Solid Waste Management Procedures at the Medical Clinic of Children’s Hospital Dr. Fajardo

Abstract

To reduce health and environmental risks in handling hazardous healthcare waste, it is necessary to develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for waste management. This study aims to develop and apply an SOP for the management of Healthcare Service Waste (HSW) at Children’s Hospital Dr. Fajardo in Manaus, Brazil, promoting proper disposal and packaging practices. The applied methodology was qualitative and quantitative, using a case study to analyze the main waste generated in the hospital unit. The results indicate that HSW from groups A, B, and E are the main waste collected, posing significant risks to hospital staff and patients. The study developed an HSW management protocol containing guidelines on waste classification, symbology, packaging, collection, transportation, and treatment. The implementation of the SOP improved staff knowledge of waste management, promoting a safer hospital environment.