• All infectious waste should be discarded separately from other waste.
• Infectious waste should be discarded as close as possible to the site where it was generated.
• Infectious waste should be contained in red plastic bags, common waste in black plastic bags, and sharps in rigid containers.
• The micronage of the bags should be: 40 to 60 microns for small bags, 60 to 80 microns for medium bags, and 100 to 120 microns for large bags.
• The sizes should be analyzed and adapted to the quantity of waste that is generated by the sector or service.
• These bags should be closed, tied firmly and collected by housekeeping personnel when they are ¾ full.
• The use of a double red bag is not routinely required.
• Prior to contact with excretions, blood and bodily fluids, personnel should put on gloves, as stipulated in the standard precautions.
• Hands should be washed completely after removing the gloves.
• Sharp elements should be discarded in rigid containers provided in the nursing units. Needles should not be recapped, bent, or broken.
• Patients should be encouraged to discard dirty paper tissues in bags or receptacles located next to the bed.
• Dressing changes should be carried out using aseptic techniques and dirty dressings should be discarded in a red plastic bag that is closed prior to discarding.
• The infectious waste generated during the treatment of patients who require isolation precautions should be placed in receptacles with red plastic bags.
• Precautions not to mix other dangerous waste (e.g., cytotoxic drugs, mercury, etc) with infectious waste should be maximized.
• Liquid waste can normally be thrown in the toilet or similar object. This can be used to eliminate blood, stools, vomit, urine, sputum, secretions
and other body fluids. Personnel should wear resistant gloves or mitts in order to handle liquid residue, avoid spattering their clothes and wash their hands. They should be particularly careful when pouring liquids not to stain the walls, toilets, furniture, floor, etc.
• Disposable containers should be closed hermetically in order to avoid spillage.
• Do not place explosive material (alcohol, solvent, aerosols) or glass in bags being sent for incineration. They should be treated as special waste, placed in rigid boxes and labeled.
• Human pathological waste (breasts, uterus, placenta, amputations, etc.) should be placed in well-closed bags and if necessary a double bag in order to avoid spillage. They should be placed in closed rigid boxes and labeled: BIOHAZARD.
• In the case of long lower limbs, they should be placed in a double bag, closed and labeled: BIOHAZARD.
• Pay attention when discarding pathological waste to not mix it with the rest of the waste, even when everything is headed to the incinerator. Label and discard it without delay.
• The circulation and transport of waste should be programmed. The frequency of the collection should be according to the need for the services. Waste transport should not be carried out when meals, medical visits, public visits, or patient transfer are scheduled.
• The closed bags should be placed in primary containers located in each sector. These will be removed by designated personnel, if necessary twice per shift.
• All waste should be transported to the designated storage areas in closed carts.
• Personnel that handle and collect waste should use adequate clothing and elements. They should use gloves made of a resistant material, a plastic apron (washable) and adequate footwear (rubber boots or similar).
• At the conclusion of the task, personnel should wash the carts used with water and detergent, rinse with running water and then disinfect with sodium hypochlorite 0.05% (dil. 1:100 of commercial bleach).
• Finally, personnel should take off the protective elements, wash and disinfect them. Then, they should take off their gloves and wash their hands and forearms.
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Refrences
Sterilization manual for health centers
Please Check out file at the following link
Waste management- Waste storage
Waste management- Disposal and final treatment
Failures in the sterilization process- Responsibility
Failures in the sterilization process
Distribution of Sterile Medical Packages
