Abstract

MANAGING SURGICAL WASTE SAFELY: A REVIEW OF INTERNATIONAL BIOMEDICAL WASTE POLICIES AND HOSPITAL PROTOCOLS

B. Balamurugan*, K. Sowndarya, C. Jothimanivannan, B. Abishek, C. Vignesh, P. Arivilkumar

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Abstract

An essential component of hospital hygiene and infection control is the careful management of surgical waste. High-risk biomedical waste is produced during surgical procedures and includes contaminated disposables, sharps, spent surgical tools, and blood-soaked bandages. When this trash is handled improperly, it can cause illnesses, injuries, and environmental damage. The classification, collection, segregation, treatment, and disposal of surgical biological waste in accordance with national and international regulations are the main topics of this review. Incineration is still a widely used treatment technique worldwide; however, it poses health risks and contributes to air pollution. The article highlights different approaches to addressing surgical waste by comparing waste management policies in nations including Egypt, China, Germany, and the United States. The significance of appropriate training, the use of color-coded bins, and rigorous adherence to biomedical waste regulations are also emphasized. This evaluation seeks to promote safer surgical waste management by addressing the issues as well as cutting-edge solutions including barcoding and environmentally friendly treatment. Comprehending international standards and hospital procedures helps improve compliance and sustainability in healthcare settings while lowering hazards to patients, healthcare staff, and the environment.

Keywords: Surgical waste, Biomedical waste, Infection control, Waste segregation, Color-coded bins, Eco-friendly treatment, Healthcare sustainability.