We often receive questions regarding the presence of cardboard, specifically corrugated cardboard. Corrugated cardboard is an excellent generator and source of dust. Corrugated cardboard shipping boxes are often exposed to moisture, water, vermin, and bacteria during transport and warehouse storage. When these are introduced in the healthcare environment, they can serve as a source of contamination. We frequently find corrugated cardboard in facilities where the organization either lacks a systematic process to address potential contamination from these containers or fails to follow its established policy.
Organizations should consult their state or local laws regarding the presence of corrugated cardboard within the healthcare environment. When organizations develop policies, they should determine whether cardboard boxes and containers are suitable for specific areas. They should consider the potential risk of introducing any dust, moisture, bacteria, or other contaminants in that area. Other considerations might include, locations where cardboard boxes are unloaded, specifications for cardboard box breakdown areas and the levels of packaging where to load or unload supplies, criteria for content break-down areas, how to address box labeling from the shipping container that may include expiration dates, content list, ingredients, directions for use.).
Don’t forget that cardboard boxes stored in a room can increase the fire risk by adding to the combustible load. Ensure that proposed storage locations are presented to your facilities teams to determine if the room is rated for this risk.
What does this all mean?
- Determine your risk: Where does the cardboard come from? Is it exposed to outside elements or vectors, or is it inside another box that may reduce exposure? What condition is the cardboard in? Is there damage? Evidence of dust and vector activity? Ensure to involve all stakeholders. Please ensure you check your state or local laws.
- Develop policy: Do we eliminate all corrugated cardboard or just the outer shipping box? For cardboard allowed in certain areas, do we have staff check for damage and, if found, remove the contents and place them in another container? Do we decant all content into a plastic bin?
- Train staff on policy. Provide job aids, such as signage in breakdown areas.
- Round for compliance
Please contact us for questions or more information at 704-573-4535 or info@courtemanche-assocs.com.
Courtemanche & Associates specializes in Healthcare Accreditation and Regulatory Compliance Consulting Services. With over 30 years of being in business and 100+ years of healthcare experience amongst our consulting team, we are ready to assist with your accreditation and regulatory compliance needs.
