Every living being generates waste products out the body. However, medical facilities have to contend with an increased amount daily due to the intense activity inside the premises. No! Waste generation is not limited to the treatment procedures always. Instead, you will be surprised to find biomedical waste being generated at every single turn namely, testing, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation as well as research. The wastes can be categorized into animal/human wastes both bodily and anatomically as well as microbiology and biotech wastes. Medical and surgical equipment including sharps are included in such wastes too.
Trying to dispose of such enormous amounts of waste every single day can be extremely challenging. Simply collecting all the waste materials and throwing them away will not be enough. You must abide the safety practices and statutory regulations related to the local area as well. Engaging a professional organization to provide you with regular disposal services can go a long way in keeping you above legal reproach. You will also be able to retain your peace of mind without being scared of liability and revoked license.
It would be best to consider waste disposal with seriousness. Have a superior plan in place that will solve the problem effectively. Here are a few tips of getting started:-
- Formal biomedical waste disposal plan- You are expected to have a decent plan to follow regardless of the type of business you have been operating. It does not matter whether you run a small clinic in the neighborhood or have a pharmacy. Being in charge of disposal at a big medical facility or a research laboratory is equally challenging. Do not try to follow the age old method by taking the advice of old hands at the facility. Opt for the modern safety practices instead and hire a professional to help you out. You will be pleased to find the costs low enough. Print out the plan and distribute a copy to all departments. You will have to think of having the dos and don’ts clarified with individuals operating the service elevators too.
- Employee Training– Sure, you have engaged a competent team to carry way the wastes and have them discarded in the right manner. Unfortunately, your own employees will be round the contaminated products and a variety of wastes before the provider arrives. Arrange for training session so that each employee knows what to do. It is essential for them to understand the gravity of the situation and do accordingly.
- Restricted Access– It is best to avoid placing the waste filled containers in full sight of the patients or their families. Access to the contaminants is a strict no-no for untrained people. You can always have small containers in crowded areas when total avoidance becomes impossible.
- Physical Distance– Try to reduce the extent of human error by placing color coded containers at a minimum distance from each other. This will help the professionals to identify the right waste containers and dispose the contents as needed.
Ask for professional assistance instead of trying to ensure biomedical waste disposal singlehandedly.
