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Do waste bins need to have lids?

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  • #73980
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Author:
    Anonymous

    Position:

    Organisation:

    State:

    Hi Everyone,

    I have a client that has been told by an accreditor that they MUST have
    waste bins with lids.

    I have been scouring the NHMRC Guidelines, AS3816 and other state based
    guidelines available in the public domain, however I am yet to come across a
    statement where it mandates that waste bins must have lids.

    I can appreciate in ward area it is aesthetically pleasing to have lidded
    bins, with hands free operation of course.

    However in the Operating Suite, Recovery Room and also in dental procedure
    rooms, it makes no sense to me at all to have lids on the waste bins. In
    fact it adds to the complication of safe patient care and waste disposal.

    Can anybody point me in the direction of a published Standard or Guideline
    that mandates that lids must be on waste bins in Health Services
    Organisations?

    Thanks in anticipation.

    Kind Regards

    Terry McAuley

    Sterilisation & Infection Prevention and Control Consultant

    STEAM Consulting Pty Ltd ACN 604 439 698

    E: terry@steamconsulting.com.au

    W: http://www.steamconsulting.com.au

    A: PO BOX 779

    Endeavour Hills

    VIC Australia 3802

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    #73981
    Michelle Bibby
    Participant

    Author:
    Michelle Bibby

    Position:
    ICN Self Employed

    Organisation:
    Infection Prevention Australia

    State:

    HI Terry

    I’ve never seen a bin with a lid in the op suite in all my years working in
    them And most certainly agree, that they would be more a nuisance than
    anything.

    Do you think that perhaps this might be a little lack of understanding?

    Regards
    Michelle

    Michelle Bibby
    Infection Prevention Australia
    Michelle@infectionprevention.com.au
    +429071165

    Hi Everyone,
    I have a client that has been told by an accreditor that they MUST have
    waste bins with lids.
    I have been scouring the NHMRC Guidelines, AS3816 and other state based
    guidelines available in the public domain, however I am yet to come across a
    statement where it mandates that waste bins must have lids.
    I can appreciate in ward area it is aesthetically pleasing to have lidded
    bins, with hands free operation of course.
    However in the Operating Suite, Recovery Room and also in dental procedure
    rooms, it makes no sense to me at all to have lids on the waste bins. In
    fact it adds to the complication of safe patient care and waste disposal.
    Can anybody point me in the direction of a published Standard or Guideline
    that mandates that lids must be on waste bins in Health Services
    Organisations?
    Thanks in anticipation.
    Kind Regards
    Terry McAuley
    Sterilisation & Infection Prevention and Control Consultant
    STEAM Consulting Pty Ltd ACN 604 439 698
    E: terry@steamconsulting.com.au
    W: http://www.steamconsulting.com.au
    A: PO BOX 779
    Endeavour Hills
    VIC Australia 3802

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    #73982
    Michael Wishart
    Participant

    Author:
    Michael Wishart

    Position:

    Organisation:

    State:
    NSW

    Hi Terry

    I have always recommended that clinical waste bins used in patient accommodation areas (except ICU) have lids, but I can’t actually recall any guidance to say this is mandated.

    There are two reasons for this recommendation: one is to try and minimise non-clinical waste going into the bin (hopefully having to open the lid will make them think [well, you can try!]); the second one is to try and keep patients out of rummaging through clinical waste.

    But in procedural areas, where there no major risk of patients trawling through clinical waste, we recommend that lids are left off. There is more risk of splashes and exposures if staff have to navigate lids in these areas, in my view. This includes ICU, where we have a clinical waste bin at the head of each bed.

    As far as general waste is concerned, I can think of no reason that bins must have lids. Obviously it looks nice, and hands-free is super-cool, but that’s about it.

    It would be interesting to challenge the auditor and see if they can produce evidence for their recommendation.

    This may also be something that is mandated in a particular state, but I can’t recall having seen anything specific to this.

    Cheers
    Michael

    Michael Wishart
    Infection Control Coordinator

    A 627 Rode Road, Chermside QLD 4032
    P (07) 3326 3068 | F (07) 3607 2226 | E michael.wishart@svha.org.au | W http://www.hsnph.org.au
    [cid:image001.png@01D01926.61F1C2B0]
    P Please consider the environment before printing this email

    Hi Everyone,

    I have a client that has been told by an accreditor that they MUST have waste bins with lids.

