How to Handle Medical Waste in a Safe Way

If your business produces any medical or clinical waste, it is crucial that you organise proper disposal. Medical waste can not be disposed into normal waste due to the contamination risk it may pose to those handling it. This wastes include a broad range of materials, from used needles and syringes to soiled dressings, body parts, diagnostic samples, blood, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and radioactive materials.

Each state in Australia has different regulations as to how medical waste must be disposed of. These are regulated by the EPA and regulations for each state can be found below:

• New South Wales 
• Victoria
• ACT
• Western Australia
• Queensland
• Northern Territory
• Tasmania
• South Australia

Businesses that might have medical waste

• Emergency services
• Tattoo parlour
• Veterinarians
• Funeral parlour
• Universities
• Needle exchange programs

Tips to handle medical waste safely

1. Segregate waste immediately – when medical waste is created, separate it from normal waste (e.g. packaging from the instruments or contaminated products) and dispose of it in the correct bins. It is more costly to dispose medical waste than normal waste for organisations, so save money by disposing correctly.
2. Contain clinical waste in either foot operated bins or bins with automatic sensor lids. Having these sorts of bins decreases the risk of contamination and infection significantly as you’re not touching it with your hands and then touching other surfaces.
3. Do not overfill the bin. Protect your staff and patients from contamination by making sure contaminated waste is unable to fall out of the sides if the bins are full.
4. Store medical and clinical waste safely. This could be in a cupboard, locked room or a bin with a lock, to ensure there is no risk of contamination to anyone who is unaware of the contents of the bin and accidentally comes in contact with it. 
5. Educate staff on the importance of separating and disposing medical waste correctly. Inform them of the risk of contamination if disposed of incorrectly, the importance of helping the environment and also how to prevent and reduce risk of contamination if they come in contact with medical waste

At Fresh and Clean, we know how to dispose of your clinical waste in a safe way. Our secure sharps bins disposal service ensures disposal of hazardous waste and sharp objects in accordance with EPA regulations. Fresh & Clean sharp disposal containers and clinical waste disposal units are suitable for all public areas and workplaces as part of a tailored program to suit your needs. It’s your hassle free solution to disposing of dangerous waste safely and responsibly. 

Get in touch with Fresh and Clean to organise your medical waste disposal today!