inspection entails all elements as applicable: medical waste, hazardous waste, hazardous materials business plan, APSA, UST. Abbreviated Large Quantity Medical Waste and Underground Storage Tank inspections do not count toward two initial inspections.

Failure to comply with these standards will terminate EPIC+ fee reduction benefits.