Proper and consistent sharps disposal is an essential step in preserving staff and patient safety. A solid sharps disposal program helps prevent needlestick and other sharps-related injuries, limiting the potential spread of bloodborne pathogens in health care facilities and also the surrounding communities.
Establishing a reliable sharps program requires strategic planning and an appreciation of the applicable regulations. Here are five key steps to guide the implementation of a comprehensive sharps disposal initiative at your facility.
Step One: Understand How Sharps Waste is Regulated
The management of sharps waste is highly regulated due to its potentially hazardous nature. Several regulatory bodies oversee various aspects of sharps waste management. For example, both the Federal and the Provincial Ministries of the Environment govern the impacts of biohazardous waste on the environment, while Transport Canada also oversees how sharps waste is transported. The Canada Labour Code and Provincial Labour Ministries address the worker safety implications regarding bloodborne pathogen transmission and cover topics like proper waste containers, staff training, and injury reporting.
When developing or refining a sharps waste management program, be sure to check provincial regulations first and then examine the federal ones to make certain a program is in full compliance.
Step Two: Select the Appropriate Containers
Sharps waste must be disposed of directly into a puncture-resistant container designed for this purpose. There are Provincial and Federal requirements regarding sharps containers that should be considered when selecting them.
When choosing the right containers, there are a variety of options, including both single-use and reusable options. These containers come in multiple sizes, including 7.5, 15, 30, and 64 litre, and feature different lid styles, such as vertical drop, horizontal drop, and rotating cylinder lids. Healthcare organizations can choose the most appropriate container based on the facility type and location.
Step Three: Be Strategic with Container Locations
Position sharps containers in locations where sharps are most commonly used, such as patient care areas, labs, and pharmacies, to minimize the risk of needlestick injuries.
Containers must be easily accessible to healthcare workers. In some cases, securing a sharps container to a mobile cart can improve accessibility as staff move between rooms. Observing workflow patterns helps identify strategic disposal points that support safe practices without disrupting patient care.
Step Four: Properly Install and Maintain Containers
Proper installation and ongoing maintenance are critical to maintain workplace safety. Sharps containers must remain upright to avoid tipping and should be replaced before they become overfilled.
Partnering with a medical waste management company like Stericycle helps hospitals ensure sharps containers are maintained and not overfilled by providing a full-service sharps waste management program with proactive container exchange.
Step Five: Training and Resources
If healthcare workers do not understand the proper procedures and best practices for managing sharps before, during and after use, they are more likely to make mistakes leading to injuries. All healthcare employees should undergo regular training as determined by the Provincial Ministry of Labour and the related Occupational Health and Safety Acts as well as organization-specific sharps use protocols.
Protecting Healthcare Workers Through Comprehensive Sharps Management
Implementing these five steps creates a foundation for safer work environments when healthcare practitioners are disposing of sharps on a regular basis. A comprehensive approach that combines regulatory compliance, proper equipment selection and placement, optimal installation practices, and ongoing training helps protect the dedicated professionals who care for our communities.
Partnering with a full-service sharps waste management provider can help improve safety by mitigating the risk of needlesticks associated with overfull containers. Learn more about Stericycle's biomedical waste disposal and sharps management services.
This article is for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any specific facts or circumstances.