    I have been scouring the NHMRC Guidelines, AS3816 and other state based guidelines available in the public domain, however I am yet to come across a statement where it mandates that waste bins must have lids.

    I can appreciate in ward area it is aesthetically pleasing to have lidded bins, with hands free operation of course.

    However in the Operating Suite, Recovery Room and also in dental procedure rooms, it makes no sense to me at all to have lids on the waste bins. In fact it adds to the complication of safe patient care and waste disposal.

    Can anybody point me in the direction of a published Standard or Guideline that mandates that lids must be on waste bins in Health Services Organisations?

    Thanks in anticipation.

    Kind Regards
    Terry McAuley
    Sterilisation & Infection Prevention and Control Consultant
    STEAM Consulting Pty Ltd ACN 604 439 698
    E: terry@steamconsulting.com.au
    W: http://www.steamconsulting.com.au
    A: PO BOX 779
    Endeavour Hills
    VIC Australia 3802

    CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION: The information contained in this message may contain confidential information intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or duplication of this transmission is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us by telephone or email immediately and return the original message to us or destroy all printed and electronic copies. Nothing in this transmission constitutes an agreement of any kind unless otherwise expressly indicated.

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    #73983
    Terry Grimmond
    Participant

    Author:
    Terry Grimmond

    Position:
    Director

    Organisation:
    Grimmond and Associates, Microbiology Consultants

    State:
    Waikato

    Hi Terry Mc and others,

    Not sure about having to have a lid but there is NO scientific evidence
    the lid *must* be closed. I suspect it is the accrediting agency that is
    over-zealous.

    – In terms of sharps bins in OR there have been two cases reported in
    the worlds literature where staff have stumbled and placed hand in open
    bin but there are numerous others where staff have been injured opening
    lid with sharps in hand.
    – In terms of CW bins, there is no evidence that an open top bin causes
    increased risk to staff or patients. With 15-20 air changes per hour, any
    wafted pathogens are likely to be entrained and removed before they get
    to patient or sterile field.
    – It stands to reason if you *move* a bin, you close it first (OSHA law
    in USA) but best if bins open during a procedure (or foot operated).
    Organisms do not waft out when open-top bin is unused only when waste is
    being inserted (piston effect).
    – We know that the staff and patient are a far greater source of
    organisms than a CW bin.

    I would ask accrediting agency to produce the reasoning/evidence and then
    we should communicate with their source and discuss.

    Hope this helps, Best regards, TerryG.

    Terry Grimmond FASM, BAgrSc, GrDpAdEd

    Consultant Microbiologist

    Grimmond and Associates

    Ph (NZ): +64 7 855 3212

    Mob (NZ): +64 274 365 140

    E: terry@terrygrimmond.com

    [image: Twitter_logo_blue]: @terrygrimmond

    W: http://terrygrimmond.com

    “This email (including any attachments) is intended only for the use of
    the individual or entity named above and may contain information that is
    confidential and privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, you are
    reminded that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this email or
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    *From:* ACIPC Infexion Connexion [mailto:AICALIST@AICALIST.ORG.AU] *On
    Behalf Of *Terry McAuley
    *Sent:* Friday, August 18, 2017 4:36 PM
    *To:* AICALIST@AICALIST.ORG.AU
    *Subject:* Do waste bins need to have lids?

    Hi Everyone,

    I have a client that has been told by an accreditor that they MUST have
    waste bins with lids.

    I have been scouring the NHMRC Guidelines, AS3816 and other state based
    guidelines available in the public domain, however I am yet to come across
    a statement where it mandates that waste bins must have lids.

    I can appreciate in ward area it is aesthetically pleasing to have lidded
    bins, with hands free operation of course.

    However in the Operating Suite, Recovery Room and also in dental procedure
    rooms, it makes no sense to me at all to have lids on the waste bins. In
    fact it adds to the complication of safe patient care and waste disposal.

