• Infectious Agents - Agents capable of causing infection or disease (HIV, HBV, HCV).
• Transmission - Agents that enter the body through various means such as cuts, inhalation, or contact with mucous membranes.
• Immune Response - Cases where the immune system is unable to combat infection effectively. 

Disposal of Regulated Medical Waste

Special Containers and Labels:

• Regulated medical waste must be disposed in a designated containers labeled as Biohazard.
• Labels should be easy to read, durable against water and must include either the “Biohazard” symbol or a similar warning message. See topic "Hazard Communication".

Container Specifications: 

• Color Coding
• Red, orange and the “Biohazard” symbol signifies the presence of regulated medical waste. Pay attention to the container's labeling or color coding to ensure proper waste segregation.
• Leak Proofing
• To prevent contamination, containers must be leak-proof. It may be necessary to double-bag waste to ensure containment.
• Sharps Disposal
• Needle, scalpel blades and other similar items must be placed in puncture-resistant, secure containers to prevent injury.  Many healthcare settings use rigid red plastic containers specifically for sharps, distinguishing them from other types of waste.

Proper Handling:

• Ensure all waste is handled in compliance with safety standards. Consult supervisor to obtain the correct disposal equipment and detailed instructions.
  

Waste Treatment:

• Certain medical wastes might require specific treatment to neutralize hazards before disposal.

Disposal of Non-Regulated Medical Waste

• Absorbed blood or Other Potentially Infectious Materials (OPIM) that do not release liquid when compressed.
• Adhesive bandages (e.g wound dressings)
• Regular paper tissues and towels.
• Gauze used in medical settings.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) used during minor injury cleanups.

Handling Non-Regulated Medical Waste Safely

• Liquid Absorption
• Use absorbent materials or powder that solidify liquid to prevent any waste from being classified due to the presence of liquids. This is to ensure that fluid is not released upon compression and keeping the waste non-regulated.
• Double-Bagging
• Place waste into a plastic bag and securely tie it closed, then encase this bag within another bag to seal it to ensure that there is no leakage or contamination.   
• Labeling Practices
• Non-regulated medical waste typically does not require special labeling, however some facilities may have their own labeling requirements to ensure safety and compliance (Always adhere to the guidelines provided by your workplace).

Storing and Transporting Regulated Medical Waste

• Storage Practices:
• Regulated medical waste needs to be securely stored before disposal to avoid any risk of leaks or spills. Using compactors for storing such waste may not be used due to the potential for spills.
• All potentially infectious waste should be stored in a manner that ensures it is contained securely and poses no risk to health.
• Transportation Requirements:
• Except for small quantities, regulated medical waste must be transported by specially licensed and approved carriers. This ensures that the waste is safely moved from the healthcare facility to an authorized waste treatment or storage facility.
• Facilities that generate smaller amounts of waste, such as doctors' offices, dental practices, and veterinary clinics, can transport minor quantities of medical waste to larger facilities for processing. However, even small amounts must be properly packaged and labeled according to regulations. These smaller generators are exempt from some of the more stringent transport and treatment regulations that apply to larger waste producers.

Minimizing Risks Associated with Medical Waste:

1. Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Appropriate PPE will be provided whenever you’re at risk of encountering medical waste, this includes gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection. (Refer to PPE Overview for more details).
2. Maintain High Standards of Hygiene
• Hand washing - Always wash your hands thoroughly using soap and water immediately after removing gloves and any other PPE. If soap and water are not readily available, alcohol-based hand sanitizer may be used as an alternative.
• Cleaning after Exposure - Promptly wash with soap the area of skin that comes in  direct contact with any material that could be infectious. Similarly, immediately rinse and wash with water and soup your mouth and/or eyes, should they be exposed.
3. Adopt Universal Precautions
• Assume Infectiousness, consider all blood and Other Potentially Infectious Materials (OPIM) as if they carry infectious agents.
• Use Protective Barriers: Employ gloves, masks, aprons, and protective eyewear to create a barrier between you and any bodily fluids. Preventing direct contact reduces the risk of exposure.
• Prompt Cleaning: Ensure immediate cleanup and sterilization of surfaces and equipment that have been in contact with blood or bodily fluids.
• Hand Hygiene Post-Handling: After dealing with bodily fluids, thoroughly wash your hands, even if you've been wearing gloves. This step is crucial for removing any potential contaminants.
• Proper Disposal of Cleaning Materials: Dispose of any materials used in the cleaning and disinfection process right away to prevent contamination.
4. Adopting Safe Work Practices for Medical Waste Management
• Proper Waste Disposal: Immediately contain medical waste at the point of generation using bags or containers. This helps in minimizing the risk of exposure.
• Container Management: Avoid overfilling or compacting waste containers to prevent spills and leaks. Ensure that all containers are securely closed.
• Sharps Handling: Exercise extreme caution when disposing of sharps. Use dedicated sharps containers for disposal and never dispose of these items in regular trash bins.
• Regular Disinfection: Clean and disinfect all surfaces and equipment that may have come into contact with medical waste. Reusable containers should also be disinfected before being put back into use.
• Equipment Handling: Utilize carts or suitable handling equipment to safely transport medical waste within the facility.
• Managing Leaks and Spills: Regularly inspect medical waste containers for leaks or spills. Should a leak or spill occur, report it immediately, secure the area, and follow the provided cleanup instructions.
• Secure Storage: Keep regulated medical waste in designated storage areas that are securely locked and marked with biohazard symbols. Ensure containers within these areas are correctly labeled and facing outwards for easy identification.
• Emergency Preparedness: Be prepared for emergencies involving medical waste leaks or spills by familiarizing yourself with the facility's emergency response procedures. 
5. Seek Preventative Care: Protect yourself through available vaccines, like the Hepatitis B vaccine (HBV), to prevent disease.
• Report Incidents Immediately. Notify your Equipment Handling Supervisor should you come into contact with medical waste. Utilize carts or suitable handling equipment to safely transport medical waste within the facility.
• Managing Leaks and Spills: Regularly inspect medical waste containers for leaks or spills. Should a leak or spill occur, report it immediately, secure the area, and follow the provided cleanup instructions.
• Secure Storage: Keep regulated medical waste in designated storage areas that are securely locked and marked with biohazard symbols. Ensure containers within these areas are correctly labeled and facing outwards for easy identification.
• Emergency Preparedness: Be prepared for emergencies involving medical waste leaks or spills by familiarizing yourself with the facility's emergency response procedures. 
6. Report incidents right away to take necessary actions.
• It is important to immediately report incidents in order to help assess the potential risk from the infection. In some cases, your employer might might be able to trace the source of the waste.
• Clean the affected area as much as possible before reporting the exposure. Use soap and water for skin exposures or rinse your eyes or mouth thoroughly if they were exposed. Applying a disinfectant like alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to the affected skin area is also advisable.
7. Undergo Medical Evaluation After Exposure.
• A critical post-exposure evaluation (including all necessary tests) is to be provided without any cost to you. This is especially true for the incident involving contact with blood or Other Potentially Infectious Materials (OPIM).
• In cases such as needle stick or cuts from sharps, you may be advised to receive a HBV Vaccine or gamma globulin shot  as a precaution (assuming you haven’t been vaccinated yet). A tetanus vaccine might also be administered if you’ve sustained a cut.
• Additional tests, counseling, or treatment might be recommended depending on the specifics of the exposure and health background.
• Should HBV or HIV Test be conducted on the source of the exposure, results are to be shared with you, accompanied by the overseeing healthcare professional.
• Medical information, including the status of any infectious diseases are to be kept confidential. You are entitled to access and make copies of your medical records upon request. 

SUMMARY

• Handling medical waste can pose various health risks including infections, puncture wounds, and symptoms like skin irritation, headaches, and dizziness.
• Regulated medical waste encompasses materials such as blood borne pathogens, sharps, and Other Potentially Infectious Materials (OPIM).
• Proper use of designated bags, containers, labeling, and transport methods is crucial for the safe management and disposal of medical waste.
• Adopting protective measures, such as wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and thorough hand washing post-exposure, significantly minimizes risk.
• It’s important to promptly report any exposure to medical waste and seek appropriate follow-up care and testing