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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Safe Handling and Disposal of Clinical Waste Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this Safe Handling and Disposal of Clinical Waste Policy is to provide a clear, legally compliant framework for the safe, effective, and responsible management of clinical waste generated by temporary workers employed by {{org_field_name}} when delivering services in care homes, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings. The improper handling or disposal of clinical waste can present serious risks to service users, staff, the wider community, and the environment. {{org_field_name}} is committed to ensuring that all temporary workers understand and apply best practice when managing clinical waste, ensuring full compliance with The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, The Environmental Protection Act 1990, The Controlled Waste Regulations 2012, The Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2005, and the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. This policy sets out the responsibilities of temporary workers, the director, and {{org_field_name}} in ensuring clinical waste is handled safely, minimising risks of infection, injury, and environmental harm. It also explains how directors will manage this policy efficiently in the absence of a registered manager.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All temporary workers employed by {{org_field_name}}, including registered nurses, healthcare assistants, and support staff under zero-hours or casual contracts
• All office staff who are involved in compliance, placement coordination, or monitoring of temporary workers
• All care settings where {{org_field_name}} provides services, including care homes, nursing homes, and healthcare facilities where clinical waste may be generated as part of personal care, nursing care, or medical procedures
• All waste generated by temporary workers during the course of their duties including clinical, offensive, and domestic waste where relevant

Temporary workers are required to follow this policy in conjunction with the waste disposal procedures of the client organisation where they are assigned.

3. Related Policies

• Infection Prevention and Control Policy
• Health and Safety Policy
• Incident Reporting and Management Policy
• Safeguarding Adults and Children Policy
• Code of Conduct for Temporary Workers
• Environmental Sustainability Policy

4. Definition of Clinical Waste

Clinical waste refers to waste arising from healthcare activities that may pose a risk of infection, injury, or harm to health or the environment. Clinical waste includes:

• Items contaminated with blood, bodily fluids, or excretions (e.g., dressings, swabs, gloves, aprons)
• Sharps (e.g., needles, syringes, lancets)
• Human tissue
• Pharmaceutical waste (e.g., expired or partially used medications)
• Incontinence pads and sanitary waste where they are classified as infectious
• Any material which has been in contact with infectious or potentially infectious clients

Non-clinical waste, such as food waste, paper, or uncontaminated materials, should be disposed of via domestic waste streams.

5. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy is underpinned by:

• The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014
• The Environmental Protection Act 1990
• The Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2005
• The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002
• The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
• Department of Health Guidance on the Safe Management of Healthcare Waste (HTM 07-01)
• CQC Fundamental Standards regarding safe and effective care

6. Principles of Safe Handling and Disposal of Clinical Waste

Temporary workers must:

• Protect the health and safety of themselves, clients, colleagues, and the public when handling waste
• Comply fully with this policy and the waste management procedures of the client organisation
• Safeguard the environment by preventing contamination and using correct waste streams
• Minimise the volume of clinical waste generated where safe and appropriate
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriately when handling waste
• Maintain the dignity and privacy of clients when handling waste related to personal care

7. Temporary Workers’ Responsibilities

All temporary workers must:

• Be familiar with the client organisation’s waste disposal procedures on each assignment
• Segregate waste correctly at the point of generation
• Place clinical waste directly into appropriate colour-coded bags or containers immediately after use
• Use appropriate PPE (gloves, aprons) when handling any clinical waste
• Ensure sharps are placed immediately and safely into sharps containers that meet British Standard requirements (BS7320)
• Never recap needles or attempt to bend, snap, or manipulate sharps
• Store waste securely in designated collection areas, preventing unauthorised access
• Report any incidents of accidental exposure, spillage, or incorrect disposal to the client’s responsible person and {{org_field_name}}
• Record incidents and actions taken in accordance with the Incident Reporting and Management Policy

8. Waste Segregation

Temporary workers must follow the colour-coding system for clinical waste in England, including:

• Orange bags: Infectious waste suitable for treatment (e.g., contaminated PPE, dressings)
• Yellow bags: Highly infectious waste or waste requiring incineration
• Purple bags: Cytotoxic and cytostatic waste
• Blue containers: Pharmaceutical waste (including out-of-date or partially used medication)
• Sharps bins (yellow lids): Used for sharps contaminated with medicinal products
• Sharps bins (purple lids): Used for sharps contaminated with cytotoxic or cytostatic medicines

Temporary workers must never place clinical waste in domestic (black bag) waste streams.

