Medical facilities and medical research centers have to pay attention to biohazardous waste. This waste contains active biological agents that pose a risk to the general population if exposed to the environment. The parasites, viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms should be destroyed before the matter comes into contact with the environment. Here are four main types of bio-waste and ways it should be handled.
Solid biohazard waste
Solid bio-waste includes any item that has come into contact with animal or human specimens such as body fluids and tissues, but it is not sharp. Some of the sold bio-waste includes personal protective equipment, pipettes, petri-dish, linens, towels and any containers that are used to hold the specimens.
The solid waste is collected in a container with an autoclave bag lining. The container should have a lid and a biohazard symbol. You can decontaminate the waste through autoclaving on site and dispose of it as regular medical waste.
Liquid hazardous waste
This waste generally includes body fluids and blood contaminated with infectious organisms. This includes any solutions that may contain organisms. Any liquid below 25 ml can just be disposed of as solid waste.
All liquid bio-hazard waste should be disposed of in leak-proof containers that are safeguarded against tipping over.; the primary container is placed in a larger second container to make the disposal more secure you can dispose of the liquid waste by leaching it with chemical solutions or liquid cycle autoclaving. You may need specialized disposal if the liquids contain a mixture of some chemicals and body fluid.
Sharp biohazard waste
This type of waste includes any sharp medical device that can puncture the skin and has come into contact with potentially infectious organisms. Such waste includes saw blades, microscope slides, scalpels, broken glass vials and needles.
Dispose of this waste in containers that are resistant to puncture, leakage and those that can be handled safely. All sharp devices should be disposed of this way whether or not they have come across the hazardous waste.
Pathological waste
This waste contains removed the animal or human tissues, organs or body parts exposed to infection. Take care of potential leaks by double bagging the waste and storing it just like the liquid waste. This waste is incinerated or treated with chemicals.
Use a professional biohazard waste cleanup contractor in Arizona to handle clean up if there is a leak in your facility. This way, you will reduce the risk of the staff handling infectious organisms. The professional cleaning firm also advises on ways to prevent future leaks.
