Royal Children’s Hospital - Waste Management Plan

Updated August 2005

 Royal Children’s Hospital Waste Management Plan

Table of Contents

SECTION 1 Introduction.................................................................................................. 3
1.1 Aims 3
1.2 Objectives 3
SECTION 2 Definitions .................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Clinical waste 4
2.2 Cytotoxic Waste 4
2.3 Pharmaceutical Waste 4
2.4 Chemical Waste 4
2.5 Radioactive Waste 4
2.6 Recyclable Products 4
2.7 Organic Products 5
2.8 Liquid Waste 5
2.9 General Waste 5
2.10 Building (Hard) Waste 5
SECTION 3 Organisational Issues............................................................................... 5
3.1 Employer’s Legal responsibilities 5
3.2 Employees Responsibilities 5
3.4 Waste Management Task Force - Terms of Reference 6
3.4.1 Overview............................................................................................ 6
3.4.2 Reporting .......................................................................................... 7
3.4.3 Terms of office of members.......................................................... 7
3.4.4 Voting................................................................................................. 7
3.4.5 Quorum ............................................................................................. 7
3.4.6 Terms of Reference........................................................................ 7
3.4.7 Objectives of the Waste Management Committee ................... 8
3.5 Purchasing Policy – Waste Management 9
3.6 Educations and Training 9
SECTION 4 Waste Management Strategies............................................................10
4.1 Waste Minimisation 10
4.1.1 The Waste Minimisation Hierarchy............................................10
4.1.2 Waste Avoidance...........................................................................10
4.1.3 Reuse Strategy ..............................................................................10
4.1.4 Waste Reduction...........................................................................10
4.1.5 Recycling.........................................................................................10
4.2 Audits 11
4.2.1 Segregation Audit..........................................................................11
4.2.1 Audit Considerations....................................................................11
SECTION 5 Waste Handling, Containment and Transport...................................16
5.1 Review 16
5.2 Waste Handling 16
5.4 Waste Trolleys & Mobile Garbage Bins (MGBs) 16
5.6 Holding Areas 16
5.7 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 16
5.8 Spill Management 17
5.8.1 Spill Kits ..........................................................................................17

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5.8.2 Management of Blood or body substance spills.....................17

5.8.3 Management of Chemical Spills................................................17
5.9 Transport 17
5.9.1 Home and Community Care.......................................................17
5.9.10 Radioactive Waste Disposal 17
SECTION 6: Occupational Health and Safety ...........................................................17
SECTION 7: Bibliography & Acknowledgments.......................................................18
Appendix 1: Legislation..................................................................................................19
Appendix 2: Needle Stick and Blood or Body Fluid Exposure...............................20
Appendix 3: Spill's Kits...................................................................................................21
Appendix 4: Colour Coding / Signage..........................................................................22
Appendix: 5 Waste Management Compliance Flow Chart....................................23

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SECTION 1 Introduction
This Waste Management Plan describes the current policies and procedures for Royal Children’s
Hospital. It provides goals & target to ensure ongoing improvements in all aspects of waste
management, including the generation, handling, storage and disposal of all forms of waste. This facility
is committed to minimising waste, in accordance with the TRIM YOUR WASTELINE A guide to
managing waste in hospitals – Victoria.

To be effective, this plan must be widely promoted throughout the hospital.

1.1 Aims
• To protect public health and safety.
• To provide a safe work environment
• To minimise the environmental impact of waste generation treatment & disposal.
• Reduce waste handling & disposal volumes/costs without compromising health care.

1.2 Objectives
• To adopt and implement the Waste Management Plan throughout the hospital.
• To monitor performance and review the Waste Management Plan at least annually.
• Adopt a waste minimisation policy, which incorporates realistic purchasing guidelines.
• Develop concise waste segregation principles and promote practical guidelines for re-usable
products.
• Foster commitment from all staff and management to actively participate in waste avoidance,
reduction, reuse and recycling programs.
• Introduce a continuing waste management education program for all staff to increase awareness
of Occupational Health & Safety issues and waste minimisation principles.
• Adopt policies and procedures to minimise the environmental impact of waste treatment and
disposal.