9. Handling Sharps Safely

Temporary workers must:

• Only use sharps where trained and authorised to do so
• Dispose of sharps immediately after use into the correct sharps container
• Never leave used sharps unattended or unsecured
• Place sharps bins at the point of use, close to the area of treatment
• Not overfill sharps bins; they must be sealed when they reach the designated fill line
• Report all sharps injuries immediately as per incident and infection control procedures

10. Infection Prevention and Control

Temporary workers must:

• Always wash hands before and after handling waste
• Wear appropriate PPE when handling waste, including gloves and aprons
• Remove and dispose of PPE appropriately following waste handling tasks
• Decontaminate equipment (e.g., commodes) after use and before re-use
• Report any potential infection risks or outbreaks to the client organisation and {{org_field_name}} immediately

11. Record Keeping

Temporary workers must:

• Accurately document any incidents involving clinical waste, including spillages, injuries, or unsafe practices
• Record waste disposal activities where the client organisation requires (e.g., sharps bin usage logs)
• Cooperate fully with any audits or investigations carried out by the client or {{org_field_name}}

{{org_field_name}} will:

• Maintain records of incident reports, complaints, and concerns relating to clinical waste
• Ensure records are treated confidentially and retained in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR

12. Training and Competency

{{org_field_name}} will:

• Ensure all temporary workers receive training on safe handling and disposal of clinical waste as part of mandatory induction training
• Provide refresher training where appropriate, including in response to changes in legislation, guidance, or following incidents
• Assess workers’ understanding of clinical waste procedures during supervision and appraisal processes

Temporary workers must:

• Complete the required training before accepting assignments where they will be responsible for handling clinical waste
• Request clarification or further training if unsure of correct procedures

13. Safeguarding Considerations

Poor management of clinical waste may constitute neglect under safeguarding legislation. Temporary workers must:

• Report any unsafe practices related to waste handling to both {{org_field_name}} and the client
• Report concerns where poor waste management may put clients or others at risk of infection or harm
• Be aware that inappropriate disposal of clinical waste can result in regulatory action against both {{org_field_name}} and client organisations

14. Director’s Responsibilities

In the absence of a registered manager, the director of {{org_field_name}} is responsible for:

• Ensuring the implementation, review, and continuous monitoring of this policy
• Ensuring all temporary workers receive training and supervision regarding clinical waste procedures
• Investigating all incidents involving clinical waste and taking corrective action where needed
• Liaising with client organisations, regulators, and waste contractors to promote safe practices
• Including clinical waste management in the agency’s wider quality assurance processes
• Reviewing lessons learned from incidents and updating training and policy as appropriate

15. Working with Client Organisations

{{org_field_name}} will:

• Collaborate with client organisations to ensure temporary workers are inducted into the client’s specific waste procedures upon placement
• Ensure workers comply with both this policy and the client’s policies
• Support clients in addressing concerns or incidents relating to waste management
• Assist in safeguarding investigations where poor clinical waste management is a factor

16. Continuous Improvement

The director will:

• Review this policy annually or sooner if changes in law, best practice, or operational needs arise
• Monitor incident data to identify patterns or areas of concern
• Adjust training content and frequency based on incident reviews and feedback
• Ensure that waste management procedures remain current, effective, and proportionate

17. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by the director of {{org_field_name}} or earlier if changes in legislation, regulatory guidance, or operational practice occur. Any updates will be communicated promptly to all staff and client organisations.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.