How to manage hospital waste?

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How to manage hospital waste?

HOSPITAL WASTE : 

Hospital waste is “Any waste which is generated in the diagnosis, treatment or immunization of human beings or animals or in research” in a hospital.

Hospital Waste Management means the management of waste produced by hospitals using such techniques that will help to check the spread of diseases.

Waste Minimization Hierarchy 
  • Reduce
  • Reuse 
  • Recycle 
WHO Medical Waste Categories 
  • Infectious
  • Non-Infectious
  •  Hazardous
  • Non Hazardous 

 The biomedical waste management cycle in a hospital involves several stages, ensuring that all medical waste is handled safely and disposed of properly. Here's an overview of the typical cycle:

1. Segregation:

  • Waste is segregated at the point of generation.
  • Different types of biomedical waste (e.g., sharps, infectious waste, pathological waste) are separated into color-coded containers according to regulatory guidelines.
  • Warning colors for hazardous waste (Red, yellow, orange) 
    ➢ Positive colors for recycling (Blue, green, etc.)
    ➢ Neutral colors for normal waste (Black, etc.) 
    The color coding makes the process understandable even for low-skilled workers with language and read problems.
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2. Collection:

  • Segregated waste is collected in designated bins.
  • Sharps containers, infectious waste bags, and other specific containers are used to ensure safety and compliance.

3. Storage:

  • Collected waste is temporarily stored in a secure, designated area within the hospital.
  • Storage areas are designed to prevent access by unauthorized persons and to minimize the risk of exposure or contamination.

4. Transportation:

  •   Waste is transported from the storage area to the treatment or disposal site.
  •   Internal transport within the hospital follows strict protocols to prevent spills or exposure.
  •   External transport is carried out by licensed biomedical waste handlers following regulatory standards.

5. Treatment:

  • Waste is treated to reduce its hazard potential.
  • Common treatment methods include autoclaving (steam sterilization), incineration, chemical disinfection, and microwaving.
  • The choice of treatment depends on the type of waste and local regulations.

6. Disposal:

  • Treated waste is disposed of in an environmentally safe manner.
  • Incinerated waste results in ash, which is disposed of in landfills.
  •  Autoclaved waste may be disposed of as regular waste if it meets safety standards.

7. Record Keeping and Monitoring:

  •  Detailed records are kept at each stage of the waste management process.
  •  Monitoring ensures compliance with regulations and helps in the continuous improvement of waste management practices.

8. Training and Awareness:

  • Hospital staff receive regular training on biomedical waste management practices.
  •  Awareness programs help reinforce the importance of proper waste handling and segregation.

9. Compliance and Audits:

  • Regular audits and inspections are conducted to ensure compliance with local, national, and international regulations.
  • Corrective actions are taken if any non-compliance is identified.


Biomedical waste management cycle in a hospital

Implementing an effective biomedical waste management cycle helps protect hospital staff, patients, and the environment from the risks associated with biomedical waste.


Hazards associated with poor health care waste management
  • Injuries from sharps to all categories of health care personnel and waste handlers.
  •  Increase risk of infections to medical, nursing and other hospital staff.
  •  Poor infection control can lead to nosocomial infections in patients particularly HIV, Hepatitis B & C.
  •  Increase in risk associated with hazardous chemicals and drugs being handled by persons handling wastes
  •  Poor waste management encourages unscrupulous persons to recycle disposables and disposed drugs for   repacking   and reselling.
  • Organic portion ferments and attracts fly breeding.


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