    Can anybody point me in the direction of a published Standard or Guideline
    that mandates that lids must be on waste bins in Health Services
    Organisations?

    Thanks in anticipation.

    *Kind Regards*

    *Terry McAuley*

    *Sterilisation & Infection Prevention and Control Consultant*

    *STEAM Consulting Pty Ltd *ACN 604 439 698

    *Mob: +61 (0)438 109 692*

    *E: terry@steamconsulting.com.au *

    *W: http://www.steamconsulting.com.au *

    *A: PO BOX 779*

    * Endeavour Hills *

    * VIC Australia 3802*

    *CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION:* The information contained in this message may
    contain confidential information intended only for the use of the
    individual or entity named above. If the reader of this message is not the
    intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination,
    distribution or duplication of this transmission is strictly prohibited. If
    you have received this communication in error, please notify us by
    telephone or email immediately and return the original message to us or
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    MESSAGES POSTED TO THIS LIST ARE SOLELY THE OPINION OF THE AUTHOR, AND DO
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    #73984
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Author:
    Anonymous

    Position:

    Organisation:

    State:

    Morning

    I have checked this before my previous conversations with the waste manager identified that – public thoroughfares open ward environments the bins need to meet the Australian standards and be leak proof and Vermin proof.

    The other benefits of having lids is

    1. Assist in segregation of rubbish it is easy to see what type of bin it is and you have to think about what you put in because you activate a pedal.

    2. It SHOULD stop people from retrieving items that they have accidently placed in a bin.

    My waste manager identified that you can go for the option without a lid

    in closed practice environments (ICU, Theatres etc),

    In other open practice environments (wards etc) this may also be an option, but you should have more frequent waste audits to ensure that segregation practices are remain compliant and associated waste costs dont sky rocket.

    It may also be dependent on state environmental and local waste regulations as well. I hope this helps

    Thanks

    Mandy Davidson
    RN DipPHTM MPHTM JCU
    Cert III Sterilisation services; Cert IV TAE; Immunisation credentialed
    CNC Infection Prevention & Control
    Townsville Hospital & Health Service
    Pathology Building
    IMB 38
    P: 4433 3567
    Mob: *5535
    Mandy.Davidson@health.qld.gov.au
    [cid:image001.png@01D31A56.88C926B0]

    From: ACIPC Infexion Connexion [mailto:AICALIST@AICALIST.ORG.AU] On Behalf Of Terry Grimmond
    Sent: Monday, 21 August 2017 7:15 AM
    To: AICALIST@AICALIST.ORG.AU
    Subject: Re: Do waste bins need to have lids?

    Hi Terry Mc and others,

    Not sure about having to have a lid but there is NO scientific evidence the lid must be closed. I suspect it is the accrediting agency that is over-zealous.

    * In terms of sharps bins in OR there have been two cases reported in the worlds literature where staff have stumbled and placed hand in open bin but there are numerous others where staff have been injured opening lid with sharps in hand.
    * In terms of CW bins, there is no evidence that an open top bin causes increased risk to staff or patients. With 15-20 air changes per hour, any wafted pathogens are likely to be entrained and removed before they get to patient or sterile field.
    * It stands to reason if you move a bin, you close it first (OSHA law in USA) but best if bins open during a procedure (or foot operated). Organisms do not waft out when open-top bin is unused only when waste is being inserted (piston effect).
    * We know that the staff and patient are a far greater source of organisms than a CW bin.

    I would ask accrediting agency to produce the reasoning/evidence and then we should communicate with their source and discuss.

    Hope this helps, Best regards, TerryG.

    Terry Grimmond FASM, BAgrSc, GrDpAdEd
    Consultant Microbiologist
    Grimmond and Associates
    [cid:image001.jpg@01D31A5D.EF1E56E0]

    Ph (NZ): +64 7 855 3212
    Mob (NZ): +64 274 365 140
    E: terry@terrygrimmond.com
    [cid:image002.png@01D31A5D.EF1E56E0]: @terrygrimmond
    W: http://terrygrimmond.com

    [cid:image003.gif@01D31A5D.EF1E56E0]
    “This email (including any attachments) is intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above and may contain information that is confidential and privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, you are reminded that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this email or attachments is prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please notify me immediately by return email or telephone and destroy the original message. Thank you.”

