![]() ![]() When creating an operating plan, consider the volume of waste produced daily, waste management staffing needs, the size of storage areas, and final disposal method. Healthcare facilities should have an operating plan for waste so that the need to store waste is minimized. Store waste until it can be either treated or transported offsite. Not have sharp edges that might tear bags or damage containers.If available, use separate equipment, such as a trolley or a wheelbarrow, to transport hazardous and non-hazardous waste separately. TransportationĮquipment in the healthcare facility that holds and transports waste should not be used for any other purpose. Be sure that the bags are not broken, opened, dropped, or thrown. Lifting or holding bags by the bottom or sides could cause injury (such as by sharp objects piercing through the bag), especially if they contain waste that was incorrectly discarded. Carry sealed bags at the top-that is, by the neck-and away from your body. Do not shake or squeeze bags to create more space in the bag when sealing them. If you are collecting bags, tie them securely closed. Consult national guidelines for how to dispose of chemical and pharmaceutical waste. Collect general and infectious waste on a daily basis or more frequently-when the bag or container is three-quarters full. Remember to remove PPE and perform hand hygiene after handling waste.Īs with segregating waste, it is important to collect waste according to type. Eye protection and/or face mask (if any splashes or sprays are anticipated).When handling hazardous or infectious waste, always wear PPE. We will now look at the collection, transportation, and storage steps in the waste management process. ![]() ![]() Rigid plastic boxes are sturdier and are designed to remain closed once the lid is secured.Īfter waste is segregated, designate staff for each ward or unit to collect and transport it for disposal or transport it to a dedicated storage area to await disposal. Cardboard is easier to burn and cheaper to procure, but might be less suitable in humid conditions. Note: There are advantages and disadvantages to different types of sharps boxes. Label them as “sharps waste.” Make sure you can completely close and tightly seal this container when it is three-quarters full to prevent it from being opened before final disposal. Make improvised sharps containers from metal containers, plastic bottles, or durable cardboard boxes. If procurement of official sharps containers is difficult, you can provide low-cost options. Note that they are located at the point of care, close to the patient’s bedside, for safe and easy disposal. The sharps bin on the right looks a bit different-it is made of cardboard, and sharps are inserted through a hole in the top. The sharps bin on the left has a hard plastic top with a sealable lid. There are two appropriate sharps containers in this photo-one on the left side of the table and one on the right in this case they happen to be yellow. Sharps containers should be single-use never empty a container and then reuse it. Avoid overfilling sharps containers-seal and discard them when they’re three-quarters full to prevent needlestick injury. Sharps containers should be labelled with a biohazard symbol and designated “sharps.” Sharps containers should be located within arm’s reach of where sharps are used. Dispose of hazardous sharps waste, such as syringes, scalpels, suture needles, and glass, in a puncture-resistant sharps container to prevent needlesticks, cuts, and puncture injuries. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |