Special Considerations for Medical Waste Sharps Disposal

This blog entry provides an overview of proper sharps disposal in hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and other medical environments. Q&As include:

1. What precisely is a medical “sharp?”
2. What are some examples of medical sharps?
3. What is the standard protocol for disposing of medical sharps?
4. How common are sharps in medicine?
5. How big a problem is sharps in hospitals and clinics?
6. What kind of schedule is best for sharps-disposal?
7. What are the federal requirements for sharps containers?
8. Are state and federal requirements the same for sharps containers?
9. What kinds of different sharp containers do you need?
10. Where can you find help & advice about proper sharps disposal?

1. What precisely is a medical “sharp?”

This is one of those rare & wonderful cases where a medical term makes prima facie sense. Which is to say, the straightforward name “sharp” is the preferred moniker for anything that sports a point or an edge that can puncture or incise skin—whether by design or accident. Thus: sharp.

2. What are some examples of medical sharps?

We’re talking here about needles, syringes, lancets, auto-injectors, infusion sets, and connection needles/sets—all of which you just can’t throw into the nearest wastebasket without incurring the well-deserved wrath of your local janitor or housekeeper—not to mention tort liability.

3. What is the standard protocol for disposing of medical sharps?

Sharps must be dispatched into a container immediately after use—one that’s specifically designed for just that purpose. This is to minimize the primary risk of accidental cuts or punctures, and the secondary risk of spreading disease by way of such wounds.

4. How common are sharps in medicine?

In a word: very. People with allergies, arthritis, blood clotting, cancer, diabetes, hepatitis, infertility, migraines, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, or psoriasis typically have to use sharps as part of their therapeutic regimen.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about 16 billion hypodermic injections are administered yearly. And doing the math, as about four percent of humanity resides in the USA, that’s about 640 million “needles” per year needing sharps disposal, domestically speaking.

Given such ubiquity, it’s not a surprise that how a hospital, clinic, or pharmacy manages sharps?disposal is of particular interest to the EPA, FDA, and OSHA, as well as other state and regional authorities.

5. How big a problem is sharps in hospitals and clinics?

Per OSHA, improper sharps disposal is a significant cause of injury in the workplace, typically due to bad or problematic practices, not enough nearby and convenient sharps containers, containers that are overfilled, or using the wrong kind of container for a given device (e.g., disposable scalpels).

Onsite, if loose sharps are poking through plastic garbage bags, janitors and housekeepers might incur puncture wounds—and consequently contract HIV, hepatitis, or other bloodborne diseases. Offsite, sanitation personnel are at risk should an out-of-compliance sharps container rupture inside or outside a garbage truck.

6.  What kind of schedule is best for sharps disposal?

Designing a compliant, efficient, and cost-effective sharps disposal schedule for your hospital, clinic, or pharmacy necessarily begins with projecting your volume and determining a suitable collection frequency relative to that amount.

Too many waste disposal companies simply collect sharps on a monthly or weekly schedule. This accommodates their operational needs rather than those of your hospital, clinic, or pharmacy.

In contrast, calculating the likely number of spent sharps you’ll generate—and establishing a service frequency that specifically accommodates that projection—will effectively minimize your collection costs and diminish your service interruptions.

In fact, when you take into account the comings & goings of fuel-burning service vehicles, a well-designed sharps disposal schedule can even reduce your carbon footprint.

7. What are the federal requirements for sharps containers?

From the perspective of patient safety, the FDA requires sharps containers to be made of a heavy-duty plastic, be closable with a tight-fitting/puncture-resistant lid, remain upright & stable during use, and be properly labeled to warn of the hazardous waste inside the container.

As to safety in the workplace, OSHA wants sharps containers to be closable, puncture-resistant, leakproof on sides and bottom, and likewise properly labeled or color-coded in accordance with Standard [29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(A)].

8. Are state and federal requirements the same for sharps containers?

Federal requirements about the segregation, containment, and labeling of used sharps are generally in accord with those of most states. But there are nonetheless differences that make it prudent to get expert advice according to your location.

In general, however, there are four principles to keep in mind for your sharps containers:

• Functionality. Containers should be puncture-resistant, durable, of appropriate size and shape, and have secure closure.
• Accessibility. Containers should be upright, kept away from obstructed areas, and easy to use without spilling their contents.
• Visibility. Containers should be clearly visible and designed so that their fill status is easily seen.
• Containers should require minimal personnel training and easily accommodate one-handed disposal of sharps.
9. What kinds of different sharp containers do you need?

The different physical and/or operational aspects endemic to a hospital, clinic, or pharmacy will suggest one or another kind of sharps container for onsite storage between collections. There are countertop containers, wall?mounted containers, transportable containers, “first-aid only” containers, etc.

You can get expert advice about what kinds of sharps containers are most suitable for your type of facility here.

10. Where can you find help & advice about proper sharps disposal?

The company that manages your sharps-disposal program fulfills a crucial role in maintaining the continuity of your patient services; controlling infection; and keeping your hospital, clinic, or pharmacy in legal compliance with federal and state laws.

Don’t take chances.

Hazardous Waste Experts is a national leader in medical waste management, offering unsurpassed experience in the design and execution of sharps disposal programs.

Get more information now. And thank you for reading our blog!