Waste, laundry & clinical waste Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Incorrect labelling and traceability gaps — Label bags and bins with date, site, stream and initials; keep a simple manifest for clinical and sharps by collection; reconcile volumes against pickups; investigate mismatches within twenty-four hours and file corrective notes.
• Overfilled bins and bag bursts — Change bags at two-thirds full; double-bag only if leaking; use heavy-duty liners sized to the bin; tie with gooseneck knots and label immediately; schedule mid-shift checks so full containers never block routes or force risky compaction by hand.
• Aerosols and pressurised cans in waste — Empty completely, pierce only in approved devices, and store upright in labelled metal bins away from heat; never compact; segregate from clinical waste; arrange specialised uplift; brief staff not to bin near dryers or heaters.
• Clinical waste misclassification — Define clinical criteria in SOPs with product examples; apply orange or yellow bags as required; lock clinical bins between uses; reject incorrectly bagged loads at source and retrain; record each correction to reinforce consistent decisions.
• Documentation and duty-of-care gaps — Keep up-to-date waste transfer notes and clinical consignment records; retain licences and insurance for carriers; review quarterly, file digitally and on paper; brief highlights at team huddles so front-line staff understand what auditors expect.