Accommodation & Hospitality Services STAFF BRIEFING – No 23 Handling Clinical Waste

Accommodation & Hospitality Services The Law The Environmental Protection Act 1990 Imposes a Duty of Care on all who import, produce, carry, keep, treat or dispose of controlled waste to ensure this is done safely and in accordance with legislation The Environmental Protection (Duty of Care) Regulations 1991 Details the requirements of the duty of care outlined above The Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005* Requires consignments of hazardous waste to be tracked from its source of production to its final destination COSHH

Accommodation & Hospitality Services Offensive/Hygiene Wastes These are products of a healthy population no known to be infectious but, when handled, may cause a small risk (it may also be offensive in appearance/odour). Provided this waste is appropriately wrapped, handled, free from excess liquid and disposed of correctly the risk is considered LOW.* Such things as: Human and animal waste (faeces)Incontinence pads Catheters Nappies Sanitary wasteCondoms UrineVomit Soiled beddingPlasters

Accommodation & Hospitality Services Associated Hazards Whilst the risk is low Offensive/Hygiene waste has the potential to harm those exposed to it. Typical effects can be: Skin/eye infections (e.g. conjunctivitis) Gastroenteritis (stomach cramps, diarrhoea and vomiting) Q – how can you best protect yourself against an infection if handling such items?

Accommodation & Hospitality Services Whilst we have stated the risks are low other potential transmittable diseases include: Hepatitis B (C,D and G) HIV The biggest risk is Hepatitis as HIV does not survive outside of the human body for more than a few seconds. Therefore all employees are expected to fully comply with the procedure set out for them, including the use of PPE and reporting any incidences.

Accommodation & Hospitality Services Offensive/Hygiene Waste Handling Procedure 1.Limit access to area if necessary 2.Ensure appropriate PPE is worn for the task (incl. masks) 3.Contact […] and request spill kit 4.Personal Hygiene 5.Different types of waste/scenarios 6.Waste to be disposed of in […] bags 7.Bags should not be overfilled and should be tied at the neck (handlers may refuse overfilled bags) 8.Contents should be double-bagged if risk of leakage 9.Bags should be handled by the neck and should not be dropped or thrown 10.Storage/disposal? 11.Personal Hygiene 12.First aid if necessary 13.Reporting

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Accommodation & Hospitality Services Personal Hygiene The most common way micro-organisms and other harmful substances enter the body is by: Eating, drinking or wiping the face with contaminated hands or gloves; Through cuts, scratches or penetrating wounds such as injuries from hypodermic needles; Through the surface of the eyes, nose and mouth; Breathing them in Good personal hygiene when handling such wastes is crucial and will reduce the hazards that can lead to ill health.*

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