Book
Waste Management
- Executive Summary
Healthcare waste contains potentially harmful microorganisms that can infect patients, health workers and the public. Other potential hazards may include drug-resistant microorganisms which spread from health facilities into the environment. Treatment and disposal of healthcare waste may pose health risks indirectly through the release of pathogens and toxic pollutants into the environment.
Healthcare waste management requires increased attention and diligence to avoid adverse health outcomes associated with poor practice, including exposure to infectious agents and toxic substances.
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Recommendations |
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Inform personnel involved in the handling and disposal of potentially infectious waste of possible health and safety hazards; ensure that they are trained in appropriate handling and disposal methods. (Conditional Recommendation) |
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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) |
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Place disposable syringes with needles, including sterile sharps that are being discarded, scalpel blades, and other sharp items into puncture-resistant and leak proof containers located as close as practical to the point of use (Conditional Recommendation) |
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Do not bend, recap, or break used syringe needles before discarding them into a container (Conditional Recommendation) |
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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) |
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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) |
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Treat 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) |
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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) |
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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) |
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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 Recommendations) |
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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) |
