SOP for Collection and Storage of Biomedical Waste

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SOP for Collection and Storage of Biomedical Waste

Standard Operating Procedure for Collection and Storage of Biomedical Waste

1) Purpose

The purpose of this SOP is to outline the proper procedures for the safe collection, segregation, and storage of biomedical waste generated in healthcare facilities, laboratories, and related environments to ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

2) Scope

This SOP applies to all personnel involved in the collection, handling, and storage of biomedical waste, including healthcare staff, laboratory workers, waste management personnel, and safety officers.

3) Responsibilities

  • Supervisors: Ensure compliance with the SOP and provide training to all staff.
  • Healthcare/Laboratory Staff: Collect, segregate, and label biomedical waste at the point of generation.
  • Waste Management Personnel: Handle and transport biomedical waste to designated storage areas.
  • Safety Officers: Monitor waste collection and storage activities, and ensure compliance with regulations.

4) Procedure

4.1 Classification of Biomedical Waste

Biomedical waste must be segregated into the following categories as per regulatory guidelines:

  1. Infectious Waste: Waste suspected to contain pathogens, such as:
    • Blood-soaked materials (gauze, cotton)
    • Cultures, swabs, and specimens
  2. Sharps Waste: Objects that can puncture or lacerate skin, such as:
    • Needles, syringes, and scalpels
    • Broken glass contaminated with biomedical waste
  3. Pathological Waste: Human tissues, organs, and body parts.
  4. Pharmaceutical Waste: Expired, unused, or contaminated medicines and vaccines.
  5. General Biomedical Waste: Non-infectious waste like packaging
materials or uncontaminated PPE.

4.2 Segregation of Biomedical Waste

  1. Color-Coded Containers and Bins:
    • Yellow Bin:
      • Human anatomical waste
      • Contaminated dressings, swabs, and gloves
      • Microbiological waste
    • Red Bin:
      • Contaminated plastic waste (IV tubes, bottles, gloves)
      • Blood bags
    • Blue/White Container:
      • Broken glass, vials, and contaminated sharps
      • Metallic body implants
    • Black Bin:
      • Expired medicines and cytotoxic drugs
      • General non-hazardous waste

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  2. Segregation Rules:
    1. Segregate biomedical waste at the point of generation.
    2. Use appropriate bins with biohazard labels and ensure lids are closed when not in use.
    3. Do not mix hazardous and non-hazardous waste.

4.3 Collection of Biomedical Waste

  1. Collection Process:
    • Collect biomedical waste daily or when containers are 3/4 full to avoid overfilling.
    • Use PPE such as gloves, masks, and aprons when collecting waste.
    • Seal waste bags or containers before transferring them to the storage area.

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  2. Labeling Requirements:
    1. Clearly label all containers with:
      • Category of waste
      • Date of collection
      • Location (e.g., lab, ward)
    2. Include the biohazard symbol on containers for infectious waste.
  3. Transport to Storage Area:
    • Use wheeled trolleys or carts for internal waste transport.
    • Disinfect carts and equipment regularly.

4.4 Storage of Biomedical Waste

  1. Storage Area Requirements:
    • Designate a secure, ventilated area for temporary biomedical waste storage.
    • Ensure the area is away from food storage, patient areas, and general waste.
    • Maintain temperature control for pathological waste (< 4°C if stored beyond 48 hours).
    • Clearly label the area with “Biomedical Waste Storage” signs.

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  2. Storage Duration:
    • Do not store biomedical waste for more than 48 hours.
    • Pathological and highly infectious waste must be collected and disposed of daily.

4.5 Disposal of Biomedical Waste

  1. Arrange for the collection and disposal of biomedical waste by authorized waste disposal vendors.
  2. Ensure all waste is transported in color-coded, sealed containers as per regulations.
  3. Obtain waste disposal manifests from vendors and retain for documentation (Annexure 1).

4.6 Record-Keeping

  1. Maintain records of all waste collection, storage, and disposal activities, including:
    • Type and quantity of waste
    • Date of collection and disposal
    • Vendor details
  2. Use the Biomedical Waste Management Log (Annexure 1) for proper documentation.

4.7 Training and Audits

  1. Train all personnel on biomedical waste classification, segregation, collection, and storage procedures annually.
  2. Conduct monthly audits to ensure compliance with this SOP and address non-conformities.

5) Abbreviations, if any

  • PPE: Personal Protective Equipment
  • IV: Intravenous

6) Documents, if any

  • Biomedical Waste Management Log
  • Waste Disposal Manifest

7) Reference, if any

  • Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016 (India)
  • WHO Guidelines for Safe Management of Healthcare Waste
  • OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030)

8) SOP Version

Version: 1.0

Annexure

Template 1: Biomedical Waste Management Log

 
 
 Date Waste Type Quantity Color-Coded Bin Storage Location Disposed By 
 
 DD/MM/YYYY Infectious Waste 5 kg Yellow Lab Storage Area John Doe
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