Proper sharps disposal in health care is more crucial than ever, especially given the hazards of disease transmission. This article discusses the fundamental concerns surrounding sharps containers, such as design features, container use, and future safety requirements. A simple solution that meets all requirements may never be accessible, and additional study to get the safest design is still required. Although an ultimate design may emerge, educating all sharps users about safety will always be vital. Trihaz Solutions will assist in minimizing sharp injuries by providing safe and effective sharps collection services to healthcare facilities.
What Is Sharps Waste Disposal?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines a "sharp" as any object capable of puncturing human skin. Sharps are defined as scalpels, needles, and capillary tubes, but any device that can break the skin should be considered a medical sharps.
Sharps waste is an object capable of penetrating the skin and polluted with bodily fluids such as blood. Sharp waste can also be referred to as "contaminated sharps."
Sharps waste can result in serious injuries and spread bloodborne illnesses like HIV. There are more than 18 million healthcare workers in the United States. Contaminated sharps pose a risk to every worker who handles medical equipment.
If you need to find out whether a thing is infected, treat it as sharp waste.
Proper handling and disposal of sharps can assist in reducing the incidence of needlestick injuries. The procedural tray should be set up during radiological procedures to reduce the likelihood of needlestick injuries. This includes establishing a predefined location on the tray for used and unused sharps, with sharps facing the same direction.
A foam block is commonly available on procedural trays as a temporary sharps holder. Still, it should only be used for smaller items, such as scalpels or hypodermic needles, rather than large items, such as a core-biopsy device, which has a heavy handle and can cause the foam block to tip and knock over the tray. When a sharp object is no longer required, it should be placed in its designated area on the tray and disposed of in a sharps disposal receptacle that is within arm's reach.
Strategies For Safe Sharps Container Disposal
1- Understanding the Risks
Improper sharps disposal poses significant risks to human health and the environment. Accidental needle sticks can transmit bloodborne pathogens, while discarded sharps can contaminate soil, water, and air, endangering both humans and animals.
2- Choosing the Right Sharps Container
Selecting the appropriate sharps container is crucial for safety. FDA-cleared containers, designed specifically for sharps, offer the highest level of protection. These puncture-resistant plastic containers with secure lids are the ideal choice. If unavailable, heavy-duty plastic containers with screw-on lids can be used as a temporary alternative, but they are less secure. The container's size should correspond to the volume of sharps generated, and clear labeling is essential.
3- Safe Handling and Filling
Proper handling and filling of sharps containers are vital to prevent accidents. Used sharps should be placed in the container immediately after use to minimize the risk of needle sticks and contamination. Recapping needles is strictly prohibited. Overfilling the container should be avoided, and the lid must be securely closed to prevent leaks and spills.
The method for disposing of sharps containers depends on the location and type of sharps. For household sharps, options include community drop-off programs, mail-back programs, household hazardous waste collection, or residential special waste pick-up services. Healthcare facilities typically have procedures involving on-site sterilization or incineration followed by disposal in medical waste landfills.
Trihaz Solutions provides sharps container pickup and waste disposal services to healthcare facilities. We can help you with pharmaceutical waste removal and safe, leak-proof sharps containers for your office. Contact us to find out more about sharp container disposal near me.
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