{Past Event} - Greening the OR: Fluid Management Systems in the OR

Topic

Much of the waste generated in an OR setting is liquid waste, bulk blood or body fluids that are often captured in a suction canister. The US Department of Transportation (DOT) mandates that this waste cannot go out as a liquid and either absorbent material or a solidifier must be added before it can be disposed of as RMW , significantly increasing the waste volume associated with suction canisters. Solidifiers also typically contain chemicals designed to render blood/body fluids non-infectious and can pose a chemical hazard to workers and the environment. Alternatively, with the approval of publicly owned treatment works (POTWs), canisters can be physically emptied into the sanitary sewer but pose a worker exposure risk due to splashing and spills. Fluid management systems can be hooked directly into the sanitary sewer. Canisters are mechanically emptied directly to the sanitary sewer, reducing worker exposure risk. Canisters are then either disinfected and reused, or disposed of as RMW – without the weight of liquids, absorbent material or the use of chemical solidifiers. Reused containers additionally reduce the purchase cost of new replacement containers while also reducing total volume of RMW . Come and learn how hospitals are employing the use of fluid management systems to dramatically reduce RMW generated in the OR while improving worker safety.