How do we classify our waste?
In our practices, waste management is a very important task. There are two types of waste: infectious medical waste (DASRI) and general household waste (DAOM). For the most part, this article will focus on infectious medical waste, as it requires more attention and precautions.
The management of DAOMs
These are types of waste that are treated like regular household garbage. Therefore, they pose no risk of contamination to humans. Household medical waste (HAW) can include packaging for compresses, blades, hand towels, etc. HAW must be disposed of in bins specifically designed for this purpose. These bins are the standard black color we all know!
Find a selection of rubbish bags for household waste on our website.
Management of infectious medical waste
These are waste products generated by the clinical activity of a healthcare practitioner and which can pose an infectious risk to humans or be hazardous to the environment. As podiatrists, we are particularly concerned because we encounter this type of waste every day.
It is important to know that there are two types of DASRI (infectious medical waste):
These are the most dangerous types of waste because there is a risk of perforation of the skin barrier. Examples include gouge blades and scalpel blades.
This type of waste requires specific containers that must be rigid to eliminate any risk of cuts during handling. They are identifiable by their yellow color and comply with NF X30-500 standards.
My Podologie offers a wide range of containers that will allow you to ensure a certain level of safety when removing the blades.
"Soft" waste
These are the items that pose no risk of perforating the skin barrier. For example, we can find all contaminated medical supplies such as cotton balls, compresses, and objects that have come into contact with biological fluids or blood.
There is also all the single-use protective equipment such as surgical drapes, gloves, masks, etc. This type of waste is stored in yellow plastic bags, which are also very recognizable in our treatment rooms.
These yellow plastic bags meet NF X30-501 standards.
At the end of each treatment, waste sorting must be systematic!
Managing our waste after sorting
There are 3 rules to know:
- If you produce less than 5kg of waste per month, then you do not need to store your waste in a specific room. However, you must keep it as far away from your patients as possible.
- Under no circumstances should you attempt to compact, freeze or reduce your bag of waste.
- You should know that the storage time of your waste depends exclusively on the volume of your monthly production.
The collection of DASRI
It is absolutely mandatory to sign a collection contract with an approved carrier for the transport of your hazardous waste. The frequency of DASRI collection depends primarily on the volume of waste you produce:
- If your production is less than 5kg per month, a collection every 3 months is necessary.
- If your production is greater than 5kg per month, a collection every month is necessary.
- If your production is greater than 15kg per month, a weekly collection is necessary.
Safety procedures to follow when managing hazardous waste
We have a legal obligation to protect ourselves when performing this task. Our profession involves risky tasks such as sterilization, handling blades, maintaining office hygiene, contact with patients, and waste management. Here is a short guide with tips to ensure your safety:
Before managing your waste
- The collectors must be kept away from patients and animals
- The collectors must be stored on a hard floor
- The collectors must be located in a ventilated area and not exposed to heat
- Check the integrity of your waste containers before use
During your waste management
- Wear gloves intended solely for this purpose. - Do not mix sharps (points, blades, and needles) with other types of waste.
- Never recap a needle - Never insist on or force the removal of OPCTs from your collectors
- Place the sharp, cutting, or pointed area of your instruments into the OPCT tray first
- After using your collectors, activate the temporary "click" closure.
After managing your waste
- Replace the collector once it is full, or when the storage period has expired. - Activate the permanent closure of the collector with the "click(s)" function.
- Once a collector is closed, never attempt to open it again
In the current context, it is clear that we must pay particular attention to the management of our hazardous waste. Risks are everywhere, and we hope that these simple tips have been helpful.
Healthy waste management for a healthy life in the office!
