Offensive/hygiene wastes are the product of a population which may be infectious. The waste can also be offensive in appearance and smell. When handled, there is a residual health risk, which should be assessed, and appropriate precautions should be implemented.

However, provided the waste is appropriately wrapped, properly handled and free from excess liquid, the risk of ill health is considered to be low.

Offensive/hygiene waste includes:

• human and animal waste (feces);
• incontinence pads;
• catheter and stoma bags;
• nappies;
• sanitary waste;
• nasal secretions;
• sputum;
• condoms;
• urine;
• vomit and soiled human bedding from a non-infectious source;
• medical/veterinary items of disposable equipment such as gowns etc;
• plasters (minor first aid or self care) generated by personal use;
• animal hygiene waste (e.g. animal bedding);
• waste from non-healthcare activities, e.g. waste from body piercing or
• application of tattoos (excluding sharps)

The law (and common sense) requires employers to take general steps to assess and manage the risk of ill health by preventing or reducing workers ‘exposure to hazardous substances. As an employer we are obliged by law to consider how employees (and others) may be exposed to harmful substances or microorganisms and decide whether they are doing enough to prevent this from happening.

Pleasant Home always advises that employees should always try to prevent exposure at source. If exposure cannot be prevented, our Company put suitable measures in place to control it adequately. By general rule, any offensive/hygiene waste mentioned above that is left unattended during our services will not be cleaned and/or throw away by our employees, since we are risking serious illness that can be easily spread since our crews are working in different properties throughout the day.

If you would like to research these topics, please, refer to the following source(s):

1. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
2. Occupational Safety and Health Guidance Manual for Hazardous Waste Site Activities; DHHS (NIOSH) Publication Number 85-115, October 1985
3. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Please note: We do have a few restrictions and areas that we do not clean or service. We do not do any exterior cleaning services. We only offer interior home/office cleaning. If you have any questions, we are available by phone 949.481.7249 or contact form.