Multiple stripes, fewer errors

GV Health has launched its double-sided 'tiger stripe' offensive waste bags. Noninfectious offensive waste is the fastest growing healthcare waste type but is often confused with clinical waste.

The distinctive markings on the new bags make them easy to identify and reduce waste disposal errors by nursing and medical staff. They provide a simple and effective solution for hospitals and clinics seeking to improve the accuracy of waste segregation and to control spiralling waste disposal costs.

A large percentage of healthcare waste can be processed through the offensive waste channel. Taking full advantage of this requires accurate separation of different types of waste by medical and nursing staff.

Strict colour coding and labeling is required on bags used for healthcare waste.

Offensive waste bags are distinguished by a lengthways black stripe down the yellow bags which are otherwise identical to clinical waste bags.

This has resulted in frequent errors, particularly when bags are partially obscured in bins.

Health authorities have reported lower than expected take-up for offensive waste channels as a result of staff errors.

GV Health's new design means multiple stripes are printed down both sides of the bag to facilitate easy identification at a glance, even when only the bag top is visible.

Initial customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive with trials on-going in a number of leading NHS hospitals.