Abstract :
Introduction: The practices by healthcare workers in handling biomedical waste
(BMW) are of great importance as it directly influences the environment
around them and patients.
Objective: To assess the current status of biomedical waste management in a
tertiary hospital and suggesting remedial measures.
Methods: A sample of 64 healthcare workers (HCW) participated, which
included 32 nurses, 17 nursing orderlies and sanitary workers, and 15 doctors
to provide information practices, hygiene, facilities available, etc. 20 facilities/
wards were included in the observation using checklist on BMW management.
Analysis: After collection of data compilation was done in Microsoft Excel
sheets. The interpretation is made on BMW segregation, hygiene of facility,
provision of facilities, safety measures, BMW management training, etc.
Result: The BMW practices of untrained and trained staff were comparable
with little difference. Among the three categories of HCW, all showed equal
percentage of correctness of practices. Nursing orderlies had least knowledge.
Hygiene was maintained but corners were found in general unclean. Many
respondents were unsure how liquid chemical waste and toxic spills are
handled in the facilities. The posters were present but they were small in size
and difficult to read. In two facilities, additional notices were placed over the
bins. Injury risk was more among those who had received BMW training.
Conclusion: BMW management in a tertiary hospital was not adequate and
monitoring in general, and effective supervision of workers in particular, is
required. Posters can be made more meaningful by proper designing.
Keyword :
Healthcare worker, Waste management, Needle stick injury.