The quantities, variety and complexity of hazardous materials is increasing significantly due to the increase in demand for more laboratory testing, and developing new materials for better accurate results.

Waste generated by

Laboratories

Scientific

Health-care

Research

Industrial

Attitude (inner thoughts and feelings)

Behavior (outward expression of attitude)

!

Safety Climate

Recently more attention is focussed on

Attitudes are linked to people’s behavior. If a person holds a positive attitude to the care of the environment and the protection of health and safety in the workplace then they are more likely to be conscientious about waste disposal (Pruss et al., 1999).

Psychological Components

• Hazardous waste.

• Non - Hazardous waste.

WHO health care waste category • Infectious waste (contain pathogens, eg laboratory cultures )• Pathological waste (body parts, blood and other body fluids )• Sharps (needles, infusion sets, scalpels, knives

)• Genotoxic waste (waste containing cytostatic drugs often

used in cancer therapy )• Chemical waste (laboratory reagents, film developer )• Pressurized containers (gas cartridges, aerosol cans )• Radioactive waste (contaminated glassware, packages )• Wastes with high content of heavy metals

(Batteries, broken thermometers )• Pharmaceutical waste (expired vaccines )

9

The sampling units were human beings and the main methods of collecting information:

• Questionnaire administered in person and face-to-face interviewing.

• Visit to relevant offices for distribution and follow up of questionnaires .

• Telephone surveys .• Direct observation .

Hazardous Waste Management

is a process to help ensure proper hygiene and safety of Lab.workers and communities.

It includes planning and procurement, construction, staff training and behavior, proper use of tools, proper treatment including disposal methods inside and outside the facility, and evaluation.

Workers perception

Minimize the risk

• Training, continuing education . • The selection of safe and environment-

friendly waste in order to substitute hazardous materials and substances with non-hazardous.

• Encourage studies on different aspects of medical waste.

MSDS

Contractor Workers

Staff knowledge on existing waste policy

140

7 5 612

26

1

53

14

25

14

22

14

57

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

Nurse Pharmacist Dental Administrates Technicians Doctors Cleaners

Yes

No