Proper Disposal of Sharps Waste Is Essential.
Many facilities use medical equipment or tools such as syringes, needles, scalpels and laboratory slides. In such places, it is important that anyone dealing with these sharps and other types of potentially infectious waste should be familiar with proper methods of handling, segregation and disposal. Failing to do so, could expose healthcare providers and the general public to the risks of infection. In serious cases, it could also lead to severe legal consequences that may not be just limited to paying fines.
What Are Sharps?
Sharps are defined as any object with sharp edges or points that can cut or puncture skin. Used sharps tend to contain pathogens and contaminants. It is these deadly pathogens and contaminants that pose a serious risk to human health and the environment.
Commonly Used Types of Sharps Devices
Medical sharps include disposable scalpels, scalpel blades, lancets, disposable syringes, hypodermic needles and suture needles. Connection needles/sets, auto injectors and infusion sets are also some of the types of sharps devices most commonly involved in sharps injuries.
Sharps devices may be used to manage the medical conditions of people or their pets, at home, at work, and while travelling. Sharps devices are used to administer medication for migraines, diabetes, allergies, infertility, cancer, arthritis, osteoporosis, hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis and blood clotting disorders.
Sharps are used in homes, in healthcare activities, during medical research, for veterinary care, for drug administration, as well as in workplaces such as tattoo parlours.
Sharps devices may be used to manage the medical conditions of people or their pets, at home, at work, and while travelling. Sharps devices are used to administer medication for migraines, diabetes, allergies, infertility, cancer, arthritis, osteoporosis, hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis and blood clotting disorders.
Sharps are used in homes, in healthcare activities, during medical research, for veterinary care, for drug administration, as well as in workplaces such as tattoo parlours.
Improper Disposal of Sharps Increases Risk of Contamination
Dealing with biohazards or biomedical waste always has a certain amount of risk and danger to it. One of the main risks is transmission of a number of diseases that include
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. There are a number of additional pathogens, bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that can include diseases such as herpes, diphtheria, Staphylococcus aureus and tuberculosis.
If not disposed of safely, used needles and other sharps are dangerous to people and pets. Improperly disposed sharps waste can injure people and spread infections that cause serious health conditions.
If not disposed of safely, used needles and other sharps are dangerous to people and pets. Improperly disposed sharps waste can injure people and spread infections that cause serious health conditions.
Safe Sharps Disposal Is Important
Sharps are likely to be contaminated and have the potential to cause injury if they penetrate the skin. Persons handling sharps and the general population could be exposed to potential bloodborne infections and at risk of infection or illness.
Therefore, following safe procedures when using and disposing of sharps is essential.
Dangerous medical waste may seem to comprise only a small percentage of the waste in a medical facility. However, if it is neglected, its impact can become significant.
Sharps waste should be stored in designated sharps waste containers. Ensure that these containers are kept permanently upright. To avoid damage, contamination and spillage, sharps waste containers should be kept elevated from the ground. In areas where bulky sharps are used or rapid deposition is required, such as operating rooms and laboratories, discarded sharps should be secured. Medical facilities should implement a safe and environmentally responsible sharps management system. Safe sharps disposal helps to eliminate risk during handling and transfer of all waste.
Sharps waste should be stored in designated sharps waste containers. Ensure that these containers are kept permanently upright. To avoid damage, contamination and spillage, sharps waste containers should be kept elevated from the ground. In areas where bulky sharps are used or rapid deposition is required, such as operating rooms and laboratories, discarded sharps should be secured. Medical facilities should implement a safe and environmentally responsible sharps management system. Safe sharps disposal helps to eliminate risk during handling and transfer of all waste.
Bio-Cleanse Pty Ltd Offers Comprehensive Sharps Cleanup
Bio-Cleanse Pty Ltd has highly experienced and skilled technicians for needles, syringes and other sharps cleanup. We can safely and efficiently handle bio-cleaning of biohazardous waste and contaminated material.
When you contact Bio-Cleanse for sharps cleanup, we ensure that no-one’s health is compromised. Our teams use all the latest equipment to get the job done right.
Contact us at 0409 037 634 or email at bryan@biositecleanup.com.au for sharps cleanup services. We operate 24×7 in Bowral, Mittagong, Moss Vale, Goulburn and Canberra.
Contact us at 0409 037 634 or email at bryan@biositecleanup.com.au for sharps cleanup services. We operate 24×7 in Bowral, Mittagong, Moss Vale, Goulburn and Canberra.