    From: ACIPC Infexion Connexion [mailto:AICALIST@AICALIST.ORG.AU] On Behalf Of Terry McAuley
    Sent: Friday, August 18, 2017 4:36 PM
    To: AICALIST@AICALIST.ORG.AU
    Subject: Do waste bins need to have lids?

    Hi Everyone,

    I have a client that has been told by an accreditor that they MUST have waste bins with lids.

    I have been scouring the NHMRC Guidelines, AS3816 and other state based guidelines available in the public domain, however I am yet to come across a statement where it mandates that waste bins must have lids.

    I can appreciate in ward area it is aesthetically pleasing to have lidded bins, with hands free operation of course.

    However in the Operating Suite, Recovery Room and also in dental procedure rooms, it makes no sense to me at all to have lids on the waste bins. In fact it adds to the complication of safe patient care and waste disposal.

    Can anybody point me in the direction of a published Standard or Guideline that mandates that lids must be on waste bins in Health Services Organisations?

    Thanks in anticipation.

    Kind Regards
    Terry McAuley
    Sterilisation & Infection Prevention and Control Consultant
    STEAM Consulting Pty Ltd ACN 604 439 698
    Mob: +61 (0)438 109 692
    E: terry@steamconsulting.com.au
    W: http://www.steamconsulting.com.au
    A: PO BOX 779
    Endeavour Hills
    VIC Australia 3802

    CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION: The information contained in this message may contain confidential information intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or duplication of this transmission is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us by telephone or email immediately and return the original message to us or destroy all printed and electronic copies. Nothing in this transmission constitutes an agreement of any kind unless otherwise expressly indicated.

    MESSAGES POSTED TO THIS LIST ARE SOLELY THE OPINION OF THE AUTHOR, AND DO NOT REPRESENT THE OPINION OF ACIPC.

    The use of trade/product/commercial brand names through the list is discouraged by ACIPC. If you wish to discuss specific reference to products or services by brand or commercial names, please do this outside the list.

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    #73988
    Glenys Harrington
    Participant

    Author:
    Glenys Harrington

    Position:
    Consultant

    Organisation:
    Infection Control Consultancy (ICC)

    State:

    Hi Terry,

    The following information from the Industry Code of Practice for the Management of Biohazardous Waste (including clinical & related wastes) 7th E D I T I O N, 2014 may be of interest/use:

    Glossary of terms and definitions

    Container – This refers to any rigid walled receptacle designed for biohazardous waste (or other wastes) to be deposited into it

    4. Management responsibilities

    4.4 waste handling techniques

    o 4.4.3 All biohazardous waste containers removed from any premises for treatment and/or disposal of the contents shall have the lids of the containers secured prior to transport.

    6. Waste containment

    6.1 containers and packaging

    o 6.1.1. The correct packaging of wastes is the responsibility of the generator. The waste transporter, however, should advise the generator of any problems associated with the packaging of waste.

    o 6.1.2. All outer containers used for biohazardous waste shall be of a rigid design with a lid that is able to be secured and prevent spillage of the contents during transport under normal operating conditions. This container should be designed to be easily handled or moved, and be easily identifiable by its colour, with the correct labelling and symbols for the waste type contained within.

    o 6.1.3. All generator facilities shall, as a minimum:

    (a) Use containers which meet the requirements as specified by Australian/New Zealand Standards and/or Australian/New Zealand Dangerous Goods Code and/or any regulatory authority (where applicable), for each type of biohazardous waste that they

    generate;

    The following information will be relevant to open containers in clinical areas (i.e. ICU):

    4. Management responsibilities

    4.4.2. For safety and risk minimisation purposes, waste transport/treatment/disposal companies shall:

    o Reduce human contact with biohazardous waste (e.g. by using non-manual handling techniques and not decanting uncontained waste into larger containers);

    Regards

    Glenys

    Glenys Harrington

    Infection Control Consultancy (ICC)

    P.O. Box 6385

    Melbourne

    Australia, 3004

    M: +61 404816434

    E: infexion@ozemail.com.au

    Dear All,

    I came across this ‘rule’ while working in the NHS in England some years ago, no evidence at all and disruptive to the flow in the operating and recovery rooms, but they were non-negotiable on this.

