Medical waste treatment and disposal strategies vary depending on the kind of waste. Regulations for treating and disposing of hazardous waste differ from those governing non-hazardous trash. It is imperative to identify and segregate all medical waste by federal and state criteria to guarantee appropriate management procedures are followed.
Generally speaking, depending on the type of medical waste, the treatment and disposal procedure entails disinfection before disposal in a landfill through some steps. The remaining medical waste items can be safely disposed of after decontamination and processed as non-hazardous trash. Although following federal and state laws is necessary to stay in compliance, rules and regulations can be complicated. If you don't, you risk paying hefty fines and reputational harm.
Best Practices For Medical Waste
The best practices for the collection, handling, transportation, and disposal of medical waste should be understood and followed by all healthcare personnel. Utilize a clear color-coding system, classify and separate every garbage, and be aware of the laws. To save money, avoid overfilling containers and keep non-regulated waste apart.
1- Understand the laws of medical waste: The states, the EPA, the DEA, OSHA, the DOT, and other federal, state, and municipal authorities control waste from healthcare institutions. Before you prepare, store, or transport garbage, be sure you are informed of all applicable regulations.
2- Sort every waste in healthcare: Medical waste, like office garbage or sweeping waste, makes up around 85% of non-hazardous waste. 15% is risky, though. Avoid mixing non-hazardous garbage with hazardous waste to reduce expenses.
3- Sort your garbage: Sort waste materials according to their type, such as pharmaceutical, chemical, sharps, and pathological. Red bags are required for any biohazardous waste that is controlled. Puncture-proof containers are used for sharps.
4- Make use of the appropriate medical waste container: Certified cardboard boxes can be used to contain certain garbage. Extra rubbish is placed in designated tubs. Some are even secured for transit.
5- Get the trash cans ready: Tape all bags and containers together so they are ready for shipping. Then adhere to the weight and waste packaging regulations set forth by DOT. Containers should be kept dry and safe until they are sent or picked up. Label any biohazardous garbage appropriately.
6- Provide the appropriate supporting paperwork: The healthcare practitioner, the shipper, and the waste disposal company are all protected by the proper paperwork. Every bag or container traveling must be accompanied by completed documentation.
7- Sort all garbage by color: Many hospitals implement the color-coding method that is recommended by the WHO. Pharmaceutical waste and hazardous garbage are stored in black containers in the United States. Sharps, tubing, PPE, and used trace amounts of chemotherapy medications are all kept in yellow containers. Pharmaceuticals that are not harmful are placed in blue or white containers, and biohazards are placed in red dumpsters. Radioactive wastes such as Iodine-131 are placed in lead containers that are protected and have a radiation symbol on them.
8- Avoid filling to the brim: The maximum amount of filling that bags should have is ¾ full to minimize spills. Once containers are filled, keep them sealed and covered. Maintain a rigorous schedule for shipping or collection. Particularly in warm weather, waste shouldn't be let to sit for too long. Medical waste should be kept out of the way of regular operations in a cold, dry location.
9- Employ a reputable waste management company: Healthcare staff face a terrifying amount of difficulty due to the maze of rules, several waste types, and numerous transportation and disposal options. Collaborate with a trustworthy supplier to avert a possible disaster.
Consult Professionals for the Medical Waste Disposal Chattanooga
When it comes to treating and disposing of medical waste for your healthcare facility, never take a chance. Trihaz Solutions is fully aware of the complexities involved in disposing of medical waste. Our skilled personnel is well-versed in the laws of the federal, state, and municipal governments about the gathering, handling, and disposal of medical waste. We are aware of and adhere to best practices for the appropriate hazardous medical waste disposal, including trained drivers, continuous training, required permits, and insurance coverage. Reach out to us right now to find out more about our offerings in your state.
0 Comments