Waste Management & Infection Prevention and Control

Question 1

What is offensive waste?

Answer 1

• Non infectious
• Unpleasant and may cause offence
• NOT HAZARDOUS
• Faeces, incontinence pads, stoma bags, nappies, urine, vomit, soiled bedding, dressings

Question 2

What is hazardous waste?

Answer 2

• Explosive
• Flammable
• Irritant
• Harmful
• Toxic
• Corrosive
• Infectious

Question 3

What is a cytostatic/cytotoxic medicine?

Answer 3

• Toxic
• Carcinogenic
• Toxic for reproduction
• Mutagenic

Question 4

What does a purple bin mean?

Answer 4

Disposal of cytotoxic and cytostatic waste

Question 5

What does a yellow with black stripe bin mean?

Answer 5

Offensive/hygiene waste - landfill/incineration

Question 6

List some ways to improve infection prevention and control…

Answer 6

• Bare below elbows
• Use correct bins
• Hand hygiene (soap and water with diarrhoea)
• Isolating patients (diarrhoea, MRSA colonisation, respiratory, immunocompromised)
• Gloves, aprons, handwash, antibac gel, surgical mask, eye protection, positive pressure immunocomp and HEPA filter)