Authors
Abstract
Background and purpose: Hospital waste contains pathogenic agents and is a suitable environment for the growth and reproduction of microorganisms. Poor management in collection and disposal of hospital waste can lead to environmental crises. This study was in tended to determine per capita wase, collection manner, transportation and transferring the waste in hospitals and clinics.
Methods and Materials: This descriptive study involved 3 hospital and 8 clinics in Sabzevar, Iran and their waste disposal activities were observed in all week days and for two months for hazardous and pseudo-domestic waste. A questionnaire and an observation checklist were used for data collection. Their corresponding percentages were calculated using SPSS and information on the active beds, number of clients and the whole mass of waste produced in each treatment center.
Results: Mean produced waste in 3 hospitals were 1137.275 kg/day including 51.3% hazardous waste. Also, mean per capita waste for each active bed was 2.38 kg/day in 3 hospitals. Mean waste amount in 8 clinics was 3.2779 kg/day including 64.9% hazardous waste. Also, mean per capita was for each client in 8 clinics was 0.092 kg/day (92gr). It was found that all hospitals and clinics followed the ministry guidelines by using waste bags of appropriate quality, color and type.
Conclusion: Despite using appropriate and distinct bags and washable containers, inter departmental and intradepartmental cooperations-including adequate training and necessary standards-are required to optimize health hassles.
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