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(1)
Containers for red bags must be covered to prevent cross-
contamination in the event a bag is unknowingly compromised
and to prevent solid waste carelessly tossed into the container.
(2)
Often solid waste containers must be larger in size as compared to
RMW containers and should be placed next to the RMW
containers.
(3)
Educate surgery personnel in the segregation of paper-based
products. The surgery department is a significant source of
cardboard packaging (e.g., glove boxes, equipment boxes,
supplies such as back table packs that are delivered in
manufacturer’s boxes). Surgery personnel should be aware that
paper and cardboard cannot be recycled if it becomes wet;
therefore, the paper and cardboard must be kept separate from wet
items such as saline bottles.
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(4)
Use as small of a container as possible based upon the waste
generation reports in order to decrease costs.
(5)
Use containers that can be quickly opened by using a foot pedal
and are wheeled for easy movement that prevents personnel
injuries due to lifting heavy containers.
(6)
All containers for solid waste, RMW, SUDs for reprocessing, and
donations should be color coded. The colors should be easily
distinguishable from each other and their use standardized
throughout the HDO.
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(7)
The biohazard label should be displayed on all RMW containers.
(8)
Signage should be posted directly above the containers as well as
on the lids of the containers. The signage should be large enough
to be easily read and if necessary, use multiple languages to
optimize communication. The signage should be consistent in
wording, symbols, color and size.
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(9)
Solid waste containers should be frequently emptied to prevent
overfilling that could result in the improper use of the red bag
container.
(10)
All containers must be leak proof.
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2.
Surgery personnel should know the five categories of medical waste that require
different disposal procedures based on federal guidelines: general waste (eg, paper
and unsoiled linens), infectious and pathologic (eg, tissues and body fluids),
pharmaceuticals, radioactive waste and sharps.
3.
CSTs must properly segregate waste in the OR during every surgical procedure.
A.
The CST should know the criteria for separating waste into clear bags
(noninfectious waste) and red bags (infectious waste).
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Additionally, the
CST should know the criteria for separating reusable textiles, such as
gowns, back table and Mayo stand covers, from disposable items.
(1)
Approximately 90% of red-bag waste is improperly placed, most
likely due to not knowing and/or understanding the segregation
criteria.
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Only those items that are visibly soiled with blood or
bodily fluids should be disposed of in red bags. For example, a