Woolridge, A. C., Phillips, P. S. and Denman, A. R. (2008) Developing a methodology for the systematic analysis of radioactive healthcare waste generation in an acute hospital in the UK. Resources, Conservation and Recycling. 52(10), pp. 1198-1208. 0921-3499.
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Abstract:
This paper demonstrates the development of a methodology for systematically analysing radioactive waste generation and disposal in an acute general hospital setting in the UK. Low level radioactive waste occurs in research centres and hospitals as the result of the use of radiopharmaceuticals for a range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. There is specific legislation regarding the disposal of radioactive waste which overrides any attempt to minimise the quantity of waste going to final disposal. This means that any efforts to minimise the cost of radioactive waste disposal must be taken prior to the final disposal. This research systematically investigated the generation and movement of radioactive sources and wastes in from the perspective of the Medical Physics and Nuclear Medicine Departments. Waste flow diagrams have been used to document the flows of radioactive sources and waste streams. A range of quantitative and qualitative methods have been utilised in order to represent the interactions between systems in place both within and outside the site being analysed. This research has shown that by systematically analysing the waste generation and flow of waste around the hospital, opportunities for implementing best practice can be identified
Uncontrolled Keywords:
Radioactive healthcare waste; Structured systems analysis; Waste flow diagrams; Methodology
Subjects:
G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences > GE300 Environmental management
T Technology > TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering > TD1020 Hazardous substances and their disposal
R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA565 Environmental health > RA567.7 Medical wastes
T Technology > TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering > TD1020 Hazardous substances and their disposal
R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA565 Environmental health > RA567.7 Medical wastes
Creators:
Woolridge, A. C., Phillips, P. S. and Denman, A. R.
Publisher:
Elsevier
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes:
Date:
August 2008
Date Type:
Publication
Page Range:
pp. 1198-1208
Journal or Publication Title:
Resources, Conservation and Recycling
Volume:
52
Number:
10
Language:
English
ISSN:
0921-3499
Status:
Published / Disseminated
Refereed:
Yes
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