Medical Waste Disposal Quote
Kevin Noel
Biohazard Symbol Meaning and Purpose
If you work around biohazards, you are likely very familiar with the biohazard symbol. This is because laws often require use of the biohazard symbol to alert you and prepare you to take necessary precautions around infectious materials. In the healthcare setting, the biohazard symbol is everywhere.
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Key Takeaways
What products have the biohazard symbol on them?
In the healthcare setting, the biohazard logo is abundant to warn of biohazardous wastes.
You can find it on:
✔ Red bags which contain or will contain biohazard waste
✔ Waste containers such as sharps containers, trace chemotherapy containers, and biohazard bins
✔ On the doors of accumulation areas containing biological agents and other hazardous substances
What is the purpose of the Biohazard symbol?
Think of the biohazard symbol as a warning sign that indicates the presence of biohazards and alerts individuals to take proper precautions to protect themselves.
This could mean wearing proper personal protective equipment, following certain procedures, or maybe avoiding the area or item altogether.
This is important because it serves as a clear and recognizable warning of infectious agents which can cause irreversible diseases and even death in humans if mishandled.
Many diseases that cause life-long consequences, such as HIV, can be spread through bloodborne pathogens and other potentially infectious materials.
Where did the biohazard symbol come from?
The symbol was designed in 1966 by Charles L. Baldwin and Robert S. Runkle as the risks associated with biological materials became more prominent.
In the late 1960’s this was adopted by the World Health Organization and has been universally accepted and used since.
The main intent of creation was to create something highly recognizable and therefore efficient.
After a variety of tests, studies, and designs took place by the DOW Chemical Company and the National Institute of Health chose on the biohazard symbol internationally used today.
The biohazard symbol was chosen as it met the following criteria:
✔ Great at alerting attention
✔ Unique and easily recognizable from other symbols
✔ Simple and symmetric no matter which way you view it
✔ Universal
The Biohazard Symbol Design
The final design has a unique orange background that is visible despite lighting conditions. The design is symmetrical in that no matter what angle it is viewed from, it is still recognizable and intends its purpose.
The final design is a black trefoil with a fiery orange background. The trefoil actually symbolizes the three hazards: microorganisms, toxins, and bioactive materials.
The contrast between the orange and the black helps the symbol to be visible from far away and is typically accompanied by text reading “Biohazard.”
Who is at risk of Biohazards?
✔Healthcare workers are frequently in contact with potentially infectious materials such as blood, body fluids, and more.
✔Laboratory workers who handle biological materials through contaminated samples, surfaces, or equipment
✔ Crime scene cleanup or waste haulers who clean or handle hazards
✔ People working with animals such as veterinarians, zoo employees, and farmers
✔ Agricultural workers through contaminated soil or water
✔ Anyone near biohazards, including patients in a healthcare setting and people visiting areas with low levels of sanitation
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We offer medical waste disposal and management in all of California. Eco Medical was founded in far Northern California and has rapidly expanded to cover the entirety of California.
