There is no way to understate how important it is to dispose of hazardous bio waste. These materials pose serious threats to health and the environment. Learn more?
What Is Bio Hazardous Waste
The term bio-hazardous waste refers specifically to agents, substances or biological materials present in the work place or that arise therefrom and may be harmful to workers’ health. In another definition, a biohazardous material is any waste which contains infective materials such as blood. One type of waste that is particularly dangerous are needles and other sharp objects, which may injure workers.
These six categories are used to classify bio hazardous wastes.
Body fluids
* Human Blood Products
* Pathological Wastes
Microbiological wastes
Animal waste
Sharps
Health care providers, labs and hospitals that create hazardous waste have an obligation to treat these wastes correctly and properly dispose of them, whether they do it themselves or seek the help of medical waste management services. To prevent injury or health hazards, it is essential that all waste materials be packaged and marked properly.
A laboratory’s waste minimization and disinfection, as well as the disposal of any remaining waste within its premises is of great importance. Medicinal waste, for example, should never be mixed in with other trash. This practice increases not only the cost for biohazardous waste disposal, but also waste management costs in general. Laboratories must be clear that certain items don’t fall into the category of bio waste.
* Gloves for the handling of containers containing blood
The only type of paper towel that is safe to use on the body, and does not contain blood
Materials that do not contain blood
Laboratory waste must be disposed of correctly. Liquids containing blood and waste materials must be disinfected. Laboratories must ensure that bloody solutions are not disinfected in order to prevent clots. When the volume is big, it’s best to use the services of bio disposal companies. If the amount is small, it can still be done in the labs. Add a suitable disinfectant to the water, make sure there aren’t any bubbles, let the solution rest for at least thirty minutes, and finally pour the solution into the drain.