Course in Medical Waste and Hazardous Materials and Health Protection Methods

With the continuous expansion of healthcare services and the growing number of hospitals and medical facilities, the issue of managing medical waste and hazardous materials has become one of the most pressing challenges for both health institutions and environmental authorities. Improper handling of these types of waste does not only endanger the health and safety of medical staff within facilities, but also has far-reaching consequences on communities and the environment, affecting air, water, and soil quality. For this reason, Geneva Institute of Business Administration presents this specialized training program under the title “Medical Waste and Hazardous Materials and Health Protection Methods”, designed to provide participants with comprehensive knowledge and practical insights into understanding the nature of such waste, identifying associated risks, and applying effective strategies for safe management. The program also emphasizes preventive health measures and compliance with international standards to ensure sustainable environmental and occupational safety practices.

Target Audience

• Healthcare professionals working in hospitals and medical centers who are directly involved in handling medical waste and require enhanced knowledge and skills in classification, storage, and treatment.

• Occupational health and safety officers in medical and industrial institutions who are responsible for designing and implementing waste management and risk prevention policies.

• Municipal employees and government authorities tasked with waste management, monitoring, and environmental protection who need updated knowledge of modern handling methods.

• Environmental engineers and public health specialists seeking to broaden their understanding of medical waste challenges and safe, effective approaches for treatment and disposal.

• Administrative and managerial staff in charge of establishing long-term institutional strategies and policies aimed at reducing health and environmental risks related to hazardous waste.

Objectives

• Equip participants with in-depth knowledge of the nature, sources, and characteristics of medical waste and hazardous materials generated in healthcare institutions.

• Enable participants to recognize the various categories of medical waste, their hazardous properties, and their potential risks to human health and the environment.

• Provide participants with advanced understanding of effective methods and technologies for collection, storage, treatment, and final disposal of medical waste.

• Raise awareness about the critical importance of personal protective measures and strict adherence to safety protocols when dealing with hazardous materials.

• Strengthen institutional capacity to develop and implement sustainable waste management strategies that minimize environmental impact and protect public health.

Course Outline 

• Concept of Medical Waste and Hazardous Materials

  • Definition of medical waste and its sources of generation.

  • Differences between medical, hazardous, and general waste.

  • Health and environmental consequences of medical waste.

  • International standards for medical waste management.

• Classification of Medical Waste and Hazardous Materials

  • Infectious waste and its main categories.

  • Chemical and pharmaceutical waste.

  • Radioactive waste and identification methods.

  • Sharp waste (needles, surgical instruments) and associated risks.

• Collection and Segregation of Medical Waste

  • Fundamental principles of waste segregation at the source.

  • Color-coded container systems and their significance.

  • Requirements for waste bags and specialized containers.

  • Common errors in medical waste collection.

• Internal Transportation of Medical Waste

  • Procedures for moving waste between hospital departments.

  • Safety requirements for internal waste transport.

  • Equipment and carts designed for safe transport.

  • Staff responsibilities during the transport process.

• Temporary Storage of Medical Waste

  • Criteria for selecting storage areas within facilities.

  • Time and environmental conditions for temporary storage.

  • Ventilation and isolation requirements in storage areas.

  • Risks of improper storage practices.

• Treatment and Disposal Methods of Medical Waste

  • Thermal treatment techniques (incineration, autoclaving).

  • Chemical treatment and its role in risk reduction.

  • Modern eco-friendly treatment technologies.

  • Standards for final disposal to ensure safety.

• Health Protection for Workers Handling Waste

  • Importance of continuous training for staff.

  • Personal protective equipment (gloves, masks, protective clothing).

  • Personal hygiene practices after handling waste.

  • Recommended vaccinations for staff working in this field.

• Health and Environmental Risks of Medical Waste

  • Bloodborne diseases and injuries caused by sharps.

  • Chemical hazards from toxic substances and pharmaceuticals.

  • Environmental impacts on air, water, and soil.

  • Long-term effects on community and public health.

• Legislation and Policies Governing Medical Waste

  • National laws regulating medical waste management.

  • International agreements and compliance standards.

  • Institutional responsibilities toward community and environment.

  • Role of inspections, monitoring, and regulatory bodies.

• Sustainable Management of Medical Waste

  • Concept of sustainability in medical waste management.

  • Strategies for waste minimization at the source.

  • Opportunities for reuse and recycling in healthcare.

  • Long-term approaches to achieve environmental and health sustainability.