Integrated Maternal and Newborn Care Basic Skills Course ...

Waste Disposal
Proper waste disposal:
• minimizes the spread of infections and reduces the risk of accidental injury to staff who
handle the waste.
• prevents the spread of infection to clients, visitors, and the local community.
• helps provide an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere.
• reduces odors.
• attracts fewer insects and does not attract animals.
• reduces the likelihood of contamination of the soil or ground water with chemicals or
micro-organisms.
There is no risk from uncontaminated waste such as office paper, boxes, packages, plastic
containers, and food-related trash which can be disposed of according to local guidelines.
Materials needed to dispose of waste include:
• Separate waste containers for medical and nonmedical waste
• “Sharps” containers
• An interim storage area
• An incinerator, an on-site burial pit
• Protective gear, including utility gloves
Proper handling of contaminated waste, such as items with blood or body fluid, is required to
minimize the spread of infection to other staff and the community. Proper handling includes:
• Wearing heavy-duty gloves.
• Transporting solid contaminated waste to the disposal site in covered containers
• Disposing of all sharp items in puncture-resistant containers
• Carefully pouring liquid waste down a drain or flushable toilet
• Burning or burying contaminated solid waste
• Washing hands, gloves, and containers after disposal of infectious waste
Housekeeping
Good housekeeping reduces micro-organisms, reduces the risk of accidents, and provides an
appealing work and service-delivery space.
Materials required for good housekeeping include:
• Detergent and water (for cleaning of walls, windows, ceilings, doors, floors, and
equipment such as stethoscopes and weighing scales)
• Disinfectant solution (0.5% chlorine solution for decontamination of soiled area before
cleaning with detergent and water)
• Disinfectant cleaning solution (0.5% chlorine solution with detergent):
o Add detergent until the solution is slightly foamy.
o Use for cleaning contaminated areas (examination and delivery rooms, operation
theaters, floors, sinks, toilets/latrines, waste containers, beds, mattresses, etc.).
Do not mix chlorine solution with cleaning solutions such as ammonia or phosphoric
acid.
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Integrated maternal and newborn care
Basic skills course