The sponsor has presented plans to address these issues and to demonstrate that the proposed project will comply with applicable Russian laws and regulations and World Bank requirements. The information provided about how these potential impacts are, or will be, addressed by NMC is summarized below:
Handling and disposal of medical and bio-hazardous waste. Scanfert has in-place at its existing St. Petersburg clinic (AVA-Peter) a set of waste management policies and procedures based on internationally accepted practice and in accordance with local and federal requirements, and will adopt these for the NMC operation, making necessary adjustments to reflect site-specific differences in the two operations. Medical waste, including syringes, needles and other disposable medical instruments, surgical materials, and biological waste materials are separately collected and stored in specially labeled containers. Subsequently, wastes are disinfected using one of several liquid disinfectants as required by Russian authorities. Following disinfection, containerized wastes are collected and disposed by a licensed, independent medical waste disposal contractor.
Solid waste and sewage disposal. Domestic solid waste is separately stored in refuse bins and subsequently collected by a licensed solid waste disposal contractor and disposed via facilities operated by the municipal authorities for this purpose. Sewage is discharged to one of two St. Petersburg municipal sewerage systems, which appears to be performing well.
Power and water supply. Electric power will be provided through connection to the existing grid. Diesel-fired generators will serve as a source of back-up power in the event of power outages. NMC will obtain potable water from the existing municipal system, but will further treat the incoming water through installation and operation of an on-site treatment unit to ensure its quality consistently meets European standards.
Hygiene and implementation of good hospital management practices. As with Scanfert’s existing clinic, NMC will follow internationally accepted principals and best practices of hygiene and infection control. This includes appropriate handwashing facilities and procedures, single-use materials and instruments, disposable gloves and other protective attire, disinfection and sterilization program, and handling and disposal of instruments and materials contaminated with blood and other body substances.
Cultural resources. The building to be renovated is classified as being located on historical territory, and, therefore, has certain restrictions on any construction modifications to be made. The sponsors have involved appropriate City of St. Petersburg authorities in the building reconstruction planning and design process to ensure compliance with all relevant rules and regulations.
Fire prevention and life safety. NMC’s clinic has been designed by qualified fire protection engineers to meet both local municipal requirements and those of NFPA 101, including the installation of automatic sprinkler systems, alarm systems, fire extinguishers, and heat and smoke detection devices.
Employee health and safety. All employees will undergo fire prevention and health and safety orientation, as well as training on precautions and procedures for the safe use and handling of potentially harmful materials and equipment, including objects contaminated with blood and body substances, toxic materials, and X-ray equipment. Training will also emphasize the need to utilize appropriate protective clothing (aprons, gowns, rubber gloves, masks, goggles, and gumboots, as appropriate) at all times. Employees will undergo a pre-employment medical exam, as well as follow up exams every 12 months.
Conclusion.