State of the Art Autoclave Technology

Wherever possible, Daniels Health opt for non-incineration treatment technologies that support sustainability targets.

THE PROCESS OF TREATING BIOMEDICAL WASTE

Trained Waste Processing personnel weigh and barcode scan each and every collector and the applicable data is recorded against the manifest number and permanently saved electronically. The collectors are opened and the bagged waste contents are emptied into a 4’ x 4’ x 4’ lined stainless steel autoclave bin which, when filled, is loaded into the autoclave for high temperature / high pressure steam sterilisation.

At the completion of the (approximate) 45-60minute waste sterilisation cycle, the autoclave bins are extracted from the autoclave and staged for disposal. By this stage the waste contents have been reduced (melted) and comingled with all other waste and represent a volume less than 50% of the original volume. Any waste identification labels have been either completely destroyed by the high temperature and/or illegibly covered with melted plastic liners.

Autoclave bin contents are then mechanically emptied into a waste compactor or walking-floor trailer for final approved landfill disposal. Upon arrival at approved municipal landfill, the landfill operator digs a hole at the working face and the compactor contents are emptied into the hole. The landfill operator then covers the treated biomedical waste with a minimum of 12 inches of ground cover or other waste, which is then compacted and continuously covered with more waste, until that area of the landfill is considered filled to capacity.

Upon completion of this comprehensive sterilisation process, final sign off is applied to the manifest certifying complete destruction of all biomedical and pharmaceutical waste.