Red: any kind of container filled with heavy metal or effluent.Yellow: any kind of container filled with any type of infectious healthcare waste, including yellow safety boxes for sharps.Black: all bins or bags containing non-hazardous healthcare waste.Based on the type of hazards involved, a different colour code and type of container is assigned and should be used as follows: The colour-coding system aims to ensure immediate, easy and unambiguous (clear) identification and segregation of the waste which you are handling or going to treat. Healthcare facilities should provide coloured waste receptacles specifically for each category of waste. You should follow the guidelines for segregation of waste so that the different types of waste are kept separate and each can be handled safely and economically. This should take place at the source (when the waste is created). Healthcare waste is usually segregated into colour-coded waste bags or bins. Segregation is the process of separating different categories of waste. Following the precautionary principle, pathological waste must be handled and disposed of as if it were infectious. All pathological waste should be considered as potentially infectious. Blood, for example, is in both categories. Note also that infectious waste and pathological waste are overlapping categories. You should note that the last five on the list may not necessarily apply at Health Post level however, you should be aware of these hazards in case you encounter them elsewhere. Radioactive waste: containing radioactive substances from radiotherapy or laboratory research.Pressurised containers: gas cylinders, gas cartridges and aerosol cans.Waste with high content of heavy metals: includes batteries, broken thermometers, blood-pressure gauges, etc.Chemical waste: wastes containing chemical substances such as laboratory reagents, film developer, disinfectants that are expired or no longer needed, and solvents.Genotoxic waste: substances with genotoxic properties (meaning they can cause genetic damage) such as certain drugs and genotoxic chemicals.Pharmaceutical waste: expired or no longer needed pharmaceuticals items contaminated by or containing pharmaceuticals (bottles, boxes).Sharps: needles, infusion sets, scalpels, blades and broken glass.Anatomical waste is a sub-group of pathological waste and consists of recognisable body parts. Pathological waste: human tissues including placentas, body parts, blood and fetuses.It also includes liquid waste such as faeces, urine, blood and other body secretions. This includes used dressings, swabs and other materials or equipment that have been in contact with infected patients or excreta.
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