DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2018.v06i03.087

Pages: 1245-1249

In a hospital, biomedical waste (BMW) waste management is of utmost importance, as improper disposal can lead to increased chances of needlestick injury (NSI). The proper management starts at the point of segregation itself. The study was carried out to evaluate the condition of BMW disposal and indirect effect of BMW audit on NSI, in a tertiary care hospital in North India. A checklist consisting of 16 parameters related to functions carried out at the source of generation was used to conduct the audit and a team was constituted for the same. A total of 20 visits were made to areas covered. Mean percentage score was calculated for the parameters and also area wise assessment was done. Also, chi square test was used to analyze the effect of audit on NSI rate. The score for all the categories was high except ‘mutilation of recyclable waste’. Area wise, all areas had comparable mean percentage score except ICUs; where the score was low. The p value was insignificant for the BMW audit effect on NSI rate. More emphasis needs to be given on sharps handling and mutilation of recyclable plastics. Continuous training sessions and surprise audits can play a role in proper BMW disposal and hence NSI rate