Evaluation of Chemical and Hazardous Substance Management Systems in a Hospital: A Case Study of Mahasarakham Hospital Using the ESPReL Checklist

Abstract

Objective : To assess and analyze the chemical and hazardous substance management system at Mahasarakham Hospital using the Enhancement of Safety Practices for Research Laboratories in Thailand (ESPReL Checklist), developed by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT).

Methods : This survey research included four hospital units identified as having an unacceptable level of chemical risk: the Pharmaceutical Production Unit, Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD), Pathology and Anatomy Unit, and Forensic Medicine Unit. Purposive sampling was conducted from June to August 2025. Data were collected using the ESPReL Checklist and analyzed using descriptive statistics, including percentage scores compared with the 75% safety benchmark. A gap analysis was performed to identify deficient safety components.

Results : Overall safety in chemical and waste management was classified as requiring improvement. Most components scored below 75%. For chemical management, the scores were 67.27% (Pharmaceutical Production), 43.64% (Pathology and Anatomy), 41.82% (CSSD), and 29.09% (Forensic Medicine). For waste management, the scores were 62.07%, 48.23%, 44.84%, and 41.38%, respectively.

Conclusion : Chemical and waste management safety levels were below acceptable standards. Key deficiencies included safety data management, chemical transportation, and waste minimization. Immediate corrective actions are necessary to enhance hospital safety standards.