Environmental Responsibility
- Stock Supplies: Biohazardous
- Healthcare Risk Waste Management
- Biohazardous waste
- Pharmaceutical waste
- Anatomical waste
- Incineration
Healthcare risk waste (HCRW) management is a crucial process involving the safe handling, segregation, storage, transportation, treatment, and disposal of waste generated by healthcare facilities. It aims to minimize risks to human health and the environment from infectious, pathological, and other hazardous materials.
Examples of HCRW
Infectious waste: Waste contaminated with blood, bodily fluids, or other potentially infectious materials.
Pathological waste: Human tissues, organs, and body parts.
Sharps: Needles, syringes, and other sharp objects.
Pharmaceutical waste: Expired or unused medications.
Chemical waste: Chemicals used in healthcare settings.
Key aspects of HCRW management
Segregation: Separating different types of waste at the point of generation, using color-coded and labeled containers according to regulations like SANS 10248-1.
Packaging: Properly packaging waste in appropriate containers, clearly indicating the generator’s name and registration number on each container.
Storage: Storing waste in designated areas, adhering to specific timeframes, and ensuring proper containment to prevent leakage or contamination.
Transportation: Using licensed and compliant vehicles for transporting HCRW to designated treatment and disposal facilities.
Treatment: Applying appropriate treatment methods like incineration, autoclaving, or chemical disinfection to render the waste safe for final disposal.
Final Disposal: Ensuring the safe and environmentally sound disposal of treated waste, often at specialized landfills.