Proper Guidelines of Bio-Medical Waste Disposal In the Medical Field

Dr. Intan Airlina, Director of OSHA Compliance for Bio-Medical Waste Solutions provided the 2020 practical guidelines for the proper bio-medical waste management relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic era.

HIGH RISK of WASTE EXPOSURE

Garbage collectors and waste disposal workers, healthcare workers, and patients are vulnerable to health hazards. Vital precautionary measures and proper training are recommended in reducing the risk exposures.

OSHA commends the use of appropriate bio-medical waste disposal receptacles in all health institutions.
Several Medical Waste Disposal Companies are available online and offer reliable, affordable, and regulatory compliant services. In the US, all states have adopted cautious processes in collecting, storing, transporting, and treatment of these hazardous wastes:

1st Stage Segregation and Collection

Wastes are categorized with proper segregation in managing each material. The liquid is separated from solid waste products. Segregation is done using label coded, color-coded bins, and plastic bags, and disposed of in resilient and sturdy containers to prevent breakage in handling.

2nd Stage Storing and Transporting

Storage facilities with freezers and refrigerators are inaccessible to the public and isolated from food facilities.
Employees wear proper protective outfit and devices in transporting these items to prevent the transmission of infection. Special vehicles are used for disposal and transportation.

3rd Stage Treatment

Proper equipment is used in the collection and processing of wastes to minimize environmental and health hazards like:
•    Sterilizers
•    Carts and containers
•    Pre-crushers
•    Conveyors
•    Deliquefying system to handle the wastes

Balers and size reduction equipment are used for recycling.
There are 2 Types of treating medical wastes:

First Type: Incineration technology, involves a high-temperature thermic process that converts wastes into gas, heat, and ash.
Second Type: Non-Incineration Process involves Irradiation, Autoclaving, and Chemical Decontamination.

4th Stage Disposal

Sanitary sewer systems and landfills are used for final disposal. Extra precautionary measures are performed in treating fluid wastes to prevent clogging the sewer.

Conclusion

The stringent implementation of laws, regulations, and guidelines must be continuously practiced to avoid dangerous health and environmental risks.