The Importance Of Efficient Medical Waste Disposal TN

By Cornelia White


It is a well know fact that diseases can be spread through negligent techniques of medical waste disposal TN, which is why the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Division of Solid Waste Management, strictly controls these matters. If someone is accidentally pricked by a sharp they could contract a serious disease, or infection. Certain methods of getting rid of sharps must therefore be followed.

People who work in hospitals are particularly at risk for accidental pricks from needles and syringes that have the potential to be infected with diseases such as hepatitis C and B, and HIV. However, other people should also be aware of how to prevent accidental needle pricks as well. The accidents usually don't occur when needles are being handled, but from when they are unexpectedly found lying around.

In a home environment, the persons involved will need to place the needles into a plastic or other sturdy container that cannot be punctured. Local pharmacists sell special containers for this purpose, or you can use something like a coffee can or plastic bottle. The container must have a lid, so that it can be properly closed once the needles have been placed inside.

Although the needles are now properly contained, the holder must still be marked. This warns others of its potentially harmful contents. Either buy labels for your holders, or attach masking tape which can be written on with a permanent marker pen. You should indicate that the holder contains bio-hazardous material.

Once the sharps are correctly contained and labeled, they can be thrown away. Staff at hospitals are more aware of the dangers regarding sharps because they receive training from organizations such as the Occupation Safety and Health Administration and the Red Cross. They will dispose of sharps in special containers that are easily accessible.

Latex gloves are worn by doctors and nurses to protect their hands, and other methods are employed to avoid accidents. Patients are informed of injections so that they do not get a shock. If a patient gets a fright, the needle may slip and accidentally prick the nurse. The nurse is then in danger of contracting a disease.

In hospitals or clinics, needles are also not given to another person like they are a harmless object. They are first placed into a sterilized holder, and then passed on to the next person. If such procedures are followed, there is less chance of an accident. When the hazardous bins at hospitals are full, they are usually taken away by a contracted company. The company may also need to provide proof that they have disposed of the materials.

Should anyone come into contact with a potentially contaminated sharp, the relevant authorities will need to be informed. This is because blood tests will need to be taken from the injured and the person who was given the injection. For the safety of all, you should ensure that you are aware of the effective ways of medical waste disposal TN.




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