A Guide To The Do's and Don'ts of Sharps Disposal
Failure to comply with federal and state rules governing safe sharps disposal and containment measures within your facility's four walls can have serious financial consequences as well as reputational
Failure to comply with federal and state rules governing safe sharps disposal and containment measures within your facility's four walls can have serious financial consequences as well as reputational damage. Any facility, regardless of size or treatment options, is responsible for properly separating healthcare waste and disposing of medical sharps.
To be clear, sharps refer to more than just needles; they also include scalpels, knives, infusion sets, and shattered glass - anything with a sharp edge. A sharp is something that has the ability to penetrate the skin. This is especially true when such goods have come into contact with blood or potentially contagious bodily fluids, or if they endanger humans or the public. Consider appropriate sharps disposal as zombie prevention at the very least. Improperly discarded needles or other sharps not only endanger immediate employees or healthcare workers by increasing the risk of needlestick injury or other sharps injury, but they also have the potential to spread infectious diseases such as hepatitis or the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to the general public.
Guidelines for Sharps Disposal
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established specific standards for the disposal of medical sharps and needles. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also establishes guidelines, legislation, procedures, and regulations for properly segregating, containing, and disposing of sharp waste.
Do's
Follow the requirements for sharps container installation and utilize those containers to reduce sharps harm. The sharps container should be FDA-approved. Furthermore, complete due diligence and become familiar with OSHA rules and state guidelines for not only optimal sharps container placement but also sharps removal service processes.
A sharps container should always be sealed before disposal to reduce the risk of needlestick injury by personnel collecting the waste, as well as during transportation and disposal.
Sharps containers should be properly labeled. Ensure that all federal, state, and municipal guidelines are followed in this regard.
Don’ts
Never, ever, place sharps waste (or an uncapped syringe) in a nonregulated plastic bag, or trashcan, or flush it down the toilet. This applies to all types of healthcare establishments (human or veterinary), as well as home use. Home users who do not have a properly controlled sharps container may temporarily store used sharps or needles in a solid, heavy-duty plastic container such as a laundry detergent or bleach bottle, but it must be clearly labeled and properly disposed of. In such circumstances, consult with local authorities about appropriate disposal techniques.
Be mindful of proper sharps container placement to avoid interaction with youngsters, other adults, or pets. This is essential in any healthcare institution or home setting.
Never put sharps in a recycling container. Because used sharps may have been contaminated with blood or other infectious bodily fluids, they are classified as biohazard trash and will not be recycled.
Rules and Regulations For Proper Sharps Disposal
A variety of governmental bodies, both federal and state, give detailed information on sharps safety. These safety concerns apply to everyone who handles or disposes of sharps. The CDC says that around 385,000 sharps or needlestick injury situations occur each year. These figures are particular to hospital-based settings. This does not apply to other facilities where needles are commonly used, such as:
Clinics
Long-term care or rehabilitation facilities.
Private residences.
Outpatient Centers
Emergency services, such as urgent care.
Guidelines and rules can be perplexing and complex. With decades of industry experience, we can assist. Improper sharps disposal is more than just an "oops," it has serious effects on actual people. Do not take risks that could result in massive fines and other consequences of noncompliance. Call us. Trihaz Solutions is committed to safety and offers advice on ecologically responsible waste segregation, as well as correct sharps container usage, placement, and disposal practices.