Did you know that there are different kinds of waste? The classification is not only constrained to biodegradable and nonbiodegradable. In reality, these two have branched out, thereby developing multiple variations. One of the most notable types of waste is professionally called biohazardous waste. Get to know more about the categories under this enhanced classification and how to effectively eliminate these wastes by reading this article.
Biohazardous Waste Categories
Healthcare facilities can produce more than a bulk of junk and trash every day. The majority of the contents in the composite bag are hazardous, considering the contagious nature, thereby posing a danger when handled and discarded improperly. In fact, there is a range of known biohazards with established disposal strategies for each. These differ in numerous ways, from garbage bags to handling methods.
Solid Biohazardous Waste
Non-sharp mediums are the primary materials involved in this category. First, healthcare practitioners’ disposable personal protective equipment, for instance, bodysuits, gloves, face and foot masks. Second, items in close proximity to biological compounds like plasticware apparatuses, including towels, bench papers, and culture or specimen containers.
Proper Disposal
Generally, these wastes must be accumulated in moderately thick, leakproof red or orange bags with a biohazard badge. Nevertheless, considering that healthcare facilities are among the busiest sectors worldwide, most opt for a professional biohazard cleanup for reliable clinical waste removal.
Liquid Biohazardous Waste
The name of this category proclaims for itself; this group predominantly consists of quantities of liquid solutions. It refers to human bodily fluids taken from patients for diagnostic procedures, typically processed in a culture medium, microscopic glass slides, and test tubes. The lineup comprises yet is not constricted to blood, bile, mucus, and saliva.
Proper Disposal
Once the laboratory procedure concludes, these samplings are poured and stored in a leakproof container with a biohazard image settled in a deep tray. This is done to secure these human samples to prevent cross-contamination from one person to another. Trusted biohazard and restoration companies will be contacted for safe disposal, thorough cleanup & decontamination.
Pathological Biohazardous Waste
Animal and human specimens, excluding any bodily fluid, belong to this category. It includes every part of any species, usually trimmed and removed for additional processing. Basically, the wastes involved in this group are tissues, organs, carcasses, and corpses that can be contagious and contaminated with different laboratory solutions.
Proper Disposal
The materials under this category are gathered and stored in a red or orange bag with the universal biohazard symbol plus the term pathological waste. This will then be routed to a satellite facility for secure disposal. Soon after the procedure concludes, the medical facility must schedule comprehensive biohazard cleanup from trusted service providers like PuroClean of Reston.
Sharp Biohazardous Waste
The wastes under this category are the delicate medical apparatus and equipment sharp enough to puncture and contaminate the skin. The biohazards included in this group are primarily the materials used as a medium to process human specimens for diagnostic testing. It features breakable glassware, syringes, scalpels, and vials.
Proper Disposal
In a laboratory, the sharps are stowed in a biohazard-labeled container corresponding to the stated collection procedure for each form of serrated material. The bag will then be closed by gathering, twisting, and tying the top portion, creating a single overhand knot. These wastes will then be routed to a company offering biohazard and mold removal services in Herndon for safe and secure disposal.