Identification and Risk Assessment of Coronavirus Transmission through Hospital Waste Management System Using Preliminary Hazard Analysis

Abstract

Background and purpose: Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA) is one of the methods to identify significant safety areas which provides an initial assessment of hazards and determines requisite hazard controls and follow-on actions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the waste status and perform a semi-qualitative risk assessment of Coronavirus transmission through waste management system in Sari Imam Khomeini Hospital using PHA and providing appropriate solutions. Materials and methods: This descriptive-analytical study was performed in Sari Imam Khomeini Hospital, 2020. PHA was conducted to identify and assess the risk of Coronavirus transmission at different stages of hospital waste management. Results: The waste produced in the hospital included infectious (98.09%), pharmaceutical and chemical (1.2%), sharps (0.69%), and normal wastes (0%). Plastics and organic materials accounted for the largest percentage of waste. Preliminary Hazard Analysis showed 35 potential risks for Coronavirus transmission, including waste collection (n=12), waste production, storage, and separation at source (n=11), and temporary storage and maintenance (n=6). Conclusion: According to current study, reducing the risk of Coronavirus transmission in hospital waste management system, requires necessary trainings and awareness of healthcare personnel, especially hospital cleaning staff.

Keywords

• risk assessment
• preliminary hazard analysis
• coronavirus
• hospital waste management system