How to handle the hazards associated with hospital waste

18-10-2023

Hospital waste (AKA healthcare or medical waste) represents a multifaceted issue with potentially severe consequences for public health, healthcare workers, and the environment. The proper handling and management of this waste are of paramount importance to mitigate these risks effectively.

In Celitron’s comprehensive article, we will delve deeply into the various hazards associated with hospital waste and elaborate on strategies for its safe and efficient management, including safe and practical onsite disposal options for hazardous waste.

Understanding the hazards associated with hospital waste

Proper handling of the hazards associated with hospital waste management is not merely a matter of compliance; it is essential for safeguarding medical staff, public health, and environmental integrity.

Effectively managing infectious waste minimizes the potential for the spread of diseases. Regulatory agencies may also conduct periodic inspections and audits to ensure healthcare facilities comply with hazardous hospital waste management regulations. Facilities must be prepared for these assessments.

Non-compliance with waste management regulations can result in fines, penalties, and legal actions. To avoid such consequences, it is crucial to maintain strict compliance.

Hazardous hospital waste types

Hazardous chemicals. Hospitals regularly use a variety of pharmaceuticals, disinfectants, and chemicals in their day-to-day operations. While these substances serve essential roles in healthcare, they can also pose a threat if they enter the environment. Improper disposal of pharmaceuticals and chemicals can result in contamination of soil, water, and air, endangering ecosystems and human health.
Radioactive materials. Some medical procedures require the use of radioactive materials, resulting in the generation of radioactive waste. Improper disposal or accidental release of radioactive waste can lead to environmental contamination and radiation exposure, which can be detrimental to living organisms.
Heavy metals. X-ray machines, batteries, and other medical equipment often contain heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury. These substances are toxic to humans and the environment. If not managed correctly, they can result in soil and water contamination, adversely affecting both ecosystems and public health.
Pharmaceutical waste. Expired or unused medicines and vaccines can be hazardous if they enter the wrong hands or are not disposed of properly. They may also harm aquatic life if they leach into water bodies.
Infectious, hazardous hospital waste. Hospital waste includes a wide array of potentially hazardous materials, some of which are contaminated with pathogens and infectious agents. Items like used needles, bandages, gloves, and tissues may harbor viruses, bacteria, or fungi. If not managed and disposed of correctly, materials contaminated by blood and body fluids can pose a significant risk to healthcare workers, waste management personnel, and the general public, potentially causing the spread of diseases.
Sharps and needles. Hospitals frequently use sharp instruments like syringes and needles, which, when discarded improperly, can pose severe health risks. Used sharps may puncture the skin, leading to injuries and infections, making it crucial to ensure their safe disposal.

NOTE FROM THE CELITRON TEAM:

Blood-soaked hospital equipment and sharps represent a large proportion of hazardous hospital waste. Having an onsite solution can already be a great help in reducing the hazards associated with hospital waste. Waste that you can treat before transportation will help you reduce the need for storing infectious waste, and reduce the frequency of transports – all contributing to a safer environment and lower waste management costs.

We will dive more into onsite hazardous waste disposal at the end of this article.

Safe handling and management of the hazards associated with hospital waste

1. Segregation

The first step in managing the hazards associated with hospital waste safely is the proper segregation of different waste streams. To prevent contamination and facilitate responsible disposal, healthcare facilities should employ a color-coded bin system that separates waste into categories such as infectious, hazardous, and general waste.

Sharps should be placed in disposal containers immediately after use. Do not recap needles, as this can increase the risk of injury.

2. Packaging

Waste materials must be securely packaged in appropriate containers to prevent leaks, spills, and cross-contamination. Sharps, for instance, should be placed in puncture-resistant containers to ensure the safety of waste handlers.

3. Labeling

Clear and consistent labeling of all waste containers is essential. Labels should indicate the type of hospital waste and any associated hazards. This step is critical in preventing accidental exposure and ensuring that waste is handled appropriately at every stage of its lifecycle.

Sharps containers should be clearly labeled as "biohazard" or "sharps waste" to indicate their contents and associated risks.

