Friday, December 20, 2013

The Correct Methods Of 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.

Needles and syringes that have been used on someone else are so dangerous because they could be carrying a blood-borne pathogen, such as HIV or hepatitis B or C. In the past it has happened that hospital staff and other innocent people have been infected with diseases such as these from accidental needle pricks. To prevent these types of accidents, it is required that needles are disposed of in a certain manner.

It is not only in hospitals that sharps need to be handled correctly. People who use them in their homes should also know how to dispose of them in the right way. Pharmacists help with this by selling containers into which used sharps can be placed, but any holder that a sharp cannot penetrate can be used. Once the sharps are put away, the holder should be further secured with a lid.

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 an accident occur, it will need to be reported immediately. There are certain procedures to follow if there is an injury that results from a contaminated needle. There will be blood tests taken from the patient and the injured person. Always seek professional advice when it comes to medical waste disposal TN.




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