Accommodation & Hospitality Services

STAFF BRIEFING – No 23

Handling Clinical Waste

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The Law

The Environmental Protection Act 1990

Imposes a Duty of Care on all who import, produce, carry, keep, treat or dispose of controlled waste to ensure this is done safely and in accordance with legislation

The Environmental Protection (Duty of Care) Regulations 1991

Details the requirements of the duty of care outlined above

The Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005*

Requires consignments of hazardous waste to be tracked from its source of production to its final destination

COSHH

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Offensive/Hygiene Wastes

These are products of a healthy population no known to be infectious but, when handled, may cause a small risk (it may also be offensive in appearance/odour).

Provided this waste is appropriately wrapped, handled, free from excess liquid and disposed of correctly the risk is considered LOW.*

Such things as:

•Human and animal waste (faeces) Incontinence pads•Catheters Nappies•Sanitary waste Condoms•Urine Vomit•Soiled bedding Plasters

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Associated Hazards

Whilst the risk is low Offensive/Hygiene waste has the potential to harm those exposed to it.

Typical effects can be:

•Skin/eye infections (e.g. conjunctivitis)•Gastroenteritis (stomach cramps, diarrhoea and vomiting)

Q – how can you best protect yourself against an infection if handling such items?

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Whilst we have stated the risks are low other potential transmittable diseases include:

Hepatitis B (C,D and G)HIV

The biggest risk is Hepatitis as HIV does not survive outside of the human body for more than a few seconds.

Therefore all employees are expected to fully comply with the procedure set out for them, including the use of PPE and reporting any incidences.

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Offensive/Hygiene Waste Handling Procedure

1. Limit access to area if necessary2. Ensure appropriate PPE is worn for the task (incl. masks)3. Contact […] and request spill kit4. Personal Hygiene5. Different types of waste/scenarios6. Waste to be disposed of in […] bags7. Bags should not be overfilled and should be tied at the neck

(handlers may refuse overfilled bags)8. Contents should be double-bagged if risk of leakage9. Bags should be handled by the neck and should not be dropped or

thrown10.Storage/disposal?11.Personal Hygiene12.First aid if necessary13.Reporting

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…Continued

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Personal Hygiene

The most common way micro-organisms and other harmful substances enter the body is by:

•Eating, drinking or wiping the face with contaminated hands or gloves;•Through cuts, scratches or penetrating wounds such as injuries from hypodermic needles;•Through the surface of the eyes, nose and mouth;•Breathing them in

Good personal hygiene when handling such wastes is crucial and will reduce the hazards that can lead to ill health.*

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Sharps

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NOTES/QUESTIONS

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Attendee List