Hazardous Waste

Following are guidelines for dealing with hazardous waste.

Sharps

Sharps, such as needles and scalpel blades, must be disposed of safely. This minimizes the risk of injury and the transmission of disease.

CMG uses sharps containers that are puncture resistant, clearly labeled, and include the appropriate biohazard symbol.

The person who uses the sharp is responsible for safely disposing of that sharp immediately after use. Do not force a sharp into the container or fill the sharps container beyond its recommended level.

Sharps safes should be placed in a secure location out of reach of children. When sharps containers reach their recommended limit, containers should be securely stored in the waste collection area.

Spills of Blood and Other Bodily Substances

There are standard precautions used in medical environments when dealing with patients regardless of their infectious state or perceived risk to the health of others. The standard precautions apply to the handling of:

  • Blood
  • Dried blood
  • Saliva
  • All other bodily fluids, secretions, and excretions
  • Non-intact skin
  • Mucous membranes

The precautions staff must take when dealing with these substances include the following:

  1. Wear latex gloves and use disposable hand towels to clean up blood spills or any other bodily substances.
  2. Place the contamination in a biohazard waste container.
  3. Clean the area thoroughly with detergent and apply undiluted disinfectant.
  4. Dispose of the gloves and wash your hands thoroughly.

Disposal of Patient Specimens

Separate infectious waste from other waste streams. The waste can then be treated on-site to reduce the concentration of the pathogen to an acceptable level (decontamination), or packaged in a way to prevent subsequent exposure of other persons having to handle the waste prior to terminal treatment. Identify packages of infectious waste with the universal biohazard symbol so that the potential hazard clearly can be recognized and understood by others.

Containment

Infectious waste containers serve as primary barriers to protect the worker and to minimize the chance of environmental contamination. Use containers made from leak-resistant paper or cardboard, stainless steel, or temperature-resistant polymers. Package items as follows:

  1. Package solid waste in sturdy bags or boxes.
  2. Package pipettes and other laboratory supplies in flat trays with sealable lids during decontamination.
  3. Collect bulk liquids in leak-proof containers, decontaminate them, and discharge the liquids into the sewer system. Store liquid infectious waste in plastic carboys designed for chemical disinfection.
  4. Package sharps, such as broken glass, brittle plasticware, needles, and scalpel blades in rigid, puncture-resistant, sealable containers.
  5. Package wet waste with sufficient absorbent materials to contain residual liquids and minimize leakage. Double-bag wet materials for transport, sealing each bag independently.
  6. Place heavy waste, such as anatomical specimens, animal bedding, and laboratory specimens in rigid containers. Ensure that the weight of the waste load does not exceed the burst strength of the container.

Ensure the physical properties of the container are compatible with the treatment process. Waste placed in stainless steel pans, waxed-lined paper bags, tempered glass, and heat-resistant plastics can all be safely processed in an autoclave. Metal containers have been shown to enhance the transfer of heat to the waste load during autoclaving, whereas containers made of plastic retard steam penetration. Processing smaller waste loads and extending the treatment period can compensate for this feature of plastic containers.

Metal receptacles can be autoclaved and recycled but are not suitable for incineration. Ideally, waste should be packaged in disposable receptacles that minimize the handling of the waste and are suitable for the waste treatment method. Cleaning containers that are to be reused is labor intensive and increases the risk of occupational injuries and exposures to biohazards.

Personal Protection

The most important precautions for all personnel handling infectious waste are the wearing of protective gloves and frequent handwashing. Gloves and a laboratory coat are provided for all activities involving manipulations of contaminated items.

  1. Change gloves and clothing when soiled or damaged.
  2. Wash hands thoroughly after working with infectious materials.

Note: Scavenging through waste—as well as eating, drinking, and smoking while working with waste—is prohibited.

Waste Collection

CMG has engaged the services of Biohazard Waste Management Services for the disposal of sharps and other hazardous waste from the clinic.

Biohazard Waste Management Services collects and replaces sharps safes and biohazard waste containers on Tuesdays and Fridays.

If additional collections are required, call the service at 555-555-5555.