Performance evaluation of infectious wastes decontamination devices in general hospitals under the auspicious of Khoy University of Medical Sciences in 2020-2021

Waste from health-care facilities is important because of its major role in the spread of various diseases as well as environmental pollutants. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to assess the performance of Non-Incineration waste decontamination devices in hospitals. The present study set out to assess the performance of non-combustible non-hazardous waste decontamination devices in hospitals covered by Khoy University of Medical Sciences in 2020-2021.

The present descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in in all hospitals of Khoy city in 2020-2021. In this research, the necessary information and data has been extracted through direct observation and interviews with officials and environmental health experts of hospitals. The performance of the devices has been evaluated in term of physical and biological parameters. Mechanical performance was assessed by thermometers and device registers, and a biological indicator vial was used to assess their biological performance. Data were analyzed using SPSS & Excel softwares.

The average total waste production in Khoy hospitals was estimated to be 731.65 kg/day. This parameter in terms of waste production active bed per day was 1.32 kg. In the all studied hospitals, Non-Incineration waste decontamination devices had a favorable performance in terms of mechanical (100%) and biological concerns (100%).Devices had a favorable performance in terms of mechanical (100%) and biological properties. (100%).

Non-Incineration waste decontamination devices whit hydroclave technology in the studied hospitals can be considered as the most suitable if operated by skilled and capable operators due to their proper performance in terms of mechanical and biological parameters, lower pollution production, as well as lower safety costs. This technology have a higher selection score as the most appropriate option among different technologies of infectious waste management.