Effective from 5 December 2022

Workflow Owner: Community Nursing Manager

Objective

As a provider of quality care and services, we want to ensure Five Good Friends (FGF) provides clear guidelines around the management of waste in a matter that meets the Work Health and Safety Act Cth (2011).

Key Information

• FGF is responsible for protecting our Members and workers (employees and contractors) from harm by avoiding exposure to waste, infectious and hazardous substances generated during the delivery of care and support.
• This workflow outlines how workers must handle and dispose of waste and infectious or hazardous substances to comply with current legislation. See the Work Health and Safety Policy and Procedurefor further information.
• Any incidents of exposure to waste, infectious or hazardous substances are to be managed according to this workflow and the Incident Management Workflow.

Definitions

Clinical waste – also known as medical waste, can potentially cause sharp injury, infection, or disease. Examples of clinical waste are human tissue, blood and bodily fluids. Clinical waste excludes incontinence and sanitary aids.

Cytotoxic waste - is waste contaminated or maybe contaminated with a cytotoxic drug. Cytotoxic drugs are chemotherapy medications and contain compounds that have carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic potential which can cause foetal and neonatal abnormalities. Direct contact with cytotoxic waste may also irritate the skin, eyes and mucous membranes, and ulceration and necrosis of tissue.

General waste - is waste that does not have the potential to cause sharp injury, infection, or hazard. General waste includes incontinence pads, sanitary waste, disposable nappies, gloves (not blood-stained), tissues, and bandages.

Medication waste – is waste containing medications, drugs or other chemical substances. Medication waste includes expired or discarded medicines, filters or other materials contaminated by Medication products.

PPE - Personal Protective Equipment. Refers to a variety of barriers used to protect mucous membranes, airways, skin and clothing from contact with infectious agents. PPE used for standard precautions includes aprons, gowns, gloves, surgical masks, protective eyewear, and face shields.

Sharps - any object capable of inflicting a penetrating injury. Sharps include but are not limited to hypodermic needles, intravenous sets (‘spikes’), and broken glass.

Standard Precautions – are the minimum infection prevention practices in Members’ care, regardless of their suspected or confirmed infection status, in any setting where care is delivered. Standard Precautions include hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette, waste management, and linen and clothing management.

Workflow