Waste Handling Collection storage transportation Unit II BMW

Waste Handling Collection storage & transportation (Unit – II)

BMW handling & transportation • Have 3 -Components 1. Collection of different types of waste from storage bags & containers inside the healthcare establishment. 2. On-site transportation & intermediate storage of segregated waste. 3. Off-site transportation towards the treatment or final disposal site.

Waste Handling • Handler should be extra careful, most risky job (sharps), sanitary staff & cleaners wear PPE – Gloves (protect skin, heavy duty, carbolic soap/disinfectant) – Apron, gowns, suits (protect skin & inner cloth, impermeable material, non-inflammable) – Mask, eye wear, face shield (gas mask with filter within incinerator) – Boots/Shoes (large quantity waste, rubber sole, anti-skidding property, cover ankle)

Collection Prevent accumulation of waste Strict protocol should adhered by collection workers Plan – establish routine for collection Routes should be planned to minimize movement of load thru patient care & other clean areas. • Avoid contaminating exterior of container, avoid traffic corridor, use secondary container for liquid waste & cart with raised sides. Decontaminated after use. • Waste bags are tightly closed when ¾ full. Bag should never be stapled. Light-gauge bags – tying neck, heavier-gauge bag – self-locking plastic tag. • •

Procedure for waste collection • Color-coded, biohazard symbol, remove if ¾ full, infectious waste never mixed • Disposable - collection after chemical disinfection & mutilation (dipping 1% hydrochloride for 30 min) • Sharps-puncture proof, needle destroyer, disinfected, mutilated & shredded for final disposal • Trained in procedure • Strong recommendation during collection (empty bags should be readily available, immediately replaced, separate trolleys)

Storage • Holding of biomedical waste for such period of time, at the end of which waste is treated & disposed off. • Storage area – inside healthcare & biohazard symbol, enclosed & separated from food preparation, supply room • Guidelines (floor, wall, ceiling) - consultation with Infection control committee, bio-safety officer • Room is refrigerated – over 48 hours.

Recommendation for storage area • Impermeable, hard-standing floor with good drainage • Easy to clean, equipped with water supply, easily accessible to staff I/C, provide with lock • Easy access to vehicle, protect from direct sunlight, well-illuminated passive ventilation • PPE, bag, container readily available. • Ideally suited on ground floor near rear entrance. • Have sufficient storage capacity – minimum 2 days • Maintain proper record – full time storekeeper • In temp climate – 72 hr in winter, 48 hr in summer • In warm climate - 48 hr in winter, 24 hr in summer • Anatomical waste- refrigerated at 3 to 8 degree C stored more than a week. Caution • Infected glass/plastic may fracture at low temp, untreated waste never be compacted to decrease its volume. • Cytotoxic waste – specific secure location. Radioactive waste stored in lead container to prevent dispersion & labelled with details.

Transportation • Movement of BMW from point of generation/collection to the final disposal. 1. On-site transportation (wheeled trolleys, containers, carts) 2. Off-site transportation – Regulation & control system – Special packaging requirement –inner, outer, two ways – Routing – Management of accident & spillage – Special provision for needle stick injuries – General procedures to be followed in case of spillages