Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Biomedical waste (BMW) management is a critical aspect of healthcare systems globally, aiming to prevent infections and environmental contamination. The Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016, categorize healthcare waste into four categories based on color coding – yellow, red, white (puncturable & non-puncturable), and blue. The ‘yellow’ category represents a significant portion of infectious waste generated in healthcare facilities and requires stringent handling and disposal protocols. Improper management of this category poses a substantial risk to public health and the environment, necessitating a thorough understanding of its characteristics, containment, and treatment.
The ‘Yellow’ Category of Biomedical Waste
The ‘yellow’ category encompasses human anatomical waste, animal anatomical waste, soiled waste, and discarded microbiological & biotechnological waste. This category is characterized by its potential to cause infection and requires careful handling to prevent the spread of pathogens.
Types of Waste Included
- Human Anatomical Waste: Tissues, organs, body parts removed during surgery, autopsy, or other medical procedures. This includes recognizable body parts.
- Animal Anatomical Waste: Animal carcasses, body parts, and waste generated during veterinary practices or biomedical research.
- Soiled Waste: Items contaminated with body fluids like blood, pus, secretions, or excreta. This includes dressings, cotton swabs, bandages, gloves, masks, and bed linen.
- Discarded Microbiological & Biotechnological Waste: Waste cultures, stocks, specimens, and other materials used in microbiological, biotechnological, and pathological laboratories. This includes petri dishes, culture tubes, and discarded vaccines.
Types of Bags/Containers to be Used
The Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016, mandate specific types of bags and containers for the collection of yellow category waste:
- Biohazard Plastic Bags: Yellow colored, autoclavable bags conforming to IS 17828 standards. These bags should have a universal biohazard symbol printed on them.
- Leak-proof Containers: For liquid waste, leak-proof, wide-mouthed containers with a secure lid and the biohazard symbol are required.
- Secure Labeling: All bags and containers must be clearly labeled with the source of the waste, date of generation, and the biohazard symbol.
Treatment and Disposal Options
The yellow category waste requires effective treatment to render it non-infectious before final disposal. The following methods are commonly employed:
- Incineration: This is the most preferred method for treating yellow category waste, especially anatomical waste and microbiological cultures. Incineration reduces the volume of waste and destroys pathogens. Incinerators must meet emission standards as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) guidelines.
- Autoclaving: This involves sterilizing the waste using high-pressure steam at 121°C for a minimum of 30 minutes. Autoclaving is suitable for soiled waste and laboratory waste.
- Chemical Disinfection: Chemical disinfection using chlorine compounds or other approved disinfectants can be used for liquid waste and certain types of soiled waste.
- Deep Burial: In situations where incineration or autoclaving is not feasible, deep burial (at least 5 meters deep) can be considered, but it is generally discouraged due to environmental concerns.
Following treatment, the residue is disposed of in secured landfills as per municipal solid waste management rules.
| Waste Type | Container/Bag | Treatment Method | Disposal Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human Anatomical Waste | Yellow Biohazard Bag | Incineration | Secured Landfill (ash) |
| Soiled Waste (Dressings, Gloves) | Yellow Biohazard Bag | Autoclaving/Incineration | Secured Landfill |
| Microbiological Cultures | Yellow Biohazard Bag | Incineration/Autoclaving | Secured Landfill |
| Liquid Waste (Blood, Pus) | Leak-proof Container | Chemical Disinfection | Discharge to Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) after disinfection |
Conclusion
Effective management of the ‘yellow’ category of biomedical waste is paramount for safeguarding public health and protecting the environment. Adherence to the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016, including proper segregation, containment, treatment, and disposal, is crucial. Continuous monitoring, training of healthcare personnel, and investment in appropriate technologies are essential to ensure sustainable and safe biomedical waste management practices. Further research into eco-friendly and cost-effective treatment options is also needed to address the growing challenge of biomedical waste generation.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.