Hospital Waste Segregation Guidelines
Hospital Waste Segregation Guidelines for Hygiene
Hospitals accommodate medical personnel, inpatients, outpatients, and the general public, resulting in a high daily waste volume. Waste segregation is crucial; it ensures proper disposal of each waste type, reduces infection spread, and enhances cleanliness and hygiene for all. Selecting appropriate waste bins and waste bags is key to adhering to hospital waste management protocols.
Methods for Segregating Different Waste Types in Hospitals
Hospital waste segregation differs from general waste segregation. Key considerations include waste type, the color of waste bags, the color and type of waste bins, and disposal methods for each waste type. This article compiles waste type information from various hospitals.
1. General Waste
General waste is non-infectious waste unrelated to diagnosis, treatment, or medical procedures. This typically includes waste from the cafeteria, offices, and medical staff rest areas. Examples include food scraps, paper, plastic, and office supplies.
(Image of Jenbunjerd Store's smooth-lid foot-pedal waste bin and smooth-lid wheeled waste bin for general waste)
For general waste, use smooth-lid foot-pedal waste bins or wheeled smooth-lid waste bins made of plastic. Choose large bins for high waste volume, with tight-fitting lids to prevent odors, germs, and scavenging. Wheeled bins facilitate easy movement. Daily cleaning is crucial for hygiene.
Use black waste bags, commonly understood as for general waste. When nearing full, tie the bag securely with twine and label it "For Disposal." Separate food scraps in a different bag.
2. Recyclable Waste
Recyclable waste includes reusable materials like paper, metal, glass, and plastic. This waste must be non-infectious and free from food contamination. Sharp metal or glass items are excluded.
(Image of Jenbunjerd Store's bin with compartments and smooth-lid foot-pedal bin for recyclable waste)
Suitable bins include open bins allowing for visibility (ideal for bottles and paper). Bins with compartments and swing doors, and smooth-lid foot-pedal bins are also suitable.
(Image of Jenbunjerd Store's clear waste bags)
Bag color isn't strictly defined and depends on hospital policy; blue, green, or clear bags are common. Secure larger items (e.g., boxes) with twine before disposal.
3. Hazardous Waste
Hazardous waste is toxic and harmful to humans and the environment. Examples include blades, metal scraps, spray cans, light bulbs, batteries, expired medications, and chemicals. This excludes infectious waste.
Waste bag color varies by hospital; gray, orange, or yellow are common. Bins needn't be large; foot-pedal bins are suitable.
(Image of Jenbunjerd Store's gray waste bags)
For solid hazardous waste, use plastic bags secured with twine. For mercury, use a plastic or cardboard box before bagging. Place expired medications in a bottle before disposal.
4. Infectious Waste
Infectious waste requires careful handling due to its potential for infection spread. This waste originates from diagnosis, treatment, or any medical procedure. It's categorized into two types:
4.1 Non-sharp Infectious Waste
Non-sharp infectious waste includes blood, bodily fluids, human tissue, organs, and medical supplies such as bandages, gauze, blood collection tubes, syringes, diapers, and sanitary napkins.
Use red waste bags. Use foot-pedal bins. When the bag is 2/3 full, tie it securely with twine, double-bag for safety, and label with the department name and "Infectious Waste."
4.2 Sharp Infectious Waste
Sharp infectious waste requires careful handling due to the risk of injury. Disposal differs from other waste types. Examples include syringes, needles, glass tubes, slides, and blades.
Use small, top-opening plastic containers or designated sharps containers (red). When 3/4 full, seal securely, place in a red bag, and label as for non-sharp infectious waste. For oversized sharps, use a sealed gallon container, secured with gauze tape, labeled as infectious waste and with the department name.
Attire for Hospital Waste Handlers
In addition to proper waste segregation and bin selection, appropriate attire is crucial for the safety and hygiene of waste handlers.
(Image of a hospital cleaning staff member)
1.Hairnet prevents contact; long hair should be tied back.
2.Safety Glasses are essential when handling waste in high-risk areas or dealing with easily transmissible diseases (e.g., COVID-19) to protect against droplets.
(*** Link to a COVID-19 article can be added here.)
3.Mask protects against infection transmission.
4.Long, thick rubber gloves protect against contamination and injury from sharps.
5. A long plastic gown prevents contamination and splash protection.
6. Rubber boots protect against contamination and are easily cleaned.
Basic Waste Handling Procedures
Proper waste segregation is crucial but only one aspect of waste management. Hospital protocols vary, but general guidelines include:
1. Segregate waste according to designated categories.
2. Never delay infectious waste disposal to prevent infection spread.
3. Liquid infectious waste can be flushed down the toilet or a designated drain, followed by thorough rinsing.
4. Use tongs or thick gloves to handle fallen infectious waste and thoroughly clean the area.
5. For waste transport, use smooth-surfaced, thick-walled carts to prevent visibility to animals. Consider wheeled smooth-lid waste bins large wheeled bins or solid stainless steel carts and use a designated route.
6. At the waste collection point, designate zones for waste disposal and regularly clean the area.
Proper waste segregation is a crucial hospital requirement for hygiene. The information compiled here represents practices from various hospitals; specific regulations may vary.
References:
https://med.mahidol.ac.th/green/th/garbage/screen
http://hpc6.anamai.moph.go.th/ewt_dl_link.php?nid=712&filename
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2023-09-25