TITLE: ASSESMENT OF THE IMPACT OF BIOSAFETY TRAINING: A CASE STUDY AT KOMBEWA COUNTY HOSPITAL LAB. Authors: Haya A 1, Ageng ’ o D 1,Okuta C 1,Obambo K, Adan M 2, Oyule S 2

Background: Needle stick injuries encountered during service delivery remains a major challenge among accidents encountered by laboratory personnel at Kombewa hospital laboratory, though many cases go unreported.

Cont’ Majority of laboratory staffs were not trained in biosafety and waste management handling. Kombewa hospital segregate and accumulate clinical waste and having no incinerator has to accumulate the sharps for incineration at Chulaimbo district hospital by the public health officers.

Methodology An evaluating audit using a standard structured check list was undertaken before and after the Biosafety Training The hospital Safety officer underwent a Biosafety and Biosecurity training, then identified existing gaps, prepared appropriate documentations, trained and inducted all staff on Health and Safety in the Laboratory.

Cont’ Biosafety related infrastructure and equipment were put in place, and related drill exercises carried out maintaining appropriate documentations. Appropriate waste separation bins with color coded linings were placed strategically within the Laboratory. Clinical waste was placed in red liners identified by biohazard labels.

Results The checklist score at baseline for waste segregation, PPE (gloves, dust coat, closed shoes) was 30% and 37% respectively in 2013 and 95% and 100% in 2014 after intervention. A modern incinerator was constructed and due for completion and will be serving all the health facilities in seme-sub County (courtesy of WRP).

Conclusion. There was marked improvement on waste segregation and adherence to PPE. Support staff responsible for handling wastes underwent a biosafety and waste management training.

Cont’ A modern incinerator was constructed courtesy of “Walter Reed Project”. A CME was organized and scheduled to take place every first Thursday of the month where the entire hospital staff will have a forum to discuss issues relating to safety and updates on safety issues.