Investigation of the Effect of Particle Size on Groundnut-Oil Solvent Extraction

An investigation of the effect of particle size on the performance of vegetable oil recovery by solvent extraction is reported. Experiments were conducted using soxhlet extractor, groundnuts and n-hexane. Samples were grouped into mean particle sizes of 0.25, 0.75, 1.3, 3.3, and 7.5 mm using standard sieves. The effect of particle size was studied for extraction time intervals of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 8 hours. The oil yield, oil recovered per kg solvent used, kg solvent lost per unit time, and the rate of extraction (kg oil recovered per hour) decreased with increasing particle size. Meanwhile, the percent of solvent recovered, the ratio of oilrecovered to the total volatile matter driven off and the kg solvent lost per kg oil recovered, increased with increasing particle size. Based on the normalization of averaged extraction-parameters, a mean particle size of 3.3 mm was observed to be the optimum size

Management of medical waste in Tanzanian hospitals

A survey was conducted to study the existing medical waste management (MWM) systems in Tanzanian hospitals during a nationwide health-care waste management-training programme conducted from 2003 to 2005. The aim of the programme was to enable health workers to establish MWM systems in their health facilities aimed at improving infection prevention and control and occupational health aspects. During the training sessions, a questionnaire was prepared and circulated to collect information on the MWM practices existing in hospitals in eight regions of the Tanzania. The analysis showed that increased population and poor MWM systems as well as expanded use of disposables were the main reasons for increased medical wastes in hospitals. The main disposal methods comprised of open pit burning (50%) and burying (30%) of the waste. A large proportion (71%) of the hospitals used dust bins for transporting waste from generation points to incinerator without plastic bags. Most hospitals had low incineration capacity, with few of them having fire brick incinerators. Most of the respondents preferred on-site versus off-site waste incineration. Some hospitals were using untrained casual labourers in medical waste management and general cleanliness. The knowledge level in MWM issues was low among the health workers. It is concluded that hospital waste management in Tanzania is poor. There is need for proper training and management regarding awareness and practices of medical waste management to cover all carders of health workers in the country

The status of occupational safety among health service providers in hospitals in Tanzania

Occupational hazards exist wherever health care is practised. However, there is dearth of information on the status of occupational safety among hospital workers in Tanzania. This study was therefore carried to assess the current status of occupational health and safety (OHS) in Tanzanian hospitals and identify key areas for intervention. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire randomly distributed to the health service providers (HSPs) working in 14 district, regional and referral hospitals in Tanzania. A total of 430 HSPs (mean age = 42±8.8 years) were involved in the study. Female workers accounted for the majority (71%) of the respondents. None of the 430 respondents had received training on OHS as a profession. Most of the supervisors were holders of certificates (54.4%). Only 42.9% (6/14) of the hospitals, had at least a supervisor with post-graduate degree. Needlestick injuries accounted for the largest part of the most common accidents (52.9%); followed by splash of blood from patients (21.7%); burn injury from chemicals (10.6%); and slippery floors (5.9%). There was lack of qualified personnel for OHS in all hospitals. Most of the hazardous activities were carried out by nurses and attendants. Chemicals used in hospitals were mainly antiseptics and disinfectants, which causes skin burns during handling and use. Seminars and workshops were the major source (N = 429; 33%) of information on OHS. The seven major hazardous activities were injection, cleaning, patient care, bedding, dressing of wounds, medication and surgical operation. The largest proportion of HSPs involved in hazardous activities was found at referral hospitals. The mostly available antiseptics were 70-90% alcohol, 3% aqueous iodine, chlorhexidine gluconate and cetrimide. In conclusion, the OHS was observed to be inadequate in most workplaces in Tanzanian hospitals. Special efforts including training, exposure to information and creation of awareness, are recommended for improving occupational health and safety in hospitals in Tanzania