National Norms and Standards relating to Environmental Health

• The name of the health care facility, ward, date of containerization and the service provider alsoappear on each HCRW container.2.12 PACKAGING OF WASTE2.12.1 Packaging of infectious waste pathological waste (excluding sharps)a) The environmental health HCRW audit of a facility should also include the inspection of packaging ofinfectious waste. An EHP should monitor that:• The packaging for infectious waste is made from an impermeable and leak proof material;• Packaging for infectious waste is filled up to three quarters capacity of the container and is securelyclosed;• Plastic bags are closed by means of non PVC plastics ties, non PVC plastic sealing tags of the selflocking type or heat sealers that are purposely made for health care risk waste. The use of staplerson plastic bags is not be allowed;• A pathological waste container lids have an airtight seal to prevent the emission of any odours; and• The package is properly labeled as per table 1 above.2.12.2 Packaging for sharpsSharps refer to waste having acute rigid corners or edges capable of causing cuts and wounds andincludes but not limited to items such as needles, syringes, blades or clinical glass, hypodermic needles,scalpels.a) An EHP should monitor that:• All sharps containers utilized are manufactured according to SANS 452 and are made of rigid,puncture proof, tamper proof, and leak proof material;• All sharps containers have a tight fitting lid that cannot be opened easily; are tightly closed with a nonreversible sealing designed lid when full so as to prevent accidental spillage and forceful opening;and are available in each department or unit and be appropriate for the type of work e.g. large sharpscontainer where trocars are used.2.12.3 Packaging for chemical wastea) An EHP should monitor that:• Chemical waste is sorted as per the specifications of the (Annexure D- SANS 10248-1:2008extract);• Hazardous chemical waste of different classes is not mixed with other waste;• Alternatively, chemical waste may be placed in original containers that contained same type ofchemical, provided that the original label is removed or clearly defaced;• All chemical waste have a material safety data sheet; and• Have an international hazard label and the colour coding as per table 1 above.2.12.4 Packaging for other waste in a health facilitya) An EHP should also monitor to ensure that:• Waste aerosol dispensers are stored in black plastic bags and marked “Waste aerosol dispensers”, todistinguish from general waste;• Empty gas cylinders are not incinerated but are shall to the supplier for reuse, where appropriate;• Chlorinated and non chlorinated solvents are segregated and stored in separated waste containers;• Waste flammable liquid can be stored in a metal or high density plastic container or drum that can besealed with a screw cap lid;• Alternatively, flammable liquids may be stored in original that contained same flammable liquid,provided that the original label is removed or clearly defaced; and the international hazard label andthe colour coding is done be as per table 1 above;• Waste oxidizing substances and organic peroxides are segregated as per (Annexure D- SANS10248-1:2008–extract).DOH. Norms and standards for environmental health in South Africa Feb 2013 128