Sharps containers

[Tinker Bell Fan]

JMHO - me thinks utterrandomness is trying to start something.

 

[utterrandomness]

Yes, I would like people to start thinking about safety. Sharps containers exist for a reason. But it is you that is starting something, in reviving a thread that no one has posted on in days simply in order to attack me, so I shall respond. Phrases like "in my humble opinion" or "just my humble opinion" are anything but humble and are only inflammatory. Perhaps I am sensitive to the issue because I am very educated regarding a little something called harm reduction. Biological materials can transmit all kinds of things, there is no way to tell what a person used the needle for or what might be on it, and the fact is that people handling containers do not always have time to read labels carefully, so it is important to have a designated, easily recognizable container that is designed with safety in mind.

 

[cm8]

It is extremely important to use a real sharps container for the safety of the people handling it. You are not the only person dealing with the container and everyone has the right to be safe.

I am really uncomfortable with the idea of people using makeshift sharps containers. It is unsafe for the people handling them, who may be unaware that they are handling biological material. Sharps containers are designed specifically to ensure the safety of ALL people handling the container, not just the person using the needles. Even labelled, a re-purposed container poses risks.

]I don't care what the law says, safety says use a proper container[/B].

It's somewhat okay in an emergency, but I really don't think it's a solution for everyday or something that should be part of a plan. A sharps container should always be the first, best choice.

I don't think anyone suggested it as the first line of defense or indicated that it's what they do at home (use a water bottle etc) but using a giant laundry bottle is generally an accepted practice and is pretty much as safe as any other method, especially when the sharps are then being delivered to a drop off facility as is now common in lots of places. Agreed!!! This is what we tell our patients to use

But back on topic - there are plenty of us who have requested sharps containers from housekeeping and plenty of us who never get them, so we have to do something. To me that is being responsible.

Thanks!

Perhaps you should plan to bring a small sharps container with you just in case.

I think we understand clearly what you are stating. Sharps containers are the best way to properly dispose of sharps,

You must sell sharps containers.

I started to think the same thing

JMHO - me thinks utterrandomness is trying to start something.

Yes, I would like people to start thinking about safety. Sharps containers exist for a reason.

But it is you that is starting something, in reviving a thread that no one has posted on in days simply in order to attack me, so I shall respond. Phrases like "in my humble opinion" or "just my humble opinion" are anything but humble and are only inflammatory. Perhaps I am sensitive to the issue because I am very educated regarding a little something called harm reduction. Biological materials can transmit all kinds of things, there is no way to tell what a person used the needle for or what might be on it, and the fact is that people handling containers do not always have time to read labels carefully, so it is important to have a designated, easily recognizable container that is designed with safety in mind.

I am sure that people who have a need for disposing their used medical equipment have been properly trained and educated on the correct way to dispose of bio-hazard waste I think we all understand the need to keep others safe

 

[Belle102498]

When I started this thread I only wanted to know who to contact to get a Sharps container. I had NO IDEA that this would become controversial!

When I was trained (12 years ago) , I also was told to use a laundry detergent bottle...to wrap the lid in duct tape, and then just throw the bottle away. Since then, I have started using Sharps containers because they became available through my Specialty pharmacy. But that is becoming obsolete because now the maker of my meds are giving out needle clippers...You just "clip" the needle off, and throw the syringe part away. There is no longer a need for a laundry bottle or a sharps container.

I guess what I'm saying is that things change and maybe not everyone is aware of the changes. It doesn't make what they do "bad"... It just means they do what they were trained to do...and that training may have been before a change in protocol that others now practice.

Thanks for the information though...ALL the info is very helpful!

 

[SueM in MN]

I am closing this thread because the question has been answered.

As far as 'non-traditional' sharps containers, using a heavy duty empty container, like a liquid laundry soap container, is one of the recommended ways to dispose of sharps. This recommendation in many states comes from the department in charge of hazardous waste.
There are other ways to dispose that are safer and more highly recommended, but it is legal to dispose of sharps in a heavy plastic contain, clearly marked as hardous waste and securely taped shut.
Thin plastic containers, like water bottles are unsafe and not legal.

This resource, from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is very complete and is used as a reference or model by many other states.
http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.ph...isposal-options-for-needles-and-syringes.html