Medical Waste Compliance
Improper handling and disposal of healthcare wastes (also
sometimes called medical waste) puts the health worker, the patient and the
community at large at risk through transmission of pathogens via blood or body
fluids, contaminated medical equipment, or sharp instruments. Medical Waste Compliance
In this study session, you will
learn to identify the types and sources of healthcare waste. The session also
describes the components of waste management and the disposal methods for these
wastes. Recognising the health risks involved in poor healthcare waste
management and practising proper medical waste disposal will help protect
everyone from the hazards of healthcare waste. waste produced by healthcare
activities. It may also be known as medical waste, hospital waste or infectious
waste. The major sources include hospitals, Health Posts, emergency medical
care services, healthcare centres and dispensaries, obstetric and maternity
clinics, outpatient clinics, and the like. Other sources are dental clinics,
psychiatric hospitals, cosmetic ear-piercing and tattoo parlours, and illegal
drug users. Healthcare waste can be put into one of two broad categories;
non-hazardous ‘general waste’ and hazardous ‘healthcare risk waste’. paper,
plastics, food packaging, pharmaceutical, hazardous, municipal and medical
waste industries. Shredding products and systems are also used to destroy
outdated products, end-of-life electrical goods, military hardware, and improve
the environment through waste reduction and recycling. The Medical Waste
Program regulates generators of medical waste based on the Medical Waste
Management Act. The program inspects medical waste facilities, facilities with
on-site medical waste treatment units, and common storage areas annually. This
program also investigates complaints regarding mishandling of medical waste and
facilities that may be operating without a valid health permit. Some facilities
that may generate medical waste include hospitals, skilled nursing facilities,
blood banks, and doctors, dental and veterinarian offices.
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