Choosing the Right Biohazard Waste Containers
Choosing the right biohazard waste containers for the job at hand is important not only for your business, but to protect patients, staff, and the environment. These containers are typically visible in doctors’ offices or hospital settings. Containers used for medical waste are prevalent in these locations because they are a requirement to ensure this type of waste is disposed of immediately and in close proximity to the area in which it was used.
Sharp items such as used needles and syringes must be placed in special medical waste containers called sharps containers. These receptacles are termed sharps containers because they specifically hold sharp items. Sharps must be properly contained so as not to spread germs or other blood-borne pathogens to other patients.
Separating Waste with Biohazard Waste Containers
Bio-hazardous waste must be segregated as part of legal requirements. It’s important to understand that not all medical waste should be disposed of in the same container. Once this is understood, it is necessary to have a variety of medical waste containers to ensure that each type of waste is properly disposed of separately. Other containers to consider or be aware of are medical waste bins, containers for cultures and infectious shock, RCRA compliant containers, and non-RCRA pharmaceutical waste containers.
In addition to separating waste appropriately, it is necessary to know how to handle various types of waste to prevent unwanted spreading of disease and infection. For example, there are special handling requirements for specific waste as related to chemotherapy and pathological waste. Specific protocol must be in place for handling materials that have come in contact with blood or body fluids. Handling and separating waste safely are key components of proper waste disposal.
Knowing Which Containers to Choose
The first detail to consider is what types of waste the facility produces. A variety of healthcare facilities will produce different types of medical waste, which is a biohazard. Keep space limitations and storage area availability in mind. Some containers may be too big or may not be big enough for different types of waste.
Directly inherent to space limitations and storage areas is the location and security of biohazard waste containers. However, before beginning any search, be aware of state and federal regulations which can provide guidance and minimize risk for any business.
