Clinical waste management

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In different parts of the country, and the world - different standards exist for the management of 'clinical waste'.

This varies from putting items into the general waste stream, versus into special contaminated bags and sending for incineration etc.

In my experiences within hospital theatres, many items that are moderately soiled with blood are put into general waste. Sharps naturally go into sharps containers. I am constantly suprised at how many items are suitable for general waste management in hospital facilities.

Here in Queensland, the EPA has guidelines; here is an excerpt:

So in a general podiatry practice - what really should go into a special contaminated waste area? Routine removal of hyperkeratosis and excess nail tissue seems of little contaminance to me - much like a hairdresser. Even removal of a nail edge including matrix has no significant free flowing blood.

It is one thing just to treat everything as contaminated, but this is not the reality in hospitals and other facilities, and there is significant cost attached to this approach.

Interested in hearing opinions,

LL

 

Hi,

IMHO a general podiatry practice produces no contaminated waste other than sharps containers which can take ages to fill and can be taken to the local hospital.

If soiled nappies, sanitary napkins and putrescible household/business waste is not considered "contaminated waste" and goes into general council rubbish bins, then what coming out of a podiatry practice is?:wacko:

Cheers,

Brad:drinks

 

Hello,
Still studying so I have yet to contend with this problem, but I have wondered for a while about it. Re sharps containers - do you have to puchase them & then pay for their disposal (and who is it done through)?
Thanks,
Kara.

 

Yes you do and their are several companies who dispose of clinical waste/contaminated waste and sharps for you. It is not that expensive to have it professionally handled and they usually pick up and leave you with new containers of your choosing.

 

Hello,

Can anyone suggest a good company to collect sharps containers in Sydney?

Thanks!

 

We use State Waste. Might want to mention to them that you use sharps disposal for scalpel blades as well as needles, as cost of disposal is based partly on weight. it cost us $175 for disposal of 5 small sharps containers (i think they're 4L or so) of solely scalpel blades, plus supply of another 2 containers.

http://www.statewaste.com.au

 

Thanks!