Waste Management and Disposal

Element

Service Standards

General segregation and handling

-  Appropriate protective clothing is worn at all times when handling Waste;

-  Bag weight limits are observed and not exceeded;

-  All containers shall be stored out of the sight of Residents;

-  Containers shall be Waste type-specific, labelled accordingly and used only for storage and transportation of that Waste type;

-  Sacks and containers are sealed and labelled with the source of Waste;

-  Handling staff are offered immunisation for certain diseases that may be carried in the waste materials e.g Tetanus, Hepatitis B.

Domestic waste handling and segregation

-  Shall be stored in black bags

-  All containers shall be stored out of the sight of Residents;

Clinical waste handling and segregation

-  Shall be stored in yellow UN approved plastic bag, single use rigid container or BS 7320 approved properly constructed sharps containers;

-  Containers and bins are provided with lids that are sealed prior to collection.

-  Replaced when three quarters full and in any case daily;

-  On replacement containers should be removed, sealed and labelled;

-  Sacks and or containers are labelled clearly to indicate their origin;

-  Containers are stored away from public areas, radiators, direct sunlight;

-  There is an adequate supply of spare containers;

-  Sharps containers should not be placed inside clinical waste sacks;

-  Damaged containers shall be placed inside larger, secure, rigid containers that are labelled in accordance with HSAC's Safe Disposal of Clinical Waste 2 Edition 1999.

Internal collection and storage

-  Separate bins are available for Clinical Waste, Domestic Waste and recyclables;

-  Type, size and number of containers is adequate for the activities undertaken in the Zone;

-  Clinical Waste bags are contained in pedal-action waste bins;

-  Waste types are kept separate at all times;

-  Lockable, dedicated trucks, trolleys or wheeled containers shall be:

o  Clean and free from residual dirt or water;

o  Leak free;

o  Easy to load/unload;

o  Do not offer harbourage for insects or vermin;

o  In good repair.

-  Storage areas are free from malodour and do not lead to infestation and/or contamination.

External collection and storage

-  Storage areas should be well lit and ventilated;

-  Out of the sight of Residents and away from main circulation points;

-  Kept secure and locked when not in use;

-  Well drained and free from standing water;

-  Clearly marked with warning signs;

-  Provided with first aid facilities;

-  Equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment.