22-10-2012, 06:00 PM
BIOMEDICAL WASTE
INTRODUCTION
Biomedical Wastes
Biomedical wastes are defined as waste that is generated during the diagnosis, treatment or immunization of human beings or animals, or in research activities pertaining thereto, or in the production of biological.
Biodegradable and Non Biodegradable Wastes
Biodegradable waste means any waste that is capable of undergoing anaerobic or aerobic decomposition, such as food and garden waste, and paper and paperboard. It also includes waste from households, which because of its nature and composition is similar to biodegradable waste from households.
Non biodegradable wastes are the wastes that cannot be decomposed by bacteria e.g. plastics, bottles and tins.
Quantum of Waste That Is Generated By A Hospital
The quantum of waste that is generated in India is estimated to be 1-2 kg per bed per day in a hospital and 600 gm per day per bed in a general practioner’s clinic. E.g. a 100 bedded hospital will generate 100 – 200 kgs of hospital waste/day. It is estimated that only 5 – 10% of this comprises of hazardous/infectious waste (5 – 10kgs/day)
Hazards Associated With Poor Health Care Waste Management
Proper disposal of biomedical waste is of paramount importance because of its infectious and hazardous characteristics. Improper disposal can result in the following:
1. Organic portion ferments and attracts fly breeding.
2. Injuries from sharps to all categories of health care personnel and waste handlers.
3. Increase risk of infections to medical, nursing and other hospital staff.
4. Injuries from sharps to health workers and waste handlers.
5. Poor infection control can lead to nosocomial infections in patients particularly HIV, Hepatitis B & C.
6. Increase in risk associated with hazardous chemicals and drugs being handled by persons handling wastes.
7. Poor waste management encourages unscrupulous persons to recycle disposables and disposed drugs for repacking and reselling.
8. Development of resistant strains of microorganisms.
Persons at Risk of the Hazards of Medical Procedures Depending on the type of procedures, the persons at risk and mode of transmission in some common medical procedures are:
Procedure Person at risk Mode of Transmission
Collection of blood samples Patient Health worker Contaminated needle, gloves, Skin puncture by needle or container,
Contamination of hands by blood
Transfer of specimens (within laboratory) Laboratory personnel Contamination of exterior of specimen container, Broken container,
Splash of specimen
HIV serology and virology Laboratory personnel Skin puncture, splash of specimen,
Broken specimen container, Perforated gloves
Cleaning and Maintenance Laboratory Personnel Supporting staff Skin puncture or contamination, Splashes,
Contaminated work surface
Waste Disposal Laboratory Personnel Support Staff
Transport worker Contact with contaminated waste
Puncture wounds and cuts
Shipment of specimens Transport worker
Postal worker Broker or leaking specimen, containers and packages
RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE DISPOSAL OF THESE WASTES
The Government of India has promulgated the Biomedical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules 1998. They are applicable to all persons who generate, collect, receive, store, transport, treat, dispose or handle biomedical wastes. This includes hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, dispensaries, veterinary institutions, animal houses, pathological laboratories and blood banks.