Page 14 - MFM Induction Handbook

14
Waste Disposal
Emptying of Waste
If you are responsible for the waste disposal on your site you must ensure the waste bags are changed before they are over lled and placed in the waste areas for collection.
Assemble equipment: appropriate colour/size bag, disposable gloves – External areas may require the needle stick gloves – consult your supervisor for guidance.
 All bags should be tied securely by knotting the twisted neck of bag.
 Clinical waste bags must swan necked using a numbered zip tie.
 Twist neck of bag, loop neck over and holding securely, use a zip tie to fasten the neck tightly.
 Replace the appropriate coloured bag into bin frame, this should be the same colour as the bag removed and close lid.
 If bin is soiled clean out using a blue cloth and chemical unless it is a sanitary waste bin and then you must use a yellow cloth.
 Dispose of bags in waste disposal room in appropriate bins.
 Remove gloves and wash hands thoroughly.
Handling Waste
Some general principles should always be applied when working with waste:
 Handle all waste with care.
 Deal with items of litter and waste individually.
Work methodically and be sharp.
 Or dangerous object concealed in waste piles.
 Handling bagged waste (including Waste you have collected
yourself ) always hold the bag away from your legs and body
to minimise the risk of injury from sharp objects.
 DO NOT sweep many items up with your hands; pick
carefully, one item at a time where there is any uncertainty.  Handle waste lightly do not grab, this will reduce the risk of
cuts or puncture injuries.
 Never attempt to handle medical sharps (hypodermic
needles and syringes).
 Be aware that medical sharps are sometimes found disposed
of in cans or bottles.
 When handling bagged waste (including waste you have
collected yourself ) always hold the bag away from your legs
and body to minimise the risk of injury from sharp objects.  Never carry bags of waste or recycling over your shoulder.
Emptying Wheelie Bins
 If you are asked to empty litter bins, you will be equipped with heavy duty protective gloves. These must be worn when handling waste bags you have not lled yourself.
 Try to empty bins before they are more than half full.
 If it feels easy to lift the bag out from the bin in position,
you can do so, while avoiding contact with your body.
This should not be attempted with loads over 10kg.  If the bag is too heavy; detach the bin and lay it on its
side, then slide the bag out.
 If the bin is over lled, remove items from the top into
other bags until bin is half full.
 If a bag is split inside a bin or the contents are unsafe
to move you should not attempt to empty it yourself we may need to remove the bin using a vehicle. Contact your supervisor and await further instruction.
 Bins for trade food waste or glass should not be emptied by hand.
CAUTION
BEWARE OF NEEDLES & SYRINGES!