As a business owner, you might understand the importance of maintaining a sanitary and hygienic washroom environment for your employees. However, are you fully aware of the depth of your obligations? Beyond providing soap and hand dryers, there are strict legal requirements for the disposal of sanitary waste.
Feminine hygiene units (FHUs) in each cubicle are crucial not only for ensuring a dignified experience for female employees but also for segregating this waste from general waste streams. Sanitary waste, classified as Healthcare Risk Waste (HCRW), may contain bodily fluids and pathogens such as HIV and Hepatitis B, posing significant health and environmental risks if not properly managed from collection through treatment and finally safe disposal. This also includes nappies.
In South Africa, sanitary waste disposal is regulated by:
· The Occupational Health and Safety Act, 85 of 1993
· The National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 59 of 2008
· The National Regulations on Healthcare Risk Waste (NEMWA Act, 59 of 2008)
Regulations require that generators of commercial or industrial volumes of sanitary waste:
· Provide designated areas for segregating healthcare risk waste from other
waste streams at the point of generation.
· Maintain records or agreements demonstrating the safe management of
healthcare risk waste through licensed waste contractors.
Licensed waste disposal contractors must ensure that sanitary waste is autoclaved, shredded, or pre-treated before disposal at a hazardous landfill site.
Failing to comply can result in severe consequences, as both the waste service provider and the generator (you) could be held liable for improper management.
Jumper Waste is fully licensed to handle, transport, and dispose of sanitary waste. We have a range of sanitary bins available in all colours and sizes. For more information, contact us at info@jumperwaste.co.za
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