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Medical Waste Hygiene Guidelines

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Medical waste should be handled, treated, stored, and disposed of safely to avoid harming people and the environment. Therefore, there are several waste hygiene guidelines that healthcare workers should follow when handling waste.


Workers’ Protection Guidelines
 
Healthcare workers need to be protected when they are handling potentially hazardous materials. They should have clean protective clothing, including face masks, overalls, eye protectors, industrial aprons, disposable gloves, helmets, and industrial boots.

Personal hygiene should also be observed to minimize risks associated with medical waste. Hygiene should be maintained by regularly washing hands with warm water and soap. Additionally, reusable protective clothing should be cleaned and disinfected after every use.

Waste handlers and healthcare personnel can be immunized against viral infections such as hepatitis B and tetanus. Immunization protects these workers from risks of infection when handling waste.

There should be a proper response program that summarizes the steps to be taken when the workers are exposed to hazardous substances or get injured. This program should have first-aid measures, blood tests, medical surveillance, and recording and investigation of the incidents.

Cytotoxic Safety Guidelines

Cytotoxic drugs are used in healthcare facilities, meaning cytotoxic waste is generated. Therefore, there should be a skilled officer to deal with cytotoxic waste in every facility. Additionally, there should be written procedures on handling the waste, and healthcare workers should be trained on how to handle the cytotoxic waste.


Final Thoughts

Medical waste may contain hazardous substances that can harm people and the environment. Therefore, healthcare personnel and waste handlers should follow the above waste management hygiene guidelines to minimize risks associated with this type of waste.