From a waste management point of view, the three Rs – ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ – offer a simplified
view of the types of action we must take. They are in order of priority and are often referred to as the
‘waste minimisation hierarchy’.

‘Reduce’ means to use less in the first place, for example being waste conscious as a consumer
(considering what you buy and not wasting it).

‘Reuse’ means to use the same item more than once in its original form. For example, choosing
reusable rather than disposable items, and finding alternative uses for items no longer needed for their
original use.

‘Recycle’ means to reprocess used products into either the same product or a different one, for
example reprocessing aluminium cans and glass bottles to make new cans and bottles.

In most cases, manufacturing from recycled materials requires less energy. Recycling can also include
composting, a form of reprocessing organic waste materials into a product (compost) that can be used
in a variety of ways.

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SECTION 2 Definitions
Hospital Waste has been divided into ten broad categories:

Clinical, cytotoxic, pharmaceutical, chemical and radioactive wastes, recyclable, organic, liquid, general
and hard waste.

2.1 Clinical waste

Clinical waste is waste, which has the potential to cause sharps injury, infection or offence. When
packaged and disposed of appropriately, there is virtually no public health significance. Clinical waste
contains the following:

Sharps;*

Human tissue (excluding hair, teeth and nails);

Bulk body fluids and blood;**

Visibly blood stained body fluids and visibly blood stained disposable material and
equipment;

Laboratory specimens and cultures;

Animal tissues, carcasses or other waste arising from laboratory investigation or for medical
or veterinary research.

*Sharps: Any object capable of inflicting a penetrating injury, which may or may not be contaminated
with blood and/or body substances. This includes needles and any other sharp objects or instruments
designed to perform penetrating procedures.
** Bulk: Free flowing liquids normally contained within a disposable vessel or tubing, not capable of being
safely drained to the sewer.

2.2 Cytotoxic Waste

Cytotoxic waste means material contaminated with residues or preparations containing materials toxic
to cells, principally through action on cell reproduction. This includes any residual cytotoxic drug, and any
discarded material associated with the preparation or administration of cytotoxic drugs. (Refer cytotoxic
guidelines)

2.3 Pharmaceutical Waste

Consists of pharmaceuticals or other chemical substances specified in the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled
Substances Act 1981. Pharmaceutical substances include expired or discarded pharmaceuticals, filters
or other materials contaminated by pharmaceutical products. Inquiries regarding pharmaceutical waste
are best directed to the pharmacy department.

2.4 Chemical Waste

Chemical waste is generated from the use of chemicals in medical applications, domestic services,
maintenance, laboratories, during sterilisation processes and research. It includes mercury, cyanide,
azide, formalin, and glutaraldehyde, which are subject to special disposal requirements. Inquiries
regarding chemical waste are best directed to the director of laboratory services.

2.5 Radioactive Waste

Radioactive waste is material contaminated with radioactive substances, which arises from medical or
research use of radionuclides. It is produced, for example, during nuclear medicine, radioimmunoassay
and bacteriological procedures, and may be in a solid liquid or gaseous form and includes the body
waste of patients under treatment.

Radioactive waste, once lead shielded and allowed to decay to a safe level as set by the Regulatory
authority, is no longer deemed to be radioactive waste. Certain radioactive wastes are classified as
hazardous waste in the Waste Regulation. Inquiries regarding radioactive waste are best directed to the
radiology department.

2.6 Recyclable Products

Items that are composed of materials or components, capable of being remanufactured or reused. Items
are considered recyclable if facilities are available to collect and reprocess them.

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2.7 Organic Products

This includes wood, garden waste, food and vegetable scraps and natural fibrous material, which are
biodegradable.

2.8 Liquid Waste

Liquid wastes are defined in the Waste Regulation. These wastes include grease trap waste, used
lubricating oil and waste normally discharged to the sewer. There is a trade waste agreement between
The Hospital and City West Water – State Water Authority – that provides for monitoring of liquid
discharge from the Hospital.

