As the manager or owner of a medical facility, it is crucial that you have a better understanding of what medical waste disposal is about and how dangerous can it be if not being done properly. It cannot be denied that although the majority of medical facilities follow the standard protocol for proper waste disposal management, some still fail to follow through.
What Is Medical Waste?
Medical wastes are items that have come in contact with bodily fluids. These are solid wastes were used in the diagnosis, treatment, as well as in immunization of humans. Back in the day, these wastes are collected in special bags or plastic boxes in the clinical setting. They are then disposed of together with the normal trash. However, it was quickly discovered that this process can spread viruses and diseases and potentially cause outbreaks.
That is why these days, the medical wastes are now contained in red biohazardous bags and containers in hospitals and clinics. These containers are used to collect needles, IV catheters, and sharp objects that contain any human fluid or blood. Also, paper towels, gloves, wipes, syringes, and other dressing materials that have dry blood or fluid are thrown into these containers.
Understanding Proper Sharps Disposal
Now that you know what healthcare facilities do with medical wastes, it is better to focus more on sharps disposal. Sharps are any object that can pierce or cut through the skin. In the medical world, used and contaminated sharps can cause potential contamination and spread diseases. That is why sharps disposal is a priority for https://www.sharpsmart.co.uk/.
Sharps that need proper disposal includes needles, syringes, lancets, infusion sets, epi-pens, as well as insulin pens, scalpels, scissors, and so on. You see, when contaminated needles and blades accidentally puncture an individual who goes through these wastes when not properly disposed of, then there is a good chance that whatever viruses or diseases contained on the body fluids or blood can be contracted by that person.
How To Properly Dispose of Sharps
According to the Food and Drug Administration, all sharps need to be placed in special disposal containers. Some facilities prefer to pack their medical wastes on-site. Then a disposal company will come to collect it and will be taken for treatment while others also have on-site treatments.
Occupational injuries in many hospitals are from contaminated sharps. That is why proper sharps disposal is vital in the clinical setting. Remember that one needle stick is enough to take a life. And worst-case scenario, it can cost you thousands of dollars in fines from government bodies. It is easy to ignore these protocols but nobody wants to deal with the end results.
