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Explain the principles of safe handling of infected or soiled linen and clinical waste

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This page is designed to answer the following questions:

NOTE: This page has been quality assured for 2023 as per our Quality Assurance policy.

Infections can be spread through contact with items that have bodily fluids on them such as clinical waste, soiled linen or used needles.

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To reduce the risk of an infection spreading, it is important that you understand and follow your employer’s agreed ways of working for waste disposal and wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) if required.

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Clinical waste

Clinical waste refers to the waste produced by the provision of healthcare. This can include pads, dressings, gloves etc. It should be kept separate from regular waste, usually by storing it in yellow or orange plastic sacks that are tied at the top. It should also be disposed of using specialist facilities. Some local authorities will dispose of the clinical waste for free or for a fee or, alternatively, private firms may be used.

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Infected or soiled Linen

Soiled linen can include clothes, bedding, towels and other items made from fabrics. PPE such as a disposable apron and gloves must be worn when handling soiled linen and it should be washed separately from other linen. Contaminated linen may be identified during transportation to laundry facilities by using colour-coded bags or sacks. Bedding and towels should be put on a hot wash to decontaminate. Clothes can be washed on a 40° Celsius washing cycle followed by a hot tumble dry or iron.

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Sharps

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Your employer may provide sharps boxes to store sharps waste such as needles or blades. They should not be filled beyond their maximum point and the temporary lid closure should be engaged when not being used. They should be stored in a safe place and out of the way of vulnerable people. The label should clearly state the names and dates of the persons who assembled the empty bin and closed the full bin.

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