If in doubt “Don’t Tip it down the sink!” - Inquiries regarding disposal of fluid waste are best directed
to the facilities manager – Engineering department.

Photographic waste disposal is managed through an EPA approved contractor. Inquiries regarding
disposal of photographic waste are best directed to the Chief Medical Imaging Technologist, Radiology
Department.

2.9 General Waste

Any waste not included above. Which is not capable of being composted, recycled, reprocessed or re-
used. This stream includes incontinence pads, sanitary waste and disposable nappies Stoma Bags,
Urinary catheters, Suction catheter gloves, all packaging, paper towel, I.V. tubing (of known non
infectious patients)

2.10 Building (Hard) Waste

Waste that doesn’t belong to any another category and is more often associated with building works. It
may consist of such things as: building material, furniture, equipment, and refrigeration units. This waste
is usually managed by contractors through the engineering department. Inquiries regarding building
waste removal are best directed to the facilities manager – Engineering department. (Also refer
appendix 5 Waste Management Contract Compliance Flow Chart)

SECTION 3 Organisational Issues

The Royal Children’s Hospital serves the State of Victoria and surrounding areas
The hospital has approximately 315beds
With a total Staff of approximately 3000.

3.1 Employer’s Legal responsibilities

The Royal children’s Hospital has a number of legal responsibilities, which include:
• Developing and maintaining a safe work environment and safe work practices (Occupational
Health & Safety Act, 1983);
• Ensuring hospital activities do not breach environmental standards prescribed in the State and
Federal legislation;
• Providing staff training and education for the safe handling of waste.

Refer to the legislation list in Appendix1.

3.2 Employees Responsibilities

Employees also have responsibilities, which include:
• Complying with safety instructions and use safe work practices for their own protection and for
the protection other staff and the public (Occupational Health & Safety Act, 1983).
• Actively supporting environmental initiatives introduced by the Waste Management Committee.
• Be aware and comply with the requirements for the handling of chemical substances according
to Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

Refer to Legislation list in Appendix 1.

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3.4 Waste Management Task Force - Terms of Reference

Approved by committee with amendment Thursday, April 14, 2005 –
For approval Hospital Management Group, May 2005
For information to RCH Board Audit, Corporate Risk Mgt Ctee & Quality Ctee. - May 2005
For review April 2006

3.4.1 Overview
The Taskforce may co-opt any other relevant personnel to address specific issues.
Nominated Waste Management Coordinator/chairperson [Phillip Goulding – appointed by CEO]
Meeting Frequency [Monthly – until further advised] the 2nd Thursday of each month at 9am in the
RCH Board Room, 5th Floor FEB

Table 1: Waste Management Committee Members

Position Name Responsibility

Administrative Ms Melinda Raisch Minute keeping.
Assistance
Infection control Ms Sue Scott Advise on infection control issues. Liaison
with the infection control committee.
Nursing Ms Bobbie Carol Nursing Overview and administrative support
Management
Occupational health Mr Luke McLaughlin Advise on OH&S matters. Liaison with OH&S
& safety officer Committee.
Purchasing officer Ms Helen Croll Report on product usage/ wastage & other
Mr Santo Cavaleri supply issues. Liaison with product
evaluation committee.

Engineer/ Mr Sujee Panagoda Advise on structural and maintenance issues

Maintenance relating to the storage, treatment & disposal
of waste. Monitor water and energy usage.
Engineering Mr Henk Degued Financial and administrative support –
Management Engineering Issues
Domestic services Mr John Golotta Supervision of yardsman & cleaning staff.
Maintain daily records of waste generation.
Operations Manager Mr Steve Firman Financial and administrative support
Financial Overview Ms Josie Veredosa Financial reporting
Pharmacy Mr Brian Lilley Advise on disposal of pharmaceuticals
Radiology Ms Mita Pederson & Advise on radioactive waste
Mr Jim Norman
Laboratory Ms Brenda White Advise on Laboratory issues
Mr Nigel Kelly
Food Services Ms Kay Gibbon Advise on issues of waste management form
kitchen
Murdoch Institute Mr Barry Holt Advise on Murdoch issues regarding waste
management
Ms Kathy Marshall and
Clinical Ms Georgia Lewis Advise on waste matters affecting clinical
representative Ms Angela Shaw- areas and report back to clinical areas.
Massey

