Waste Management System The Disposal of Biological Waste
Waste Management System. The Disposal of Biological Waste at the University of Sheffield Charlotte Winnert Environment Officer © The University of Sheffield
Waste Management System. Contents • Background o Legislation / legal framework • Review of old disposal system • Development of new procedures • Questions 12/4/2020 © The University of Sheffield
Waste Management System. Legislative responsibilities, the regulator and consequences • Waste legislation provides a framework • The Environment Agency are the regulatory body • Most environmental offences impose strict liability • Prosecutions can result in fines and / or custodial sentences 12/4/2020 © The University of Sheffield
Waste Management System. Legal framework The university must…. • • • Identify hazardous and non hazardous waste Segregate hazardous and non hazardous waste Separate waste according to its final disposal Store waste safely and securely prior to collection for disposal Ensure hazardous waste is collected for disposal from the point (i. e. building) of production and that the premises is registered with the Environment Agency • Describe waste using generic descriptions • Only pass waste onto licensed carriers and managers • Ensure the movement of waste is accompanied by written documents 12/4/2020 © The University of Sheffield
Waste Management System. Review of old disposal system • No segregation taking place • Sharps bins were being misused and disposed of incorrectly • Yellow bins were being used to dispose of general waste • Waste was not being described using the EWC codes • The main storages area did not comply to the Duty of Care Regulations • Waste was being bulked up at several locations • GM waste was being sent to an unlicensed contractor • Employees had not received any formal training 12/4/2020 © The University of Sheffield
Waste Management System. Development of new procedure • • Working group set up to develop new system Based the new system on Do. H guidance Developed a simple system that is flexible enough to be adapted by departments Produced a written document - The identification, segregation and disposal of biological and associated waste 12/4/2020 © The University of Sheffield
Waste Management System. Written procedures are a valuable tool because they… • • Reduce risk Prevent mistakes Help employees to understand their roles Tell employees what you expect of them and when 12/4/2020 © The University of Sheffield
Waste Management System. The identification, segregation and disposal of biological and associated waste • • • Purpose Scope of the procedure Legal framework Responsibilities Definitions The procedure – covers identification of biological waste, segregation of biological waste, inactivation, sealing bins and correct labelling, collection and bulk storage prior to disposal, transfer of waste and disposal, spills and breaches of containment, training and audit • Related documentation 12/4/2020 © The University of Sheffield
Waste Management System. Any Questions? 12/4/2020 © The University of Sheffield
Waste Management System. Contents • Revised disposal system • Waste assessments • Implementation of system • Audits • Problems • Questions 12/4/2020 © The University of Sheffield
Waste Management System. Revised disposal system Waste is streamed according to its disposal method…. . • Incineration • Treatment • Landfill 12/4/2020 © The University of Sheffield
Waste Management System. Waste assessments • Waste from every procedure must be classified • Appropriate disposal routes must be identified • Waste assessments must be documented and communicated to laboratory workers 12/4/2020 © The University of Sheffield
Waste Management System. Implementation of new system • • • Containers Sealing and labelling bins Offensive waste stream Training Posters and leaflets Webpages New storage areas and additional collections Recycling team Meeting departments 12/4/2020 © The University of Sheffield
Waste Management System. Audits are designed to monitor the effectiveness of the procedure, to ensure that the University is not at risk of being prosecuted, to protect staff and to identify any areas where improvements can be made. • A formal auditing system has been developed • Waste audits will undertaken in every department at least once a year by myself 12/4/2020 © The University of Sheffield
Waste Management System. Problems • Still a lot of confusion about what waste goes where • Not all employees have completed the training package • Breached containers 12/4/2020 © The University of Sheffield
Waste Management System. Any Questions? 12/4/2020 © The University of Sheffield
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