Controlling hazardous material circulation in healthcare facilities

Five key things health care professionals should keep in mind when dealing with variables such as hazardous and sterile materials

By Healthcare Facilities Today


The International Quality and Productivity Center (IQPC) recently conducted a Q&A with WHR Architects' architect and medical planner Kyle Basilius. An article on the Healthcare Construction + Operation website detailed his advice on controlling hazardous materials and access zones to increase patient and employee safety.

Q: One thing you’ll speak about at Next Generation Healthcare Facilities Summit is controlling circulation of hazardous material within health care facilities. What are some key things health care professionals should keep in mind when dealing with variables such as hazardous and sterile materials?

A: There are five crucial tips to consider when securing sterile and hazardous material.

1. Healthcare facilities should define back of house and front of house circulation access security points. From this line, organize your departments and circulation patterns to allow for a secure and monitored course of travel.

2. Develop an operational plan for the secure removal of hazardous materials from the patient to a final collection site.

3. Technological monitoring and/or physical monitoring along the hazardous materials path of travel is essential. 

4. Sterile materials want to be kept separate from any interaction with hazardous materials, and often times, other clean materials.

5. Securing hazardous waste/pharmaceutical waste in a room is key. 

Read the article.

 

 



January 30, 2014


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

All Eyes on Gen Z as They Enter the Workforce

As the labor gap widens in the facilities industry, not many managers trust Gen Z to fill that hole.


Cleveland Clinic Starts Fundraising Effort for New Hospital in West Palm Beach

Plans for the new hospital include approximately 150 inpatient beds, an emergency department, a medical office building and an ambulatory surgery center.


Cultivating a Workforce in the Face of Skilled Trade Shortages

Facilities managers must make concerted efforts to attract skilled trade workers to their facilities and retain them long term.


Prime Healthcare Acquires 8 Ascension Hospitals in Illinois

They also acquired a number of other facilities in this acquisition.


Charging Ahead: Incentives Driving EV Charging in Healthcare Facilities

Manufacturers discuss how incentives impact the decision-making process.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.