BENGALURU: In new guidelines, the Central Pollution Control Board has mandated that a separate colour-coded pedal bin be used and waste such as masks and gloves properly segregated as per Bio Medical Waste Management Rule, 2016 and CPCB (Central Pollution Control Zoard) guidelines in wards where Covid-19 patients are being treated / diagnosed.
As a precautionary measure, double layered bags or two bags should be used to collect Covid-19 waste from wards so as to avoid leaks. In addition, it has been made mandatory to label bags and containers used to collect biomedical waste from Covid-19 wards as ‘Covid-19 Waste’.
Yellow bags should not be used to collect general solid waste and only compostable bags should be used. The guidelines call for maintaining separate records of waste generated from Covid-19 isolation wards and collecting used PPE including goggles, face shield, splash proof apron, plastic overalls, gloves in a red bag, while used masks including triple layer mask, N95 masks, head cover/cap, shoe cover, disposable linen gowns, non-plastic or semiplastic coveralls are to be collected in yellow bags.
Biomedical waste generated from quarantine camps/ quarantine homes/ home care would be treated as ‘domestic hazardous waste’ as defined under Solid Waste Management Rules 2016.
The guidelines also call for training to be provided to waste handlers on infection prevention measures such as hand hygiene, respiratory etiquettes, social distancing and use of appropriate PPE with the help of videos and demonstration in local languages. Designated nodal officers for biomedical waste management in hospitals should provide this training. Nodal officers, in turn, will have to be trained by health departments or professional agencies.
The risk of transmission of virus that causes Covid-19 through sewage systems is thought to be low. Transmission to operators may be possible during treatment of sewage treatment plants but there is no evidence in this regard with the Central Pollution Control Board.
The board recommends that operators of STPs use repellant coveralls, waterproof gloves and rubber boots. During the period of Covid-19 pandemic, utilisation of treated waste water in utilities within healthcare facilities may be avoided.
