How to safely dispose of sharps
“If you don’t think it is safe, it probably isn’t.”
Always consider these aspects
Sharps containers should be stored above knee level and below shoulder level. Do not place them on the floor, windowsills or above shoulder level.[1]
Take a sharps box whenever possible to the point of use so that any sharps can be disposed of immediately.[2]
Place contaminated sharps in disposal containers approved to EN ISO 23907, immediately after use.[1]
Do not try to retrieve items from a sharps container.[1]
Do not try to press sharps down to make more room.[1]
Do not use makeshift containers, e.g. drinks cans, bottles, cardboard boxes, for sharps disposal. They may find their way into domestic waste, presenting a hazard to refuse workers and members of the public.[1]
Ensure sharps boxes are correctly assembled and the identification label on the box is signed by the person assembling it.[2]
Ensure that the lid is closed in the correct manner for that container and the identification record on the box is completed.[2]
Lock the container when it is threequarters full using the irreversible closure mechanism.[1]
Place damaged sharps containers inside a larger sharps container. Lock and label the container with premises/departmental address prior to disposal.[1]
Close the aperture to the sharps container when carrying or if left temporary opening of, to prevent spillage or tampering.[1]
Keep all sharps waste in a designated, secure area until it is collected.[1]
Carry sharps containers by the handle, away from the body.[1]
[1] Avoiding sharps injuries - Blood borne viruses (BBV). https://www.hse.gov.uk/biosafety/blood-borne-viruses/avoiding-sharps-injuries.htm
[2] Sharps Management, Needle-Stick Injuries and Exposure to Blood Borne Viruses Procedure ICPr005. https://www.nhft.nhs.uk/download.cfm?doc=docm93jijm4n12848.pdf&ver=30645
This product information is addressed exclusively to healthcare professionals. Devices of Greiner Bio-One are to be used by properly trained healthcare professionals only in accordance with the relevant Instructions for Use (IFU). For a listing of indications, contraindications, precautions and warnings, please refer to the Instructions for Use which accompanies each product or is available for download from our website at www.gbo.com (Download Center).. For more information contact your local Greiner Bio-One sales representative or visit our website.
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Disclaimer
This product information is addressed exclusively to healthcare professionals. Devices of Greiner Bio-One are to be used by properly trained healthcare professionals only in accordance with the relevant Instructions for Use (IFU). For a listing of indications, contraindications, precautions and warnings, please refer to the Instructions for Use which accompanies each product or is available for download from our website at www.gbo.com (Download Center). For more information contact your local Greiner Bio-One sales representative or visit our website.
All information is provided without guarantee despite careful processing. Any liability, warranty or guarantee of Greiner Bio-One GmbH is excluded. All rights, errors and changes are reserved. If not stated otherwise, Greiner Bio-One GmbH has all copyrights and/or other (user-)rights in this documents, in particular to signs such as the mentioned (word-picture-)brands and logos. Any use, duplication or any other use of the rights of Greiner Bio-One GmbH is expressly prohibited.
Testimonials appearing on this blog communicate their individual experiences regarding the use of our products and/or services. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the interview partner; they do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Greiner Bio-One.
This information partly expresses opinions of our customers and/or experiences of individuals and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Greiner Bio-One.
Media owner and publisher: Greiner Bio-One GmbH, Bad Haller Str. 32, 4550 Kremsmünster
