3 Common Medical Waste Mistakes & How to Avoid Them – In this blog post, we discuss the 3 common medical mistakes made in medical waste disposal and provide tips on how to avoid them.
The responsible handling, storage, transport and disposal of medical waste all play a critical role in healthcare, and it is vital that each step is taken seriously and is done correctly to avoid environmental and health hazards. Unfortunately, human error and mistakes can happen – especially without the right processes and regulations in place. When it comes to the proper disposal of medical waste, many facilities are making some common mistakes that can lead to serious consequences.
Here is a closer look at the three most common mistakes made in medical waste disposal and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Mixing Different Types of Medical Waste
One of the most common mistakes people tend to make without realizing it or being improperly trained is mixing different types of medical waste during the disposal process. This can include things like mixing hazardous waste with non-hazardous waste. The problem here is that it can be dangerous to human health and the environment when hazardous materials are mistaken for non-hazardous and make their way into our land and water supply. This makes it critical that different types of waste do not just separate waste but also properly labeled and disposed of accordingly.
Any facility that generates medical waste should have a proper waste segregation plan in place to avoid this mistake. The plan should specify different types of waste and how it should be collected, segregated, and disposed of. Also, employees should be trained on how to identify and separate different types of waste so there are no questions or holes in the process.
Mistake #2: Improper Labeling of Medical Waste
Another common mistake is not properly labeling medical waste. Since each type of medical waste has its own classification and specifics about how it is destroyed, it must all be labeled correctly. This is the only way to ensure that whoever is handling it throughout the process and at the final step is actually disposing of it safely and correctly.
It is up to waste generators to take the first step in this by ensuring that all medical waste is labeled correctly before it is even collected. Businesses should also provide training to employees on how to identify and label medical waste correctly.
Mistake #3: Improper Disposal of Sharps
Sharps, such as needles and blades, are a significant hazard in medical waste disposal. It is essential to dispose of them correctly to avoid accidents and injuries. Sharps should be collected in puncture-resistant containers and disposed of in a manner that minimizes the risk of injury to people and the environment.
To avoid this mistake, ensure that all sharps are collected in appropriate puncture-resistant containers. Additionally, these containers should be clearly labeled, and employees should be trained on how to handle and dispose of sharps correctly
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