If you work in an environment that involves using sharp clinical objects then no doubt you will be aware of how important it is that they are disposed of correctly. So, what ways can you ensure a Safe Disposal Of Sharps? It will be beneficial to you and your employees that you are fully aware of safe disposal of sharp objects. In order to be able to ensure safe disposal of sharps it will be in your best interest to fully understand just what is entailed with sharp objects and exactly what they include.
What Are Sharps?
Hospital sharps have many different varieties, when talking about sharps it is ultimately referring to objects or devices that are capable of causing punctures or lacerating the skin. Sharps waste is classified as biohazardous waste and this means that it must be carefully handled. Common medical materials treated as sharps waste are hypodermic needles, disposable scalpels and blades, contaminated glass and certain plastics, and guidewires used in surgery. In addition to needles and blades, anything attached to them, such as syringes and injection devices, is also considered sharps waste. When talking about blades these can include razors, scalpels, knives, scissors, or any other medical items used for cutting in a medical setting, regardless of if they have been contaminated with biohazardous material. While glass and sharp plastic are considered sharps waste, their handling methods can vary. With glass items, if they have been contaminated with a biohazardous material are treated with the same concern as needles and blades, even if unbroken. If glass is contaminated, it is still often treated as a sharp, because it can break during the disposal process.
How are Sharps Disposed Of Safely?
It cannot be stressed enough how extremely important safe disposal of sharps waste is. The safest way to dispose of sharps is to use a sharps container, this means that once the sharp is placed inside the container it cannot be taken back out. It is self-locking and sealable which restricts leaking and again limits contamination. When sharps are put into the sharp bin, they too need to be disposed of into a larger bin correctly and as quickly as possible. The longer a sharps container sits around in a working environment the more risk it adds. The safest way to dispose of sharp is to do so quickly and efficiently.
Make Collection Arrangements Regularly
By having a waste management disposal company make regular collections for sharp disposal you can rest assured knowing that the working environment is clean and safe. When disposing of sharps outdoors the waste disposal company then take the pressure away by taking sharp waste efficiently. Knowing that you are doing your best to keep risk levels as low as possible and working towards keeping the working environment clean and safe will help yourself and all those working alongside you. Always make sure that you never minimalize the importance of safe waste disposal of sharp objects,