This task force was established by the Chief Executive Officer. Date Established: March 2005

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3.4.2 Reporting
The task force will report on its activities and present recommendations to the Hospital Management
Committee and the Non Clinical Quality and Safety Committee.

3.4.3 Terms of office of members

Members serve for a period of 12 months, with the option of reappointment.

3.4.4 Voting
Any person elected or appointed by the task force will be entitled to one vote. In the event of a vote
being tied, the Chair will have the casting vote.

3.4.5 Quorum
At least half the number of members represents a quorum.

3.4.6 Terms of Reference

The task force will act in a review and advisory capacity, and develop and set objectives in:
• Waste reduction;
• Waste re-use, recycling and reclamation;
• Waste treatment;
• Waste segregation and disposal; and
• Waste auditing.
It will develop recommendations for presentation to management, taking into account:
• Cost;
• Legal and other liabilities;
• Occupational health and safety;
• Effects of system changes on the organisation; and
• Environmental considerations.

The task force will work with hospital staff and the community to develop a culture of environmentally
responsible waste management through information sharing and education.

Its members will ensure that waste management issues are considered on committees that deal with
product evaluation, infection control and occupational health and safety, and in user groups such as
nurse managers.

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3.4.7 Objectives of the Waste Management Committee

Committee Objectives Name/Position *Completion

DrTony Cull, CEO
Establish commitment from hospital managers to June 2005
comply with all relevant Legislation (Appendix 2)

Consult with Management on waste handling & Phill Goulding August 2005
storage issues relating to the design and layout
of buildings, renovations & extensions

Conduct a waste audit and prepare a Phillip Goulding April 2005

comprehensive report of current waste
generation, segregation, handling, storage and
disposal practices and costs

Develop OH&S strategies for injury prevention, Luke McGlaughlin As per OH&S
and for reporting, treating and follow up of injuries policy framework
associated with waste handling
Provide appropriate Personal Protective Kathy Marshall / Sue Scott August 2005
equipment and offer staff vaccinations
August 2005
Develop spill management strategies for all waste Kathy Marshall / Sue Scott
categories

Implement an ongoing waste management- Sue Scott, John Golotta, July 2005
training program which caters for all staff including Phill Goulding
management.
August 2005
Implement a waste avoidance & minimisation Taskforce
program

Improve the recycling program and increase Taskforce 12 months

recycling by at least 5% (need measures)

Promote waste management principles Sue Scott August 2005

throughout hospital (signs, posters, notice Review January
boards, bulletins, competitions etc) 06

Improve waste segregation practices (increase Phill Goulding June 2006

compliance by 5% in the first year (Tables 5, 6 &
7)

Liaise with council, private waste contractors and John Golotta ongoing
DHS with regard to the transport and disposal of Sujee Panagoda
waste external to the hospital.

Conduct a Waste Management Audit annually Taskforce April 2005

and review the Waste management Plan April 2006

Conduct ongoing audits of waste (refer Section Taskforce Ongoing

4.1). Ensure information is relayed to staff

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3.5 Purchasing Policy – Waste Management

Philosophy
Both the Supply/Purchasing Department and the Product Evaluation Committee are committed to waste
avoidance and waste minimisation. Where the use of disposable products is unavoidable, their
environmental impact should be assessed. Environmental concerns will be taken into consideration
when evaluating products. (As well as other concerns such as price, infection control issues etc)

The aim is to ensure that preference shall be given to products and packaging which are:
• Manufactured from recycled raw materials (provided they are cost/performance competitive)*
• Manufactured from renewable resources
• Re-usable (particularly non clinical products)
• Supplier removes packaging or minimises the same
• Totally or partially recyclable or with recyclable components, e.g. toner cartridges, provided
however that collection & recycling facilities are available.

