One of the most challenging waste types to manage is biohazards. The most common source of biohazard waste is the hospital and laboratory environment. The risk that comes from careless disposal of this type of waste is that it often harbours pathogens, and if humans or animals are exposed, they could develop infectious diseases. 

The federal government, through the health bodies, has rules and regulations concerning the collection and disposal of biohazards. Failure to follow these guidelines can land you in serious trouble with environmental authorities too. Additionally, if anyone gets an infection or gets hurt after coming into contact with biohazards that you disposed of wrongly, they can file an injury lawsuit against you. Here are pro tips to help you handle biohazard cleaning properly.

Dealing with Solid Biohazard Waste

Solid biohazard waste includes anything that has come into contact with disease-causing micro-organisms. In the medical environment, solid waste includes PPE kits, Petri dishes, pipettes, towels, syringes and needles, among others.

There are designated containers where you are supposed to put these wastes before they are disposed of. When you talk to the waste management company, ask them to provide the right disposal bins where you can put these bags before the waste management company collects them.

Handling Pathological Biohazards

Pathological biohazards are the most dangerous category of biohazards. These hazards include animal tissues, organs removed from humans or animals, blood, teeth, bones and other body parts. They can also include excised tumours and cancers. 

You should always have double bags that are waterproof for the disposal of pathological biohazards. Unlike solid waste, pathological biohazards need to be disposed of as soon as possible after they have been removed from the body because the decomposition process makes the infectious agents more potent.

Dealing with Liquid Biohazards

Liquid biohazards are a challenge to deal with because they are more susceptible to leakages. They include urine, blood and any other body liquid that might contain infectious micro-organisms. 

You can dispose of small amounts of liquid waste the same way you handle solids. However, you should use leak-proof containers for bigger volumes of liquid biohazards.

Other categories of biohazards include sharp objects and microbiological wastes such as bacteria cultures. When you contact the waste management companies, tell them about the type of waste you want to dispose of and ask if they have the capacity. This will help you get the safest and most effective way to dispose of your waste. 

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