Aesthetics waste includes medical equipment and materials used in cosmetic and beauty treatments, and most are a form of clinical waste. Aesthetics waste streams should be disposed of in colour-coded containers, based on the type and risks that they...
Medical waste disposal is critical in healthcare settings, as improper handling can lead to severe and wide-ranging consequences. It’s essential for professionals to not only recognise what constitutes medical waste but also to appreciate the implications of failing to...
The smell of a dental practice heavily impacts the way people think, feel and act, even without us knowing. Fear of the treatment or equipment being used may be a recognisable cause of anxiety to patients, but smells encountered...
The black and yellow offensive waste stream, also known as the tiger stripe, is for non-hazardous and non-infectious waste that may still be unpleasant to deal with because of its odour or appearance. Examples of this type of waste...
Orange is one of the most energetic, attention-grabbing and positive colours, and can impact our feelings. It is, most often, bright but in healthcare it often appears in décor and architecture as peach, a muted option in the orange...
Wheelie bins are an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, with waste products waiting to be collected for recycling, landfill, or incineration. Initial Medical investigated just how great the microbial contamination of wheelie bins is by using ATP swabs, and...
The colour yellow is seen all around us in everyday life, from bumblebees to daffodils to lemons – and it tends to stand out. The bright, energetic colour can elicit a number of responses depending on the context around...
Sharps create many chances for injury and infection in healthcare. These are especially prevalent once a sharp has been used, and needs to be disposed of. Understanding which items should be designated for sharps disposal and how to do...
Various healthcare waste items require different treatments to ensure the safety of clinicians, patients, and the wider environment around us. This ranges from recycling or treatment to incineration or landfill. The journey starts with the clinician, who must appropriately...
Blue can be seen everywhere in healthcare – it’s instantly synonymous with it for so many people. In the United Kingdom, the NHS itself is intrinsically linked with the colours blue and white. As a colour scheme, 87% of...