Medical, Laboratory and Specialized Bio-hazardous waste

Infectious or potentially infectious biological waste is created in vast amounts and the safe disposal thereof is extremely problematic. Considering that 10% of solid waste generated by hospitals is infectious waste, which equates to roughly 0.6 kg per patient.

Incineration and autoclaving are traditional methods used. These methods are costly and not always available. Further problems relate to the collection, transport and storage of the waste. By having smaller, cost effective disposal units at strategic locations available just make more sense because the potential infectious agents are destroyed at source. Even low-level radiation waste can be safely dealt with.

With this in mind we at Convertech can design and supply cost effective units to handle small loads or even extremely large loads. Depending on the requirements, low or high-pressure units can be installed.

3 visitor(s) commented on this article

Concerned From Nelspruit
Tuesday November 17, 2009 at 8:32:06 PM

I just read a shocking article in the Beeld newspaper (17 November 2009 - page 6) that refers to a medical practitioner in Nelspruit that was caught burning medical waste in the middle of town behind a clinic! The article further mentions that the health department of the Ehlanzeni district municipality stated that all medical waste of this nature should be taken to a facility where the waste can be incinerated. Does Nelspruit even have such a facility?

The doctor in question used the excuse that she was only a "junior doctor" and didn't know what to do with the waste! How can you not know what to do with hazardous waste like this before you start generating it?

I find this to be a lame and unacceptable excuse for an action that is deplorable and indefensible. As far as I am concerned, the whole incident is a blatant display of a "couldn't care less" attitude!

Piet Kruger (Convertech)
Wednesday November 18, 2009 at 10:36:19 AM

Dear "Concerned",
Thank you for your comment. I am sure that a number of people will agree with your sentiments regarding that article. As far as your question go:

"Does Nelspruit even have such a facility?"
No, Nelspruit does not have an incineration facility which could legally deal with medical waste from external sources such as this. I believe that an application has been made some time ago by a private company to establish such a facility in the Rocky's Drift area, but when and if that will happen I don't know.

Most clinics utilize medical waste contractors that remove the medical waste from the premises and transport it to Johannesburg where it is disposed of through incineration at a properly permitted facility. This is an expensive proposition, but regrettably the only option available to clinics that do not wish to handle their own medical waste.

Heidi
Monday November 23, 2009 at 11:37:54 AM

I totally agree with Concerned. This doctor should have known better!

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Tuesday March 09, 2010

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