Resíduos de serviços de saúde em laboratórios de ensino da Universidade Católica do Salvador: uma proposta de gerenciamento

Abstract

Waste generated by man represents one of the biggest problems today. Improper disposal of these wastes causes serious and damaging consequences to public health and the environment. In this context, health care waste (RSS), which is generated in all services related to the care of human or animal health, is included. Realizing the relevance of this environmental theme, the main objective of this work was to present a proposal for the Management of Health Care Waste for waste generated in the Teaching Laboratories of the Catholic University of Salvador (UCSAL) - Campus de Pituaçu. The methodology used was the bibliographical research and case study from the field research and action research in the teaching laboratories of the health area of UCSAL. The instruments for data collection were laboratory visits, structured and closed questionnaires. During the visits and data collection, it was observed that there is generation of waste from groups A, B, D and E - there is no generation of group C. The teaching laboratories produce on average 6.5 kg of solid waste per week, of which <1% are RSS. The information was obtained from a diagnosis of 22 weeks, through the identification and quantification of these residues. In this perspective, it is understood that it is essential to prepare the PGRSS in the RSS discussion, because through it is possible to make information available to the University Labs' manager and because it is a legal requirement to be met to ensure protection of the environment, protecting the workers of the area and the population as a whole. The process of building waste management in universities is complex and requires a systemic and integrated effort of the entire academic community, requiring a technical and environmental education that addresses the management of RSS, with training and qualification of all employees working in these Sectors.