The True Story: When Waste Shipping Rules Had to Adapt

In July 2022, the US Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued a Notice of Enforcement Discretion on medical waste from mpox patients. The notice said waste from West African clade cases could be shipped as Category B regulated medical waste (UN3291), while waste from the Congo Basin clade remained Category A, which requires stricter measures.

The Key Lesson: Infectious Waste Is Often Forgotten in Prevention Plans

Clinics, hospitals and infectious waste carriers in Thailand should assess risk along the whole path of the waste. Points to care for are:

• Infectious waste bags and containers, which must be strong and sealed
• Waste storage areas, which must be clean and access-controlled
• Waste trolleys and transport vehicles used in rotation
• Waste collectors and cleaners in direct contact with waste
• Used dressings and disposable items from patients

How Mpox Spreads

According to the World Health Organization, mpox spreads mainly through close contact with an infected person's skin or sores, and can also spread through contaminated objects such as clothing, bedding and towels. Mpox is an enveloped virus, which suitable disinfectants can inactivate.

Risk Register for Infectious Waste Handling in Clinics and Hospitals

1. Infectious waste mixed with general waste: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: separate red bags with clear labels at every point. Owner: head nurse
2. Waste collectors not wearing protective equipment: likelihood high / impact high / level critical. Mitigation: wear thick gloves, apron and mask every time. Owner: housekeeping head
3. Waste storage dirty and open to the public: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: lock the area, clean on rounds and disinfect. Owner: facilities
4. Waste trolleys not disinfected: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: wipe with disinfectant after every collection round. Owner: waste collectors
5. Waste carrier unlicensed or not following standards: likelihood low / impact high / level medium. Mitigation: check licences and keep transport manifests. Owner: procurement

Ways to Reduce Risk in Infectious Waste Handling

1. Separate infectious waste into red bags at the point it is created
2. Wear protective equipment whenever collecting waste
3. Lock the waste storage area and limit access
4. Wipe waste trolleys after every round
5. Fog the waste storage area on a schedule
6. Use licensed carriers and keep manifests
7. Train staff on infectious waste handling and hand washing

How ULV Fogging Helps

The [World Health Disinfection disinfection service]({SERVICE}) uses ULV fogging machines that turn the disinfectant into a fine mist. It settles across the whole area, including corners, curtains, upholstery and surfaces that hand wiping cannot fully reach.

• Whole-area coverage without relying on wiping spot by spot
• Quick return to use, typically about 30 minutes after fogging
• The team wears full protective equipment, so owners and staff do not take the risk themselves
• Report and photos after the job to show customers, management or authorities
• Tax invoice with 3% withholding tax for companies and agencies
• More than 5 years of experience in hospitals, offices, hotels and public buildings

The Disinfectant We Use: Chemgene HLD4H

The team uses [Chemgene HLD4H]({PRODUCT}). According to WHD's product page, it meets the EN 14476 standard for virucidal activity, is used in NHS hospitals in England, and is endorsed by Mahidol University. We do not claim that Chemgene has been tested against mpox specifically. But mpox is an enveloped virus, which suitable disinfectants can inactivate when used at the manufacturer's stated concentration and contact time.

• No harsh bleach smell
• Works on many surfaces, from desks and counters to handles and equipment
• Can be bought for daily wiping of high-touch points

Before and After

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did PHMSA relax for mpox waste? A: It allowed waste from West African clade cases to ship as Category B (UN3291), while Congo Basin clade waste stayed Category A. Q: What should Thai clinics do? A: Follow the law and the Department of Health's guidance on infectious waste, and use licensed carriers. Q: Does Chemgene HLD4H kill mpox? A: It is not claimed to be tested against mpox specifically, but it meets EN 14476 for viruses, and mpox is an enveloped virus. Q: Can clinics get a tax invoice? A: Yes. Tax invoices are issued and 3% withholding tax is supported. Call 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.

Related Links and Sources

• [World Health Disinfection disinfection service]({SERVICE})
• [Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant and price]({PRODUCT})
• Mpox information from Thailand's Department of Disease Control, hotline 1422
• WHO mpox fact sheet

Prevent It with a Disinfection Service and Chemgene HLD4H

The true story from the US shows infectious waste is an important part of prevention. Clinics that assess risk along the whole waste path protect both staff and the community. Prevent it with the [World Health Disinfection disinfection service]({SERVICE}) for infectious waste storage areas and waste rooms, and [Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant]({PRODUCT}) for wiping waste trolleys and containers.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268