Waste, laundry & clinical waste Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Contractor no-show or missed uplift — Hold a backup provider; set escalation contacts and cut-off times; reduce on-floor stock by scheduling mid-week mini-uplifts; relocate sealed bags to overflow stores temporarily; record events and adjust frequencies in the contract review.
• Sharps bin tampering in public areas — Wall-mount bins high in staff-only zones; lock lids between clients; keep doors closed; add polite notices; relocate any unit that attracts attention; note incidents and remind teams during briefings to check locks before breaks.
• Sharps in general waste — Mount UN-approved sharps bins at arm’s reach; never floor-stand; drop immediately after use and lock at two-thirds; brief cleaners to report any needle in general bins; investigate and coach the originator the same shift with a short action note.
• Clean and used linen mixing — Store clean stock covered on dedicated shelving; site used-linen bins away from issue points; restock with clean hands only; implement a one-way flow from laundry to rooms; audit mid-shift to remove any clean item exposed near used containers.
• Mixed waste streams — Provide colour-coded bins at point of use with clear posters; train staff on general, recycling, clinical and sharps streams; audit weekly and correct errors the same day; place lids and foot pedals to reduce hand contact and opportunistic mixing.