4. Training

Adequate training is crucial for healthcare workers and waste management personnel. Training programs should emphasize the importance of proper waste handling, infection control measures, and safety protocols. Regular training and awareness campaigns help ensure that all stakeholders understand and follow best practices.

5. Transport

The transportation of hospital waste from healthcare facilities to treatment and disposal sites is a critical phase in waste management. Specialized and secure transportation services should be employed to minimize the risk of spills and accidents during transit. Properly trained personnel should oversee the transportation process.

Of course, this can be made easier if you can already treat hazardous hospital waste onsite BEFORE transportation, such as Celitron’s Integrated Sterilizer and Shredder (ISS).

6. Treatment and disposal

Depending on the type of hospital waste, various treatment methods are available, including incineration, autoclaving, and chemical disinfection. The choice of treatment method should be based on the specific characteristics of the waste and local regulations. After treatment, waste should be disposed of according to established guidelines to ensure its safe and responsible final disposition.

7. Compliance

Adherence to relevant laws and regulations governing the handling and disposal of hospital waste is non-negotiable. Healthcare facilities should maintain a clear understanding of these legal requirements and invest in compliance measures to avoid legal repercussions and potential fines. Engaging with regulatory agencies and keeping abreast of evolving waste management standards is essential.

8. Record-keeping

Comprehensive record-keeping is essential for demonstrating compliance with regulations. Accurate records of waste generation, treatment, and disposal are typically required. This documentation is essential for compliance and auditing purposes.

Celitron’s modern autoclaves make this easier via a PC connection and specialized software.

Environmental impact of the hazards associated with hospital waste

The impact of the hazards associated with hospital waste on the environment is a growing concern, as healthcare facilities are among the largest producers of waste in many regions. Sustainable waste management practices aim to reduce this impact and promote environmental stewardship.

The energy-intensive processes used in waste treatment, such as incineration, can have a substantial environmental footprint. Hospitals can explore energy-efficient technologies to mitigate this impact such as steam sterilization (autoclaving) and shredding, which also produce fewer emissions. Shredding also helps in minimizing waste generation, significantly reducing the environmental impact of healthcare facilities.

Handling hospitals’ hazardous waste disposal onsite with Celitron’s ISS

Celitron's ISS (Integrated Sterilizer and Shredder) is a high-tech onsite hazardous hospital waste disposal system that combines the benefits of steam sterilization and waste shredding. This allows for even more thorough sterilization of waste and materials which cannot be reused.

Handling the hazards associated with hospital waste. Treated materials come out sterile and can be disposed of like regular municipal waste, without the risks of spreading infections.
Reduced waste volume. Shredded waste will be reduced to about 20% of its original volume, facilitating storage, transportation, and disposal.
Compact. Easily transported and incorporated into the waste management systems of medical facilities of all sizes.
Low operational costs and compliance with environmental regulations. Low maintenance costs and energy-efficient operation thanks to advanced water and energy-saving systems. No harmful emissions or bad odors thanks to a closed vessel system.
Easy and safe to use. Completely automatic, “one-touch” operation, with automatic safety features.

What kind of hazardous hospital waste can be treated by Celitron’s ISS?

Hospital waste contaminated by blood
Hospital surgical equipment like the metal blade of scalpels
Plastic, papers, bandages, swabs, textiles, glass, and disposable hospital tools
Discarded diagnostic samples containing blood and body fluids
Hospital sharps waste, including complete sharps waste containers
Hospital waste from isolation ward patients
Vaccine roller bottles and other cell culture dishes, specimen containers

What kind of hazardous hospital waste is NOT compatible with Celitron’s ISS?

Oversized metal objects (e.g. scissors)
Pathological waste (identifiable human body parts)
Pharmaceuticals (any unused, contaminated, or expired medicines)
Genotoxic waste
Radioactive waste
Chemical waste

You can check the technical specifications of Celitron’s solution for hazardous hospital waste disposal anytime on our website.

For any answer to your questions or a free price quote, do not hesitate to CONTACT US!