We'd like to take a moment to evaluate the most valuable suggestions and lessons for reducing medical waste. Regardless of whether your medical institution is small or large, location, or how many patients you treat each year, every healthcare provider should adhere to healthcare waste management policies and guidelines. Here are our top ten tips for compliance.
1- Segregate Your Trash!
Always segregate medical waste at the place of origin. Understanding waste stream essentials is the first step in training your team to appropriately dispose of medical waste in your hospital, clinic, outpatient surgery center, or dentistry office. Knowing federal and state regulations will help you stay compliant and safe while also saving the environment. Typically, medical waste is classified into eight categories: sharps, pathological/anatomical, pharmaceutical, biological (including blood and/or blood-related items), microbiological, isolation, and contaminated animal waste.
2- Know The Distinction Between Regulated, Infectious, & Hazardous Waste
A regulated medical waste is something that may be contaminated with an infectious material, such as blood or bodily fluids. In a nutshell, regulated medical waste is defined as blood that drips, flows, or flakes even after drying. Infectious medical waste is referred to as any waste product or organism that is commonly created in healthcare settings or health-related sectors and is capable of causing infection or infectious disease in humans. Check read our blog on the top ten types of infectious waste. Hazardous waste demonstrates specific characteristics. Such trash may be poisonous or flammable. It may also be capable of reacting with other chemicals. Finally, it may be corrosive. A list of hazardous waste and instances can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations.
3- Properly Dispose of Sharps
A "sharp" is anything with an edge that can slash, puncture, pierce, cut, or otherwise harm the flesh. Sharps include shattered glass, suture needles, broken or empty ampoules, trocars, butterflies, and culture slides or dishes, among other items. OSHA requires sharps containers to be closable, puncture-resistant, and leak-proof on the sides and bottom. Maintain an upright position and avoid overfilling. The containers must be labeled and/or color-coded in red and prominently marked with the biohazard emblem.
4- Avoid Needle Stick Injuries
Sharps or needlestick injuries are a common hazard in the healthcare business for nurses, doctors, and surgical staff. Unfortunately, incorrect disposal techniques can cause injuries and diseases among janitors and housekeepers. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) website, nearly five million healthcare workers and ancillary occupations are still in danger of bloodborne pathogen contact. Such exposures may include HIV, hepatitis B and C, and others. Sharps should be properly disposed of.
5- Know Where You Can Find The Rules For Your State
In addition to federal guidelines, each state has its own rules and regulations for managing healthcare waste. A good place to start is the state government's website. State Departments of Environmental Quality, as well as state administrative rules or regulations, are valuable sources of information. State transportation departments, as well as the state's Bureau of Waste Management, are valuable resources.
Trihaz Solutions is committed to ensuring the safety of healthcare providers through effective and compliant medical waste management and disposal. These methods also preserve the state's resources and environment. When it comes to healthcare facility demands, Trihaz has the resources, compliant goods, and experienced services you require. Contact us now to understand how to ensure that medical waste management processes are safe, compliant, cost-effective, and sustainable.
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