Biohazard Waste Disposal Tips
Disposing of medical waste seems simple enough. Drop an item into a red container. With this simple action medical professionals move forward with their workday. However, there’s a complex science and reasoning behind waste management. Learn how biohazard waste disposal companies deal with their pickups for a cleaner environment. The tricks to their trade are relatively simple by design.
Bagging When Possible
A trick to the waste-management trade is working with strong bags. These bags are like everyday trash bags, but they have a specific density. This is what determines the thickness of the bags. They’re designed for use with soft disposables, such as linens and paper goods. In fact, most medical waste containers are thick, heavy duty bags.
Bags are incredibly easy to use in any facility and easy to store. As long as an item cannot contaminate the bag’s exterior, such as through liquid drops or penetrations, hazardous-waste bags are entirely safe and economical.
Thick Plastic
Aside from bags, biohazard waste disposal companies also rely on thick plastic containers. Red containers with a hazardous waste symbol printed on them are commonplace. This plastic withstands needles, lancets and other sharp objects. Plastic also secures liquid waste when necessary.
When medical facilities stock their buildings with plastic containers, they must be approved by the management companies. It’s a fact that plastic used for medical purposes must be puncture resistant and leak proof. Without these specifications, the containers expose both patients and healthcare workers to infection from the contents within.
Sturdy Locks
Another trick to the trade is locks. Certain medical waste containers, including sharps types, have locks so that no one can access the contents. The lid has an opening that’s designed for intake only. Locks are made for access by authorized personnel, including your waste-management team.
A healthcare manager may also have a key to these locks. Every facility has differing policies typically based on the state where they do business. It may be necessary for an onsite manager to access the contents at times. For the most part, authorized personnel who deal with waste on a regular basis are the only people who open these containers.
Consistent Pickups
Medical waste containers will always be critical resources in the patient-care world. However, they can’t hold an infinite amount of waste. A trick of the trade that must be practiced by all companies is consistent pickups. Each facility has their volume evaluated by a waste professional. Based on the patient load, the company creates an appropriate pickup schedule.
This schedule must be followed by both parties. Overloading any containers is cause for concern. In fact, a facility can lose their license if waste remains accessible by anyone passing by.
Autoclaving Expertise by Biohazard Waste Disposal Companies
Disposal companies don’t just pick up hazardous items and toss them into a landfill. Treatment through autoclaving is a process that’s necessary for any disposal company. This procedure essentially steams the items, which kills the germs that cause infection. Once the autoclaving is completed, the items can be compacted and sent to a specific area in a landfill.
Autoclaving is a core part of the disposal trade. It renders nearly any item sterile so that germs cannot be spread. With tissues, body fluids and tools being discarded on a daily basis, sterilization protects society as a whole.
There’s no question that there are several providers supporting your region’s waste needs. Select professionals who have many years of experience, such as MedSharps. As one of the top biohazard waste disposal companies in business today, these experts continue to support and educate the nearby medical community. Align yourself with waste-management professionals to keep your facility and its visitors safe.
