Creating a waste-management plan

Every health facility--whether a large hospital, a doctor's office, or a small health post--should develop a medical waste-management plan and should designate a staff member to coordinate the management of medical waste.

The four components of a
waste-management plan

Your facility's waste management plan should contain the following four components, each of which will be discussed in detail in this module:

1. Sorting: Separating waste by type at the place where it is generated.
2. Handling: Collecting and transporting waste within the facility.
3. Interim storage: Storing waste within the facility until it can be disposed of.
4. Final disposal: Eliminating or transporting solid medical waste, liquid medical waste, sharps, and hazardous chemical waste from the health facility.

NOTE:
Your facility's management plan should also include training of all staff who handle medical waste, as well as orientations for the entire staff to the overall plan.

©2004 EngenderHealth