Managing Waste From Patients With Infectious Diseases
Managing waste from patients with infectious diseases is a critical aspect of healthcare, especially during flu season and increasing COVID-19 infection rates. Proper handling and disposal of medical waste are essential to prevent the spread of infections. Here are key points to consider:
- Infectious waste may contain pathogens like bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi.
- Examples include waste contaminated with blood, other infectious materials, and unfixed tissues or organs.
Other Healthcare Waste Types:
- Non-infectious waste types include chemical waste, pharmaceutical waste, cytotoxic waste, and radioactive waste.
- Proper categorization is crucial to avoid over-classification or under-classification.
- Incorrect classification can lead to higher waste management costs and environmental impacts.
- Healthcare organizations must teach employees to segregate waste properly to protect staff and waste workers.
- Segregate waste at the point of generation.
- Use labeling and color-coding systems for clarity.
- Separate sharps from non-sharps and use sharps containers.
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Follow standardized processes for storage with biohazard symbols and restricted access.
- Ensure proper handling during collection and transportation phases.
- Treatment may involve autoclave processes (steam and pressure) or incineration to render waste non-infectious.
- Certain types of waste may require specific treatment facilities based on applicable laws and policies.
- Federal and state agencies, including OSHA and DOT, regulate segregation, storage, transportation, treatment, and disposal.
- Adherence to regulatory requirements is crucial to prevent infection spread.
- Definition varies by state, but OSHA includes liquid or semi-liquid blood, contaminated items, contaminated sharps, and pathological wastes.
- Consider waste categorization, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.
- Organizations may have more stringent policies than required by law.
- Check vendor waste acceptance policies for any specific requirements or restrictions.
It is crucial for companies to exercise caution when categorizing waste, ensuring they neither over-classify nor under-classify. This involves avoiding the assumption that all waste is infectious and instead accurately identifying and segregating waste with infectious properties. According to the United Nations, a substantial percentage (between 75 and 90 percent) of healthcare facility waste is considered non-risk, meaning it is neither infectious nor hazardous. Incorrect classification can result in elevated waste management costs and potentially heightened environmental impacts due to unnecessary processing or treatment. Furthermore, under-classification poses risks, including the potential for secondary disease transmission among waste handlers, healthcare workers, patients, and the broader community where improperly disposed waste may be present.