    Kind regards

    Jackie

    Jackie Miley

    RN MSc PGCert Public Health, Cert Infection Control

    PRACTICE MANAGER ERIN STREET ORTHOPAEDICS

    NURSE CONSULTANT

    On 21 August 2017 at 08:21, Mandy DAVIDSON wrote:

    Morning

    I have checked this before my previous conversations with the waste manager identified that – public thoroughfares open ward environments the bins need to meet the Australian standards and be leak proof and Vermin proof.

    The other benefits of having lids is

    1. Assist in segregation of rubbish it is easy to see what type of bin it is and you have to think about what you put in because you activate a pedal.

    2. It SHOULD stop people from retrieving items that they have accidently placed in a bin.

    My waste manager identified that you can go for the option without a lid

    in closed practice environments (ICU, Theatres etc),

    In other open practice environments (wards etc) this may also be an option, but you should have more frequent waste audits to ensure that segregation practices are remain compliant and associated waste costs dont sky rocket.

    It may also be dependent on state environmental and local waste regulations as well. I hope this helps

    Thanks

    Mandy Davidson

    RN DipPHTM MPHTM JCU

    Cert III Sterilisation services; Cert IV TAE; Immunisation credentialed

    CNC Infection Prevention & Control

    Townsville Hospital & Health Service

    Pathology Building

    IMB 38

    P: 4433 3567

    Mandy.Davidson@health.qld.gov.au

    Hi Terry Mc and others,

    Not sure about having to have a lid but there is NO scientific evidence the lid must be closed. I suspect it is the accrediting agency that is over-zealous.

    *In terms of sharps bins in OR there have been two cases reported in the worlds literature where staff have stumbled and placed hand in open bin but there are numerous others where staff have been injured opening lid with sharps in hand.
    *In terms of CW bins, there is no evidence that an open top bin causes increased risk to staff or patients. With 15-20 air changes per hour, any wafted pathogens are likely to be entrained and removed before they get to patient or sterile field.
    *It stands to reason if you move a bin, you close it first (OSHA law in USA) but best if bins open during a procedure (or foot operated). Organisms do not waft out when open-top bin is unused only when waste is being inserted (piston effect).
    *We know that the staff and patient are a far greater source of organisms than a CW bin.

    I would ask accrediting agency to produce the reasoning/evidence and then we should communicate with their source and discuss.

    Hope this helps, Best regards, TerryG.

    Terry Grimmond FASM, BAgrSc, GrDpAdEd

    Consultant Microbiologist

    Grimmond and Associates

    Ph (NZ): +64 7 855 3212

    Mob (NZ): +64 274 365 140

    E: terry@terrygrimmond.com

    : @terrygrimmond

    W: http://terrygrimmond.com

    “This email (including any attachments) is intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above and may contain information that is confidential and privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, you are reminded that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this email or attachments is prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please notify me immediately by return email or telephone and destroy the original message. Thank you.”

    Hi Everyone,

    I have a client that has been told by an accreditor that they MUST have waste bins with lids.

    I have been scouring the NHMRC Guidelines, AS3816 and other state based guidelines available in the public domain, however I am yet to come across a statement where it mandates that waste bins must have lids.

    I can appreciate in ward area it is aesthetically pleasing to have lidded bins, with hands free operation of course.

    However in the Operating Suite, Recovery Room and also in dental procedure rooms, it makes no sense to me at all to have lids on the waste bins. In fact it adds to the complication of safe patient care and waste disposal.

    Can anybody point me in the direction of a published Standard or Guideline that mandates that lids must be on waste bins in Health Services Organisations?

    Thanks in anticipation.

    Kind Regards

    Terry McAuley

    Sterilisation & Infection Prevention and Control Consultant

    STEAM Consulting Pty Ltd ACN 604 439 698

    E: terry@steamconsulting.com.au

    W: http://www.steamconsulting.com.au

    A: PO BOX 779

    Endeavour Hills

    VIC Australia 3802

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    Jackie Miley

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