Abstract:
A study was conducted from August 1995 to July 1996
concerning the health risk
exposed during the handling
hospital burn units.
to which laundry
of contaminated
workers
linen
are
from
Microbiological analyses were carried out on linen from the
burn units of the Pelonomi and Manapo hospitals in the Free
State Province, South Africa . Samples were taken to
determine the presence of the following bacteria :
Pseudomonas spp., P. aeruginosa, Staphylococcus spp., S .
aureus, Streptococcus spp., S . pyogenes, Coli forms,
Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp. and E. faecalis. The
analyses were repeated at the Central and Manapo laundry to
determine the die-off or increase in bacteria during
transport to the laundry .
Microbiological analysis of the air at the sampling points
was done to determine if bacteria had spread from the wounds
and linen to the air.
Most of the bacteria present in burnwounds were found to be
transferred by contact to the linen. These bacteria
survived on the sheets as a result of moisture and organic
material present . Bacteria had spread from the sheets to
the air mainly by rough handling of linen. The presence of
bacteria in the air showed a relationship with the roughness
of handling of sheets.
An occupational health questionnaire was completed by 96
linen handlers . Certain aspects were accentuated namely the
lack of occupational health training, the improper use of
personal protective clothing and the high incidence of
diseases. The microbiological analysis
using
and completion
Bloemfontein hotel
of
questionnaires and
laundry as the
were repeated
control group . Much smaller numbers of the
abovementioned bacteria were present on the sheets and in
the air at this locality.
It was found that opportunistic pathogens were present on
linen and in the air of the burn units and laundries .
During the time of study no count of streptococcus pyogenes
was found on the linen and air samples. It became evident
that linen handlers are not trained regarding the handling
of contaminated linen.
Sufficient training of linen handlers in the correct use of
safety equipment and the handling of contaminated linen is
recommended.
occupational
Such training
health risk in their
will cut down
work environment.
