How to Handle Biohazard Waste Disposal
Proper biohazard disposal is a concern for everyone, regardless of their last time in a medical setting. Mishandled hazardous waste causes diseases to spread like wildfire. To control bacteria and viruses, medical personnel rely on biohazard waste containers. Handling medical waste without causing a hazard requires ample containers nearby with sturdy plastic construction.
Biohazard Disposal Nearby
Biohazard waste containers can’t perform their job correctly if they are nowhere near hazardous areas. For instance, blood-drawing areas should have sharps containers along almost every wall. Medical personnel can literally turn around and dispose of a needle without transporting it further through the clinic. Close proximity to working areas is critical, especially for emergency and surgery rooms. The faster waste is secured away, the tighter the waste control.
The Right Container
Medical waste containers aren’t a one-size-fits-all business. There are holders residing on walls, on casters or permanently affixed to wall cabinets. Medical personnel could walk around their work area to see which waste items turn up the most often. Based on overall waste volume, clinics can decide on the best container types for their operation. If vaccinations or blood drawing occur in one room more than compared to another, that room should definitely have wall containers for needles at the bare minimum.
Dividing Out the Waste
Medical personnel must be diligent about using the right container, however. Although most containers take a variety of items, adding the wrong waste to them could damage the holder itself. If certain chemicals are being used, for instance, they must be designated to just one container type. If needles are placed in an open-top medical waste container meant for soiled linens, someone could be accidentally pricked from loose sharp points.
Medical Paperwork Waste
Although it’s an indirect medical waste product, old paperwork regarding procedures and patient information must be dealt with carefully. Personnel cannot throw these items away because it possibly compromises patient-doctor confidentiality. A specialized container can be designated in a protected office area for all medical paperwork. Periodically, that paperwork can be carefully shredded by the appropriate authorities. Patients will never see their information compromised.
Every medical facility has a biohazard disposal supervisor on-site to keep everyone in compliance with proper practices. If possible, a meeting should be devoted each month to biohazard waste containers and their correct usage. When everyone is compliant, the entire facility remains as sterile as possible.
