Segregation of Medical Waste
One of the most critical steps in medical waste management is proper segregation. This ensures that different types of waste are separated to minimize exposure to infectious materials, hazardous drugs, and sharp objects. Hospitals must follow the rules outlined below for waste segregation:
- Sharps Waste: All needles, syringes, lancets, and other sharp objects must be disposed of in puncture-resistant, leak-proof containers that are clearly labeled with the word “Sharps” and the Sharps symbol. These containers must be sealed once full and must be transported for incineration or other approved methods of disposal.
- Infectious Waste: Items contaminated with blood, bodily fluids, or other potentially infectious materials must be placed in red bags or containers marked “Infectious Waste”. These bags should be leak-proof and tightly sealed to prevent exposure to harmful pathogens. Examples include blood-soaked bandages, gloves, and other disposable materials.
- Pathological Waste: Human tissues, organs, or body parts (e.g., from surgery, autopsy, or biopsy) must be disposed of in pathological waste containers, which should be sealed and transported to an incineration facility or other approved treatment method.
- Pharmaceutical Waste: Expired or unused medications (including controlled substances) must be segregated for special disposal. Pharmaceutical waste must be handled according to federal and state regulations and should be sent to reverse distributors or licensed pharmaceutical waste facilities.
- Chemotherapeutic Waste: Waste containing chemotherapy drugs or materials contaminated by such drugs must be segregated and disposed of according to specific hazardous waste regulations, as chemotherapy drugs are highly toxic and must be managed with extra care.
- General Medical Waste: Non-infectious, non-sharp materials (e.g., office supplies, patient gowns, non-contaminated items) can be disposed of as non-hazardous waste in regular landfills, though hospitals are encouraged to recycle where possible.
Storage and Handling of Medical Waste
Medical waste must be stored in a designated area that meets specific health and safety requirements. Key storage guidelines include:
- Designated Waste Storage Area: Medical waste must be stored in a secure, separate area that is clearly marked and away from patient care areas. Access should be limited to authorized personnel only.
- Storage Containers: All medical waste should be placed in containers that are puncture-resistant, leak-proof, and properly labeled with the waste’s type. Sharps containers must be sturdy enough to withstand puncture, and infectious waste containers must be resistant to leaking.
- Temperature Control: Infectious and pharmaceutical waste should be stored in cool, dry environments. Pathological waste should be stored in temperature-controlled areas (refrigerated storage) until it can be properly disposed of.
- Duration of Storage: Medical waste should not be stored for extended periods of time. Typically, infectious and pathological waste should be picked up by waste haulers within 7 days of generation, unless there are specific circumstances that warrant extended storage.
Training and Education
Hospitals must provide annual training for all personnel who handle medical waste, including doctors, nurses, lab technicians, and janitorial staff. The training must cover the following:
Recordkeeping and Documentation
- Identification of medical waste types (sharps, infectious, pharmaceutical, etc.)
- Safe handling and segregation practices
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Proper storage and transportation protocols
- Waste disposal procedures
Hospitals must maintain records of employee training, which must be available for inspection during regulatory audits.
Hospitals are required to keep accurate and detailed records of medical waste management activities, including:
- Waste manifests: A record of medical waste disposal, including the type and quantity of waste, the disposal company, and the facility receiving the waste. These records must be kept for three years.
- Training logs: Documentation of staff training, including dates, content, and personnel trained.
- Waste disposal receipts: Copies of receipts or invoices from licensed medical waste haulers, which show that waste has been properly disposed of.
