Comprehensive analysis of hospital solid waste levels and HSE risks using FMEA technique: A case study in northwest Iran

Abstract

This study tackled the global challenge of managing specialized hospital waste, emphasizing its sensitivity due to toxic and pathogenic agents. Focused on Imam Khomeini Hospital (RA), the research employed both quantitative and qualitative approaches to assess waste production, evaluating health, safety, and environmental risks. Over a 3-month period, sampling at the hospital waste station covered household, infectious, medicinal, and sharps waste. Results disclosed an average per capita healthcare waste production of 3.52 kg per bed per day, with specific breakdowns for various waste types. The study evaluated waste management quality, establishing acceptable conditions. Utilizing the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) technique, health, safety, and environment risk assessments identified potential risks in different waste management sectors. Comparisons with global studies and national average levels highlight elevated per capita hospital waste production in Urmia city, necessitating increased attention to align facilities with World Health Organization (WHO) standards. The study emphasizes the importance of allocating funds, providing training, raising awareness, and implementing effective waste management methods to address identified challenges, underscoring the need for clear organizational structures and decision-making authorities in hospital waste control aligned with international standards.

Keywords

• Infectious waste
• Sharps waste
• Medical waste
• Hazardous waste
• HSE risk assessment