5 research outputs found
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