Where recycled products are rejected due to inferior performance, the manufacturer or supplier shall be
provided with adequate feedback, and encouraged to improve the quality, performance and reliability
of the product.

DHS ENVIRONMENTAL PURCHASING POLICY

http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/environment/purchasing/index.htm

EVALUATION AND PURCHASING CHECKLIST

http://www.rch.org.au/emplibrary/supply/evaluation_purchasing_checklist_RCH.doc

EQUIPMENT ON EVALUATION OR LOAN

http://www.rch.org.au/emplibrary/supply/equipment_evaluation_form_RCH.doc

3.6 Educations and Training

Royal Children’s Hospital has compiled an education package covering the knowledge and application
of the core principals for waste management.

Refer infection control web site

Orientation courses for new employees and refresher courses are to be run whenever there is a change
in process,

A register of course attendances are held by the infection control department.

The following topics are to be covered by all staff:

• Safe work practices
• Staff awareness of policies
• Infection Control and Hygiene procedures
• Waste stream definitions
• Costs and benefits of waste minimisation
• Reduce/reuse/recycle
• First aid / needle stick injury
• Spill management

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SECTION 4 Waste Management Strategies

4.1 Waste Minimisation

4.1.1 The Waste Minimisation Hierarchy
The message is simple: at the top of the table, and at the top of the waste management options, is
waste avoidance.

Achieving this goal often means changing work practices. How we choose to go about our work often
dictates how much waste we create, for example do we use disposable or reusable equipment, do
we send paper memos or e-mails, do we bring our own cup or use a disposable one?

4.1.2 Waste Avoidance

Avoidance initiatives introduced last year:{insert details here}
New Avoidance initiatives proposed this year: {insert details here}

4.1.3 Reuse Strategy

Royal Children’s Hospital does not re-use single use items that have penetrated the skin

4.1.4 Waste Reduction

Waste reduction initiative introduced last year: waste disposal poster

New Waste Reduction initiatives proposed this year:

Education Program
Waste Management Task force
Improved Signage and uniformity being evaluated with RCH and DHS and Ecorecycling

4.1.5 Recycling
Recycling initiatives introduced over the last year:
Review of signage
New recycling initiatives proposed this year: improved signage to be implanted
Work with the DHS and Ecorecycle on developing statewide standards for hospital waste managment

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4.2 Audits
Auditing is an essential management tool for measuring the level of compliance with the Waste
Management Guidelines. Audits can also identify opportunities for water and energy conservation. The
audit comprises four components:

Conducted Proposed
1. Waste Management Numerical Profile [April 05] October 05
2. Segregation audit [April 05] October 05
3. Energy audit. [Sept 2004]
4. Water audit. Sept 2004]

{Environmental Health Officers from your Public Health Unit can assist with waste segregation audits
upon written request to the Director of the Public Health Unit.}

4.2.1 Segregation Audit

Both clinical waste and general waste should be inspected to accurately determine the level of
segregation. Other categories of waste and recyclable materials can also be audited (except hazardous,
cytotoxic and radioactive waste).

Audits are conducted through the waste management contractor (as a requirement of the contract).

4.2.1 Audit Considerations

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SECTION 5 Waste Handling, Containment and Transport

Royal Children’s Hospital has an adequately trained team responsible for the handling, internal
transport; spill management and disposal of clinical and related wastes.

5.1 Review
The Waste Management Committee will review of the collection process including manual handling
and transportation in March 2006.

The review to include the following areas:

• Transport via least sensitive routes;
• Collection process and frequency;
• Handling;
• Placement of mobile garbage bins, bags and containers;
• Location of waste storage area;
• Contractor collection points.

