3. Materials and methods
3.1. Materials
A weighing balance of capacity 120 kg and a plastic bin
with an empty weight of 2.0 kg and volume of 50 L for collecting
and weighing the waste were used for the measurements.
Shovels and forks were used for loading and sorting
the waste; gloves, facemasks and a lab coat were used for
personal protection. For waste quantity measurements at
the nurse’s home, a plastic bin with a capacity of 10 L
and empty weight of 0.2 kg was used.
3.2. Methods
3.2.1. Measurement sites
The quantities of waste generated were measured in all
of the wards of the two hospitals. This included their
respective kitchens (cafeterias), pharmacy sections and
for Elim hospital, the nurse’s homes. This was done
because of the need to have a comprehensive spectrum
of sources and types of wastes from the two hospitals.
Measurements were repeated at least twice. In cases
where were measured results were not still convincing, a
third measurement was performed in that particular
ward.
3.2.1.1. Wards of hospitals. Tshilidzini hospital admits up
to 530 patients. At the time of the measurements, there
were 450 patients admitted in the hospital. It has close
to 1800 permanent workers. It is estimated to have an
average inpatient admission of 160 and an outpatient
attendance of 340 per day. It has 10 major wards including
the kitchen.
Elim hospital has close to 1000 permanent workers. It is
estimated to have an average inpatient admission of 70 and
an outpatient attendance of 240 per day. It has 9 major
wards including the kitchen. At the time of the measurements,
there were 250 patients admitted. It has a total of
323 beds.