The Incinerator Guidebook: A Practical Guide for Selecting ... - SSWM
The Incinerator Guidebook: A Practical Guide for Selecting ... - SSWM
The Incinerator Guidebook: A Practical Guide for Selecting ... - SSWM
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VII. Operation and Safety <strong>Guide</strong>lines<br />
Health worker safety<br />
Health workers such as doctors and nurses, waste handlers, and incinerator operators are at risk of<br />
disease transmission from health care waste, and in particular from sharps infectious waste.<br />
Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be selected to protect against risks specific to incinerator<br />
operators. <strong>The</strong> major risks to these staff are encountered either during direct contact with medical<br />
waste or when incinerator operators are exposed to heat or fumes emitted by incinerators while<br />
burning health care waste. Risks encountered during direct contact with medical waste include HIV<br />
and hepatitis B infection through needlstick injuries.<br />
Wearing PPE reduces risk from<br />
sharps, germs, exposure to blood<br />
and other bodily fluids, splashes<br />
from chemicals, inhalation of<br />
exhaust, and sparks from the<br />
incinerator. A job aid was developed<br />
to remind incinerator operators what<br />
to wear in terms of PPE (see Annex<br />
4).<br />
PPE <strong>for</strong> incinerator operators<br />
includes:<br />
� Helmet<br />
� Safety goggles<br />
� Respirator mask<br />
� Heavy-duty, heatresistant<br />
gloves<br />
� Apron<br />
� Clothes that cover the<br />
body<br />
� Heavy-duty, heatresistant<br />
boots<br />
Image 1. An incinerator operator wearing PPE in Kenya.<br />
Procuring PPE<br />
It is important <strong>for</strong> programs to set aside budget to purchase equipment critical to ensuring health<br />
workers safety. Prices <strong>for</strong> PPE will vary depending on local availability and quantities procured.<br />
Product specifications <strong>for</strong> safety goggles; respirator masks; and heavy-duty, heat-resistant gloves<br />
are outlined in Annex 5. <strong>The</strong>se specifications are intended to be a reference to help ensure quality<br />
equipment is purchased.<br />
Proper operation<br />
Proper operation of an incinerator ensures safe and optimal per<strong>for</strong>mance. When operated correctly<br />
there will be minimal emissions and waste will be treated more effectively. As previously noted,<br />
training is critical to proper operation.<br />
<strong>The</strong> following are key steps that incinerator operators should follow. <strong>The</strong>se steps were drawn from<br />
a job aid included as Annex 6.<br />
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