Summary Bio-medical waste management

Incineration: The specific requirements regarding norms of combustion efficiency and emission level have been defined in BMW rules 1998. z Suitably designed pollution control devices should be installed. z Incinerator should be certified from pollution control board. z In case of small hospitals, joint facilities for incineration can be developed. z The chlorinated plastic bags should not be incinerated. z Waste to be incinerated shall not be chemically treated with any chlorinated disinfectants. z The functioning of the incinerator and the number of cycles operated per day should be documented in a log book. z Regular monitoring of the process should be done as per CPCB norms. z The ash produced by incinerator should be sent for secure land filling and should also be periodically checked for toxic metals. Deep Burial: BMW rule 1998 mentions waste under category 1and 2 can be accorded deep burial and this shall be an option available only in towns with population less than five lakhs and in rural areas. The location of the deep burial site will be authorized by the prescribed authority and it should be distant from residential areas and it should be ensured that no contamination occurs of any surface waste or ground water. The area should not be prone to flooding or erosion. Autoclave and Microwave: Category 3, 4, 6 & 7 can be treated by these techniques. Shredding: Plastic (IV bottles, syringes, catheter etc.), sharps (needles, blade, glass) should be shredded after chemical treatment/ microwaving/ autoclaving. Needle Destroyers: They can be used for disposal of needles directly without chemical treatment. Secured landfill: Incinerator ash, discarded medicines, cytoxic substances and solid chemical waste should be treated by this option.