Housekeeping

Proper containment and labeling of potentially infectious materials ensure that these items are handled appropriately.

Regulated Waste

The term “regulated waste” refers to specific categories of waste that require special handling, including blood and other potentially infected materials. Regulated waste that warrants special handling includes the following:

  • Liquid or semi-liquid infectious materials
  • Contaminated items that would release potentially infectious materials in a liquid or semi-liquid state
  • Items caked with infectious materials are capable of releasing these materials during handling.
  • Contaminated sharp objects

Safe Containers

It is of the utmost importance that infectious waste is safely contained. It should be placed in specially designed containers constructed to contain the contents. The containers need to be:

  • Leak-proof
  • Labeled or color-coded
  • Closed before removal to prevent spills

If a container leaks, place it in a secondary container appropriate for handling liquids or semi-liquids.

Pick up potentially contaminated broken glassware using mechanical means only, such as tongs, forceps, or brush and dustpan. Never use your hands, even if you are wearing gloves. Contaminated items should not be stored or processed in a way that requires anyone to reach into containers where the contents cannot be seen or safely handled.

Contaminated Laundry

Contaminated laundry is laundry soiled with potentially infectious materials.

•Handle contaminated laundry as little as possible

•Wear gloves when handling

•Place in appropriate containers before transporting

•Do NOT take home for laundering

Decontaminating Surfaces

Keep potentially infectious materials from lingering on surfaces. All equipment and work surfaces that could be contaminated should be cleaned and decontaminated routinely using an appropriate disinfectant while wearing PPE.

All pails, bins, and similar reusable receptacles should be decontaminated on a regular basis and as soon as possible after visible contamination is noticed.

Cleanup and decontamination of contaminated objects and surfaces are very important in helping reduce future exposures from indirect contact.

Knowledge Check

False. Employees should not take contaminated protective clothing home for laundering.