Africa - Southern Africa Tuberculosis and Health Systems Support Project : Environmental Assessment (Vol. 3) : Infection Control and Waste Management for Lesotho : Standard Operating Procedures

The development objectives of the Southern Africa Tuberculosis (TB) and Health Systems Support Project for Africa are to: (i) improve coverage and quality of TB control and occupational lung disease services in targeted geographic areas of the participating countries; and (ii) strengthen regional capacity to manage the burden of TB and occupational diseases. Some of the negative impacts and mitigation measures include: (1) use appropriate waste drainage systems leading to septic tanks or public sewerage facilities; as provided by contractor for soil contamination from detergents and laboratory chemicals; (2) sort the waste to ensure only organic and combustible waste goes into incinerators; (3) use appropriate and safe procedures for handling specimen and laboratory waste; (4) provide protective gear to staff and ensure they are used to handle sputum and infectious wastes; (5) raise awareness on staff about accidents and fire risks; (6) sensitize the communities to regularly wash hands after visiting patients in hospital, as well as after taking care of patients at home; and (7) waste bins with puncture resistant containers inside (or thick plastic bags) must be placed inside the facilities and close to the patient to avoid exposure to infectious wastes.