Environmental risk assessment in the COVID-19 pandemic using The hazard analysis technique (HAZAN): an analytical-cross-sectional study in a hospital
Irtiqa Imini Pishgiri Masdumiyat (Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention),
Vol. 11 No. 3 (1402),
12 March 2024
,
Page 233 - 219
https://doi.org/10.22037/iipm.v11i3.43834
Abstract
Background and Aim: The COVID-19 pandemic brings essential challenges for the environment. One of the most critical challenges is the excessive production of hospital waste and wastewater. Considering the importance of managing these pollutants, it seems necessary to identify the environmental risks caused by hospital activities in crises such as COVID-19. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the environmental risks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the hospital environment.
Methods: In The present study, first, The sources of environmental risk, such as air, sewage, and waste, were identified. The existing risks were determined with The help of The HAZAN risk assessment method, ranking,and risk level. In The air sector, The exit chimneys of different units; in The sewage sector, The final output of The system; and in The waste sector, The stages of production until burial and disposal of waste were analyzed. The methods of direct observation of jobs, workers' experiences, and interviews with officials and supervisors were used.
Results: The results showed , air sector, risk rating was ranked 3. In the waste sector, The lack of proper waste transportation to the burial site and The failure to dispose of infectious and chemical waste in compliance with health precautions in The burial site with a risk rating of 1 and an intensity level of A were of high risk. Also, not paying attention to The separate separation of recyclable waste and not using personal protective equipment for waste collection service personnel was ranked as risk 2. The results showed that the highest frequency of risk rating in air(75%), sewage treatment plant(100%), and waste(65%) is related to risk rating 3.
Conclusion: According to The level of risks identified in Shahid Lavasani Hospital, it is necessary to pay attention to managing hospital waste from production to The stage of transfer and disposal.
Please cite this article as:
Rezaee F, Farahani M, Behbahaninia A, Motahari S. Environmental risk assessment in the COVID-19 pandemic using The hazard analysis technique (HAZAN): an analytical-cross-sectional study in a hospital. Irtiqa Imini Pishgiri Masdumiyat. 2023;11(3):219-233. https://doi.org/10.22037/iipm.v11i3.43834
- Risk assessment, Environment, Hospital, HAZAN
How to Cite
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