Importance Of Hospital Waste Management
According to a report, America generates 6 million tons of medical waste every year.
If left unmanaged, this waste can become a biohazard. Eventually spreading numerous infectious diseases in the community.
That is the reason why hospital waste management is crucial! With proper handling and disposal, hospitals can control the amplification of diseases.
The Classifications of Healthcare Waste
A hospital will generate the following types of medical waste:
- Infectious waste includes tissue, used bandages, cotton swabs and surgical gloves other equipment that holds pathogens.
- Hazardous waste comprises chemicals, drugs, and needles.
- General waste includes simple products like paper, liquids, food waste, and plastic.
- Radioactive waste arises from medical treatments that use radioactive isotopes.
Steps Towards Managing All Hospital Waste
Any healthcare institute should follow these steps to curb the accumulation of medical waste.
Waste Audits
It helps keep track of the generated waste’s volume and type (non-clinical or clinical waste).
Furthermore, this approach helps in smoothly segregating waste streams and properly dealing with waste production.
Educating the Clinical Staff
Training and educating the hospital staff will streamline managing and handling the waste disposal procedures (both janitorial and clinical staff).
Moreover, training employees will enhance the efficiency and safety of the hospital. That will also ensure proper containment of the waste.
Disposal Facilities
With the help of waste removal workers, a hospital can clear out waste segregation containers.
They use a strictly calculated waste disposal method that will not disrupt patient care. Moreover, the workers will ensure that there is no exposure to the harmful toxins in the waste.
They will also follow federal guidelines for proper waste disposal.
Methods of Hospital Waste Disposal
Three ways of waste disposal that do not harm the environment:
- Strict incineration procedures for pathological waste.
- The sterilization protocol uses an autoclave that kills off germs.
- Landfill disposal for sterilized waste that can be buried or compacted.
Benefits Arising from Hospital Waste Management
Since the healthcare industry works 24×7, the waste keeps on building without proper disposal. Here are the benefits of waste management:
- Safety of patients and employees.
- Decreases the risk of exposure to pathogens.
- Reduces the chances of Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs).
Summing Up
Hospital waste comprises different kinds of waste that require disposal. Therefore, proper techniques should be utilized in the process.
Once the waste disposal procedure is complete, the hospital is free from HAIs. Consequently, being safer for the patients and the clinical staff!
