1. Manual disposal
Pouring fluid waste down the
hopper is a low-cost solution
if the practice is permitted by
local laws that regulate the
disposal of medical waste in
your community. Exposure
risks with this method are sig-
nificant, however. Fluid can
splash on the hopper, on the
staff member doing the pour-
ing, and on the walls and
floors surrounding the sink.
That's why you must insist
that the staff member who's
doing the pouring always
wears proper protective
equipment: gown, gloves, mask and eyewear.
You also need to be aware of an unseen risk associated with pouring:
It creates a plume of aerosolized fluids that staff (the pourer as well as
those nearby) can inhale and can also coat equipment and other solid
surfaces.
The risks don't end after the contents of the suction canister are
poured and flushed. For example, if you don't tightly cap empty
reusable or disposable canisters, or if the canisters are cracked,
residual fluids can leak out and increase exposure risks for unsus-
pecting reprocessing and environmental services personnel.
M A Y 2 0 1 9 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y. N E T • 4 5
• WEIGHTY PROBLEM Filled containers are heavy and cumbersome,
which increases exposure risks for anyone who handles them.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN,
CNOR
