Biomedical Waste
Biomedical waste is any solid or liquid waste which may present a threat of infection to humans. It’s important to know how to handle and dispose of biomedical waste properly because it places health care workers, sanitation workers and the general public at risk for becoming infected with dangerous diseases. (The most dangerous diseases are the bloodborne pathogens like Hepatitis B & C and HIV.)
MOST COMMONLY HANDLED BIOMEDICAL WASTE
Infectious Waste: Includes waste contaminated with blood, waste from patients in isolation wards, discarded diagnostic samples containing blood and body fluids and contaminated materials (swabs, bandages) and equipment (such as disposable medical devices).
Sharps: “Sharps” are instruments that can puncture, cut or scrape body parts. These include syringes, needles, scalpel blades, razor blades and lancets.
IMPORTANT TIPS FOR DEALING WITH BIOMEDICAL WASTE
All sharps must be disposed in puncture-resistant leak-proof containers with self-closing lids. Never throw sharps in the regular trash!
Anything else that is contaminated, including wound care materials, gloves, tubing, specimen collection containers, and materials from isolation rooms should be thrown into a red plastic biohazard bag. These bags should be clearly marked with the biohazard symbol.
Standard precautions are the “common sense” infection control guidelines you should follow whenever you come in contact with biomedical waste. Standard Precautions means you assume all blood, body fluids, secretions, and contaminated items are infectious.
Do your best to prevent accidental exposure when handling biomedical waste. Here are some important safety tips:
- Stay focused on what you are doing. Don’t let yourself go on “autopilot” because you have done the task so many times before.
- Get enough sleep. Being tired can lead to careless behavior.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
- Don’t try to do too many things at once.
- Never take shortcuts when it comes to handling biomedical waste.