How to Dispose of Biohazard Waste and Blood
Blood waste, also known as biomedical waste, refers to waste from medical, diagnostic, or research activities that can pose a risk of infection or injury. Due to its nature, following safety protocols for disposing of biohazardous waste is crucial.
What Diseases Can Blood Waste Carry?
Biohazard waste includes liquid, biological, medical, and human anatomical waste. Understanding the differences between them is important to reduce the risk of contamination.
Blood waste can carry various diseases, including but not limited to:
- Hepatitis B and C
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Malaria
- Syphilis
Improper disposal of blood waste risks public health and the environment. Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling microbiology lab waste to prevent exposure. Disposing of blood waste in a dumpster is illegal and can contaminate soil and groundwater, spreading diseases to the community.
Avoid throwing liquid or pathological waste in dumpsters. They can’t contain infectious waste, and their contents can easily spread, endangering both the environment and public health. Improper disposal can lead to fines and legal consequences.
What Are Biohazard Waste Bags?
Proper disposal of blood waste helps prevent infection outbreaks and maintain cleanliness. Biohazard waste bags are designed to safely transport and dispose of biomedical waste, including blood.
Made from heavy-duty plastic, these bags securely contain infectious materials. They are typically red to clearly identify them as biohazard waste.
When placing biohazard waste in a bag, ensure the bag is securely sealed and properly labeled. Include all relevant information, such as patient details and the bag’s contents. This helps ensure safe disposal and prevents contamination risks.
The following items should be placed in biohazard waste bags:
- Biohazardous waste
- Sharps waste and sharps containers (note: it must be sealed in a biohazard sharps container first)
- Animal anatomical waste
- Human tissues
- Used needles and syringes
- Cultures and stocks of infectious agents
- Blood and blood products
- Used specimen swabs
- Items soaked with human blood and human bodily fluids
- Any item contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM)
The following items should not be placed in biohazard waste bags:
- Disposable gowns
- Intravenous bags
- Vomit and vomit-infected materials
- Soiled linens
- Discarded pharmaceuticals
Dispose of biohazard waste bags in designated areas, such as biohazard containers or approved garbage receptacles.
How to Use Biohazard Waste Bags Properly:
- Choose the appropriate size bag based on the amount of waste.
- Place the waste inside the bag and seal it securely.
- Store the bag safely until transport.
- Transport the bag to a licensed disposal facility authorized to handle biomedical waste.
Proper disposal of blood waste is crucial to prevent the spread of disease and protect public health. Biohazard waste bags offer a safe and effective way to contain and dispose of hazardous materials. Always ensure bags are properly sealed and labeled.e sure to correctly label and secure the bags and follow all regulations for waste management.
Call PuroClean Restoration Richmond BC for Biohazard Waste Disposal
It is best to contact professional biohazard cleanup services if you need to clean up a hazardous situation due to blood or other biohazard waste. Our experienced PuroClean Restoration Richmond BC technicians are highly trained and have the equipment to safely remove, contain, and responsibly dispose of sensitive materials.
Our team is available 24/7 and is committed to providing fast and effective service to help you get your home or business back to its original condition. Please contact us to learn how our professional biohazard cleanup services can help.
