Waste Management
- Recommendations
Recommendations |
Inform personnel involved in the handling and disposal of potentially infective waste of possible health and safety hazards; ensure that they are trained in appropriate handling and disposal methods. (Conditional Recommendation, Moderate Evidence Grade) |
Manage the handling and disposal of medical wastes generated in isolation areas by using the same methods as for medical wastes from other patient-care areas (Good Practice Statement) |
Place disposable syringes with needles, including sterile sharps that are being discarded, scalpel blades, and other sharp items into puncture-resistant leak proof containers located as close as practical to the point of use (Conditional Recommendation, Moderate Evidence Grade) |
Do not bend, recap, or break used syringe needles before discarding them into a container (Conditional Recommendation, Moderate Evidence Grade) |
Store regulated medical wastes awaiting treatment in a properly ventilated area that is inaccessible to pests; use waste containers that prevent the development of noxious odors. (Conditional Recommendation, Moderate Evidence Grade) |
If treatment options are not available at the site where the medical waste is generated, transport regulated medical wastes in closed, impervious containers to the on-site treatment location or to another facility for treatment as appropriate (Conditional Recommendation, Moderate Evidence Grade) |
Treat regulated medical wastes by using a method (e.g., steam sterilization, incineration, interment (burial), or an alternative treatment technology) approved by the appropriate authority having jurisdiction before disposal in a sanitary landfill (Conditional Recommendation, Moderate Evidence Grade) |
Biosafety level 3 laboratories must inactivate microbiological wastes in the laboratory by using an approved inactivation method (e.g., autoclaving) or incinerate them at the facility before transport to and disposal in a sanitary landfill. (Conditional Recommendation, Moderate Evidence Grade) |
Biosafety levels 1 and 2 laboratories should develop strategies to inactivate amplified microbial cultures and stocks onsite by using an approved inactivation method (e.g., autoclaving) instead of packaging and shipping untreated wastes to an offsite facility for treatment and disposal (Good Practice Statement) |
Laboratories that isolate select agents from clinical specimens must comply with MoHP regulations for the receipt, transfer, management, and appropriate disposal of these agents. (Conditional Recommendation, Moderate Evidence Grade) |
Sanitary sewers may be used for the safe disposal of blood, suctioned fluids, ground tissues, excretions, and secretions, provided that local sewage discharge requirements are met and that the governmental regulations have declared this to be an acceptable method of disposal. (Good Practice Statement) |
Rationale:
➡️ Training and Awareness
- Training ensures personnel understand the risks and are equipped to handle waste safely, reducing the likelihood of exposure to infectious agents or hazardous materials. This also promotes compliance with safety standards and enhances overall waste management efficiency. Using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Removing PPE and perform hand hygiene when finish handling healthcare waste.
➡️Waste Management
- Proper segregation at source: Prevents mixing infectious and non-infectious waste, facilitating appropriate disposal and treatment. Color codes and biohazard symbols ensure easy identification, reducing handling errors and risk of exposure. Color codes according to MOH until color codes of MOE are issued.
- On-site Transportation: Transport healthcare waste during off-peak hours to avoid high patient flow. Using sealed containers to prevent leaks and exposure during transport, easy-to-clean containers. While following designated routes away from patient and staff areas to minimize contamination in high-traffic areas. Labelling waste bags and sharps containers with origin, date, and weight to ensure traceability and accountability in waste management.
- Storage of Regulated Medical Waste: Proper ventilation limits the buildup of noxious odour, while secure containers prevent pest infestation and environmental contamination. Secure storage prevents unauthorized access and accidental exposure of unwanted persons or domestic pets while adhering to time limits reduces odour formation and decomposition of waste, particularly in warmer conditions.
- Waste Receptacle Management: Scheduled emptying maintains hygiene and prevents overflow-related hazards. Overfilled bins increase the risk of spills and contamination, making regular emptying essential. Daily cleaning of bins minimizes microbial contamination and prevents odours. Uniform management of healthcare waste in isolation areas ensures consistent safety practices across the facility.
- Off-site Transportation: Ensuring the transport vehicle complies with specifications and is licensed by appropriate authorities for hazardous waste transport of healthcare waste. Proper treatment inactivates pathogens, reducing the risk of environmental contamination during handling and transportation toward final disposal area, therefore protecting public health.
- Disposal of healthcare waste: Untreated healthcare waste is disposed of in landfills designated for hazardous waste. Treated healthcare waste, after processes such as shredding, sterilization, incineration, or any MOH-approved method, is disposed of in accordance with the specified treatment methods.