The Improper Ways That Facilities Can Be Caught Red-Handed When It Comes To Medical Waste Packaging
Medical waste packaging and labeling is the duty of the waste-generating facility itself. Packaging includes sharps containers, red bags, bio-hazard containers, and reusable containers. Letdown to comply with safe containment is not only an environmental matter, but a community health issue that can come with hefty fines. What are some of the inappropriate ways facilities can be caught red-handed talking about medical waste packaging?
How To Tie A Red Bag?
You can’t just tie a red bag up like a bow and call it a day. Red bags must be steadily closed to avoid the contents from escaping. If you can hold it upside down and it doesn’t leak, then you did it correctly. To tie a red bag, use an overhand knot, a zip tie, or a twist tie. Seal the red bag with at least of entrapped air.
Don’t Overfill That Sharps Container!
As with any package, one must not overfill! The FDA recommends facilities fill sharps containers only ¾ full to prevent injury. Overflowing sharps containers put healthcare workers at danger because they can inadvertently get stuck with a needle from an unknown source.
Improper Labeling
There are precise federal markings required for hazardous waste. It includes the biohazard symbol, “this-side-up” arrows, signs that dictate regulated medical waste, all of which must be present and evidently visible. There are also state regulations on properly labeling as well. Indecorously labeling containers poses a risk to staff, patients, and the community, and can result in penalties and fines for non-compliance.
Medical Waste Cannot Share Receptacles!
Sharps do not belong in a regular trash receptacle, but you’d be surprised that there are still facilities whose staff improperly dispose of infectious waste. Sharps go in a sharps container, whereas red bag waste should contain anything that is infectious biological material, including cultures, blood and blood products, and culture stocks. The higher danger a type of infectious waste poses to human, the higher standard of container you need.
Complying with government regulations as they pertain to Glendale medical waste disposal can be a confusing and costly experience. Contact us today and let us take the guesswork out of it for you.