5.2 Waste Handling

Sharps are handled in accordance with the Infection Control Policy.
Manual handling is in accordance with the National Code of Practice for Manual Handling
Hand washing and hand care is in accordance with the Infection Control Policy
Management of Needle stick Injuries is in accordance with RCH Policy

5.4 Waste Trolleys & Mobile Garbage Bins (MGBs)

Trolleys used exclusively for waste transport.
They are lidded, and made of rigid material.
Education has been provided to appropriate staff to ensure trolleys are not overfilled.

5.6 Holding Areas

Clinical waste is stored in an enclosed structure with lockable door and smooth impervious floor.
With a short duration of storage. A ‘first in first out” policy is practiced and water supply is available.
Suitable drainage is provided and permanent natural ventilation exists.
There is adequate lighting provided.
Spill kits are located in this holding area

5.7 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The following protective barriers are available or accessible:
• Eye shields
• Gloves
• Gowns
• Masks
• Aprons
• Footwear

Appropriate PPE must be worn when handling waste

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5.8 Spill Management

General Spill Management
Mercury
Glutaraldehyde
Radiation
Chemical Spills / Dangerous Goods – refer new policy –September 2005

5.8.1 Spill Kits

Spill kits have been evaluated and supplied to all relevant clinical areas in August 2005.
Spill kits for clinical waste are maintained in ward areas and laboratory areas.
Spill kits for other types of spills are maintained in the relevant areas

A recommended equipment list for spill's kits is located in Appendix 3.

Managers (or delegate) of relevant areas are responsible for ensuring spills kits are up to date

5.8.2 Management of Blood or body substance spills

Prevention of patient-to-patient transmission of blood - borne viral infections – Policy

5.8.3 Management of Chemical Spills

Refer policy and procedure manual

5.9 Transport
Transportation complies with the EPA's and is arranged through external contractors.

5.9.1 Home and Community Care

Clinical Waste is not transported in the driver’s compartment.
Staff are instructed to adopt hospital guidelines as and procedures as much as practicable.
Waste Containers: Rigid and leak proof
Secure fitting lids
Exchange when full
Clearly labeled

Vehicles are always locked when unattended

5.9.10 Radioactive Waste Disposal

Inquiries regarding radioactive waste should be referred to the Nuclear Medicine department within
the Medical Imaging department.

Also refer Radiation Safety

SECTION 6: Occupational Health and Safety

Refer Occupational Health and Safety Team

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SECTION 7: Bibliography & Acknowledgments

Collignon, PJ, Graham, E & Dreimanis, DE, 'Re-use in sterile sites of single-use
medical devices: how common is this in Australia', Medical Journal of Australia, vol.
164, May, pp. 533-536.

Environment Protection Authority, Waste Reduction and Purchasing Plan

Generic Waste Management Plan – NSW department of health

Model Waste Management Plans for Health care Facilities, EcoRecycle Victoria – Website.

NHMRC, 1996, Infection Control in the Health Care Setting, Canberra

NHMRC, 1988, National Guidelines for the Management of Clinical and Related
Wastes, Canberra.

NHMRC, 1985, Code of Practice for the Disposal of Radioactive Wastes by the User,
Canberra.

Sedgwick, Waste Management Numerical Profile

SHPA, 1990, 'SHPA policy guidelines for the safe handling of cytotoxic drugs in
pharmacy departments', Australian Journal of Hospital Pharmacy, vol. 20, No. 5, pp.
391 - 394.

TRIM YOUR WASTELINE A guide to managing waste in hospitals – Victoria – EcoRecycle Victoria
- Website

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Appendix 1: Legislation
Health care establishments need to observe all public and occupational requirements. Compliance
with standards set for the ambient environment as well as for effluent and emission limits, (NHMRC;
1995).

The following list of legislation may be applicable to most Hospitals.

