At Hospital Clinica Biblica, the well-being of the patient, staff, and occupants in general is a priority.  Because of this, our buildings contain important safety measures with the continuous goal of risk prevention and environmentally safe management in the hospital context.  These safety measures include the following:

• Preventative signage based on international standards
• Responsible disposal of hospital waste:
• Non-hazardous waste
• Biohazardous waste and sharps
• Recycling
• Special waste (fluorescents, chemicals, others)
• Monitoring of gas emissions in the environment
• Follow-up and control of parameters for waste water management
• Tobacco Smoke-free Hospital
• Quality control of potable water in hospital installations
• Programs for conservation of energy and water, compost, and carbon neutral programs
• Prevention of emergencies caused by natural events or human factors
• Prevention of occupational hazards

In addition, the Hospital abides by the following policies:

No Smoking: "To attain and maintain a smoke-free environment in the installations of Hospital Clinica Biblica in the hospital building.  This commitment includes the sensitization and support of hospital personnel, where it is the responsibility of all the members of this organization to respect and maintain these smoke-free spaces, thereby promoting the health of its employees, patients, and visitors."

*  In December 2009, as a part of the Tobacco Smoke-Free Program under IAFA (Institute of Alcoholism and Pharmacodependency of Costa Rica), the Hospital was certified as a Tobacco Smoke-Free Hospital.

Occupational Health

"To attain and maintain a workplace environment that is healthy, safe, and free from the risks associated with hospital activity.  It is the responsibility of all members of this organization to observe and comply with all measures related to occupational health, while working in harmony with the environment."

Environmental Policy

"To carry out all hospital activities in harmony with the environment, while taking into consideration the impact of solid, liquid, and gas waste management. This commitment is incorporated into all phases of designing new facilities; the remodeling of existing infrastructure; the purchasing of supplies, materials and ecoefficient technologies; and related legislation, as well as in raising the environmental awareness and responsibility to the community of the members of this organization."   

Infection Control

Hospital Clinica Biblica has enacted protocols with the purpose of preventing intrahospital infections.  For this reason, we emphasize to all our personnel the importance of proper hand-washing technique before and after examining the patient, as well as the importance of compliance with all standards of asepsia and antisepsia and policies concerning the introduction of food, flowers, and others.

Management of Biohazardous Waste

Hospital Clinica Biblica employs avant-garde technology for the proper treatment and disposal of biohazardous materials and sharps.  The RotoclaveR is world-class advanced technology, and is considered by many experts to be the "only true solution" for the treatment of biohazardous waste.  The key to this technology lies in the rotating internal cylinder, which is what allows for the "complete sterilization" obtained through this treatment process.  It is also environmentally safe, since it utilizes steam as the only treatment agent, instead of chemicals.

The use of this equipment is relatively simple:  First, the biohazardous waste is deposited in the Rotoclave (autoclave chamber), where a worm drive rotates in one direction along with the steam sterilization.  Then the worm drive reverses direction, in order to return the sterilized waste to the chamber.  The sterilized waste is then removed and transported to a triturating unit, independent of the Rotoclave.  Finally, the shredded waste is removed from this system and stored, awaiting transport to a landfill.

Recycling

The Hospital employs a recycling program with various categories, thereby ensuring the reprocessing, reutilization, and proper use of each waste product.  The following is a list of the types of recyclable materials that are reprocessed: 

• Paper
• Cardboard
• Cartonboard
• Plastic
• Aluminum
• Glass
• Tetrabrick
• Ink Cartridges

This recycling program includes a Community Recycling Center, using a new and unique module called Nodo 360 (360 Node).

Emergency Preparation

Hospital Clinica Biblica Clinica Biblica employs protocols for a timely response in case of an emergency, whether this is a fire, an earthquake, or a medical emergency.   If an emergency should occur, the Hospital has the resources and skilled personnel in place for containment and prevention of further events, as well as for the implementation of emergency response efforts, with the ultimate objective of ensuring a safe environment for its patients, visitors, and employees.  All buildings have the following:

• Electric generators
• Reservoir tanks for potable water and fire-fighting network
• Fixed fire-extinguishing systems and portable fire extinguishers
• Communication equipment 
• Fire alarm
• Patient transport equipment
• Personal protection equipment
• Emergency response team
• AED's (Automated External Defibrillator)
  

The hospital staff receives training in the proper execution of emergency protocols.  In case of a Code Blue or cardiac arrest emergency, there are AEDs (Automated External Defibrillator) available in different areas of the Hospital.  Hospital personnel have been trained in the use of AEDs and corresponding maneuvers.  Emergency drills and practical training is a regular part of the Hospital's training and continuous improvement program.