110 likes | 297 Views
Module 2 Waste Types and Disposal Requirements. What You will Learn in this Section. Waste types, and their sources, in healthcare facilities The difference between risk and non-risk waste Waste management obligations for different waste types. (1) Sources of Healthcare Waste.
E N D
What You will Learn in this Section • Waste types, and their sources, in healthcare facilities • The difference between risk and non-risk waste • Waste management obligations for different waste types
(1) Sources of Healthcare Waste • Healthcare facilities produce a wide range of wastes • Healthcare risk waste - any waste classified as hazardous/mixed or contaminated with hazardous waste • Characteristics of healthcare risk waste: • contains infectious agents • contains toxic or hazardous chemicals or pharmaceuticals • radioactive • contains sharps • Approx. 20% of healthcare waste is risk waste depending on the type of facility.
Health Risks Managing Risk • Protective clothing • Hand washing and disinfection • Protection of water bodies • Vaccinations for waste handlers (e.g. Hepatitis, tetanus) • Pathogens in infectious waste can enter the body via: • Through a puncture, abrasion or cut in the skin (e.g.: HIV, Hepatitis…). • Through the mucous membranes (e.g.: Anthrax, skin infections…) • By inhalation (e.g.: respiratory infections…) • By ingestion (e.g.: Gastroenteric infections….)
(3) Healthcare Risk and Non-Risk Waste • The Dept of Health published Guidelines for dealing with waste in 2010 • Encourages source segregation techniques • A system of colour coded bins and bags is in place for each of the different types of healthcare risk waste • Only risk waste of the correct type should be placed into the appropriate bin so that the waste can be sent for the correct method of treatment
2/3 fill bags • To Fill line containers
(4) Waste Management Processes and Techniques Available • Reduce, reuse, recycle, where possible • Which wastes produced in HSE are suitable for recycling? • Colour-coding of bins & good segregation • Additional recycling bins? • Information & signage
Waste Management Strategies - Recycling What can be recycled? • Cardboard; Office paper; News/Mags • Food waste • Textiles • Plastics • Glass • Aluminium • Wood • Metal from old equipment/furniture • Construction & Demolition Waste • Electrical/ Electronic Equipment e.g. ICT equipment
Does recycling make financial sense? 2008-’09 Figures from HSE Waste Steering Committee: