Posted By J Knight Eeyup, I know this is and H&S forum, but there isn't anywhere else I know of to pose question on Environmental Law, so please bear with me. We have Homecare workers who assist people with their personal hygiene. The discarded incontinence pads are put into yellow sacks for collection. Now, we don't supply or arrange for transport of the sacks, as this is done by either Social Services or Health. And the waste is from a domestic environment. What is our Duty of Care (if any) and how would we discharge it? Any thoughts greatefull recieved, John

Posted By Charley Farley-Trelawney John If I am right I think you are asking the question from an environmental point of view and on that point you are required to keep a copy of the waste transfer note (licensed carriers) for possible inspection at a later date, and they do come round to inspect. Duty of care to your staff is a completely differnt issue and would require me to offer links to peruse. If I have misunderstood your question I apologise in advance. CFT

Posted By Robert K Lewis JK As long as your staff are simply using the bag as a waste receptacle in the manner agreed then there are no matters you need to address with regard to the waste. Social Services or Health staff are responsible for the DoC aspects etc. Bob

Posted By Simon Carrier John If your staff only put the waste into the bag and seal it and you do not arrange collection or supply any bags or move it from the domestic premises then from a waste management point you do not have to be registered with the EA. Your duty of care would be to ensure that only the correct waste is put into the bags ie only soiled pads no sharps or similar items. Simon

Posted By Bill Fisher In posting the initial question John perhaps hesitated as his point focussed on an environmental topic. The Moderators welcome such a posting and likewise welcome the support given to John by way of responses.

Posted By Clairey O Inco waste is classed as being softwaste and therefore suitable to go in bags. At this present time the EWC code is 180104 - this means that it is not infectious, and not required to have special disposal methods. Although you may have put it is a yellow bag - it is still incredably (sp) likely that it will go to landfill, as it does not require special treatment prior to disposal. Inco waste generated in the home is not technically classed as clinical waste as it has been generated in a domestic setting, which is why some of you have been advised that it is ok to put in your black bag waste, as people at home are very generally considered to be non infectious reasonably healthy, also the quantity that will be disposed of will be quite small. if your worried about the bags splitting then double bag them. The nature of residential homes and nursing homes generally means that you will be unable to assume that your population is generally healthy and non infectious, which is why your inco waste is disposed of in yellow bags, also the quantity that will be disposed of may also lead it to become offensive. Plenty of food for thought - if your need more help drop me an email.

Posted By John Webster Think about it. There is absolutely no difference between babies disposable nappies and incontinence pads. For waste generated in the home setting from a member of the household, the disposal route should be exactly the same. Empty solid contents down the loo where practicable, place in a plastic bag (not yellow or orange) and dispose of as domestic/household waste. Only if the patient is known to have or clinically suspected of having an infection which could prove hazardous to someone who might come into contact with it does the material need to be treated as Clinical Waste.