Audits of healthcare waste management and storage
areas have shown different problems and demands
have been concluded from them:12-14
• Collection and transportation of waste has to
attend to safety provisions for workers.
• Contamination of hospital environment has to be
prevented.
• Appropriate protective clothing, at least solid
puncture-proof gloves have to be provided to
employees who are charged with the collection
and transport of waste.
• Non hazardous waste produced during care or
treatment of patients has to be collected in tear
proof bags or barrels.
• To avoid contamination of the outer surface of
bag or container during collection, pedal bin
containers or foot controlled folding mechanisms
to fix bags should be used.
• Waste should not be transferred or re-sorted.
• Segregation of waste at the point of production.
• Waste bags should not be thrown or dragged across
the floor for transport. Carts for transporting waste
can be used. They should have no sharp edges or
corners that could lead to a rupture of waste bags.
They should provide protection against leakage
of fluids. They should be cleaned and disinfected
regularly.
• If in-house storage is necessary, the room should
be ventilated and surfaces should be disinfected
regularly. Waste should be picked up at least once
daily.
• If waste bags or containers are stored outdoor, they
have to be protected from weather and animals.
• Unauthorized access to collecting space has to be
prevented