Sharps are pretty commonplace in many medical facilities. After all, you need needles to draw blood, administer medications, and save lives. Disposing of these accessories properly is more than good practice, it's highly regulated and vital for maintaining public safety. Today we're going to be talking about sharps management in a little more detail so that you can be confident in your facility's practices. Let's take a look.

Which Items are Included in the “Sharps” Category?

Sharps, as we have mentioned include needles and other medical devices that can puncture the skin. Things like scalpels are also considered sharps. However, things like broken capillary tubes, broken lass, and the exposed ends of dental wires may also fall under this definition and must be disposed of appropriately. Basically, you should be careful of any contaminated object that can penetrate the skin.

What Makes Sharps so Dangerous?

When you dispose of sharps, simply tossing them into the trash can isn't going to cut it. After all, the needles and other sharps will easily puncture a traditional plastic bag and potentially harm anyone handling them. Sharps must be disposed of in puncture-proof, leak-proof, closable, and clearly labeled containers. This must be done to limit potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens like HBV, HCV, and HIV. The National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health has suggested that about 42% of needlestick injuries experienced by hospital staff and other personnel are associated with butterfly needles and hypodermic needles, which are commonly exposed to bloodborne pathogens.

What Can You Do To Dispose of Sharps Properly?

As we've stated, sharps must be disposed of in a leak-proof, puncture-proof, closed, and clearly labeled container. The simplest way to accomplish this is to work with a hazardous waste disposal company who can address your needs on an ongoing basis. Along with that, you will need to ensure that your staff are all properly trained in handling and disposing of sharps and biohazardous materials to prevent potential dangers and outbreaks to the public. Your waste is your responsibility even after it has left your facility, so make sure you're working with a dependable waste management company.

BWS is Your Partner for Hazardous Waste Removal

If you're looking for a company with a flawless compliance record, long history of happy customers, and excellent service then look no further than BWS. We have been in business since 1987 without a single incident of noncompliance. So, find out what it means to work with a dependable medical waste management company. Contact us today for more information.

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