Tips on handling potentially hazardous medical waste

Sometimes seemingly minute details can fall through the cracks


When healthcare facilities focused on the policies, procedures and regulations for disposing of infectious medical waste, sometimes minute details can fall through the cracks, according to an article on the Infection Control Today website.

For example, considering how much waste is disposed into each biocontamination bag. It's advisable to only fill trashbags two-thirds of the way. 

There is less risk of contaminated waste spilling out of the bag, and staff are less likely to sustain an injury from a bag that is too heavy.

On University of Nebraska Medical Center's biocontainment unit, healthcare workers double-bag all solid waste in clear autoclaved bags. Once the bag is secured, a staff member (in full PPE) places the bag in a pass through autoclave located within the isolation unit and/or to a waste holding container. Once sterilized, the waste is placed in a red biohazard bag, bag top twisted, goose necked and placed inside a medical waste shipping box for incineration, according to the article.

Read the article.

 

 



November 13, 2015


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Building Envelopes Emerge As Key Facility Components

From enclosure commissioning and air-moisture control to decarbonization and thermal comfort, exterior systems affect energy efficiency and resilience.


Catholic Medical Center Breaks Ground on New Central Energy Plant

The new central energy plant is expected to be completed in early 2027.


Cottage Hospital Ensnared in Data Breach

On December 8, 2025, Cottage Hospital learned that an unauthorized party gained access to its computer network and took some of its files.


Biofilm 'Life Raft' Changes C. Auris Risk

Microscopic survival structure protects fungal pathogen from disinfectants and help it survive for long periods.


How Healthcare Restrooms Are Rethinking Water Efficiency

Manufacturers discuss strategies, technologies and design approaches that help healthcare facilities meet their sustainability goals.


 
 


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.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.