Victorian Legislation
Dangerous Goods Act 1985
Dangerous Goods Transport Regulations
Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981
Environment Protection Act 1970
Environment Protection Act and subordinate legislation
http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/Publications/Legislation/default.asp
Health Act 1958
SEPP (Waters of Victoria) and subordinate acts

Other Relevant Documents

Draft Australian Standard for the Management of Clinical and Related Wastes, DR97123.
Green Health Care: Environmental Assessment Manual 1996, Australian Hospitals Association in
conjunction with EPA, Deakin University and APHAL.
Guidelines for Preparing Waste Assessments: A Practical Guide Towards Cleaner Production
October 1994, publication no. 277, EPA.
Manual for the Management and Disposal of Biomedical Wastes in Victoria November 1993, 2nd
edn, publication no. 268, EPA.
National Guidelines for the Management of Clinical and Related Wastes 1988, NH&MRC.
Respond Green: A Guide to the Greening of the Williamstown Hospital 1993, Williamstown
Hospital.
South-Western Sydney Area Health Services, Better Waste Management: Training Program,
1994.
Standards Australia, AS14001, AS14004, AS14010, AS14011, AS14012: Environment
management and environmental auditing standards, 1995.
TRIM YOUR WASTELINE A guide to managing waste in hospitals – Victoria – EcoRecycle Victoria
- Website
The EQUIP Guide: Standards and Guidelines for the ACHS Evaluation and Quality Improvement
Program 1996, The Australian Council on Healthcare Standards.
Waste Minimisation: A Practical Guide to Cleaner Production July 1993, publication no. 351, EPA.

Australian Standards:
• AS/NZS 3816:1998. Management of clinical and related wastes.
• AS/NZS 4261 - 1994. Reusable sharps containers for collection of sharp items used in
human, and animal medical applications.
• AS 4031 - 1992. Non-reusable containers for the collection of sharp medical items used in
health care areas.
• AS 1251-1 1982. Polyethylene (polythene) Garbage Bags - Low Density. Withdrawn

Key Government Contacts

Environment Protection Authority EcoRecycle Victoria
40 City Rd, Southbank Level 2, 478 Albert St, East
Melbourne 3002
Information Centre phone 9695 2722 Recycling Infoline FreeCall: 1800
353 233
PO Box 4395 QQ, Melbourne 3001 http://www.ecorecycle.vic.gov.au8
5699

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Appendix 2: Needle Stick and Blood or Body Fluid Exposure

Refer RCH policy and procedure manual and infection control web site.
Needlestick Injuries and Blood/Body Fluid Exposures

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Appendix 3: Spill's Kits

Clinical Waste Spill kit could contain:
# A large (up to 10 litre) reusable plastic container or bucket with fitted lid, containing;
# 2 plastic general waste garbage bags for the disposal of any general waste;
# 2 Clinical waste bags for the disposal of Clinical waste;
# A pan and scraper;
# 5 granular disinfectant sachets containing 10,000 ppm available chlorine or equivalent;
# Disposable rubber gloves suitable for cleaning
# Detergent
# Disposable cloths and sponges
# Eye protection
# A plastic apron
# A mask (for protection against inhalation of powder from disinfectants, or aerosols generated
from the spills).
# Incident report form

The Cytotoxic spill kit consists of:

# Mop and mop bucket
# a large (10 litre) reusable plastic container or bucket with fitted lid, containing;
# 2 cytotoxic waste bags for the disposal of cytotoxic waste
# 2 pairs of disposable hooded overalls
# Shoe covers
# Long heavy duty gloves
# Latex gloves
# A mask (for protection against inhalation of powder from disinfectants, or aerosols generated
from the spills).
# Splash goggles
# Absorbent toweling / absorbent spill mat
# Incident report reform
# Waste spill sign
# 5 granular disinfectant sachets containing 10,000 ppm available chlorine or equivalent;
# a pan and scraper.

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Appendix 4: Colour Coding / Signage

Prescribed Colour and Symbols for waste bags and containers

Type of waste Color of bags / Containers Color of Letters Symbols

Clinical Yellow Black

Cytotoxic Lilac Violet

Radioactive Scarlet Black

General Black No color

Waste No symbol

General Rubbish

Clean Paper and Cardboard

Plastics, Glass and Cans

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Appendix: 5 Waste Management Compliance Flow Chart

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