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Sharps Bin Disposal

Sharps bin disposal and handling for medical devices like needles, scalpels, and other tools that cut or go into the skin. Learning how to safely handle sharps for safe disposal is important to prevent accidental needle sticks and cuts.

Sharps Bin Disposal and Handling and Injury Prevention

sharps bin disposal
Yellow bin 1 litre

Sharps bin disposal and handling is important and before you use a sharp object, such as a needle or scalpel, make sure you have all the items you need close by.

This may include items like a sharps disposal bin, alcohol swabs, gauze, and bandages. Also know where the sharps disposal container is. Firstly check to make sure that there is enough room in the sharps bin for your object to fit.

The sharps bin should not be more than 2/3 full. Some needles have a protective device, such as a needle shield, sheath, or blunting, that you activate after you remove the needle from the patient.

This allows you to safely handle the needle without the risk of exposing yourself to blood or body fluids. If you are using this kind of needle. Make sure you know how it works before you use it.

Purchase Your Bin 

Ordering your Sharps Bin is simple. Orders are despatched to UK mainland only 

Handling Guidelines

Follow these guidelines when you work with sharps:

  • Do not uncover or unwrap the sharp object until it is time to use it.
  • Keep a suitable sharps bin disposal units close by
  • Keep the object pointed away from you at all times.
  • Never recap or bend a sharp object.
  • Keep your fingers away from the tip of the object.
  • If the object is reusable, put it in a secure, closed container after you use it.
  • Never pass a sharp object to someone else or put it on a tray for another person to pick up.
  • Tell the people you are working with when you plan to set the object down or pick it up.
    sharps bin
    sharps bin

Disposal

Make sure the Sharps Bin Disposal container is made for disposing of sharp objects, replace your sharps bin or sharps containers when they are 2/3 full.

Important things to consider:

  • Arrange for disposal by an authorized company 
  • Never put your fingers into the sharps container.
  • If the needle has tubing attached to it, hold the needle and the tubing when you put it in the sharps container.
  • Sharps bins and containers should be at eye level and within your reach.
  • If a needle is sticking out of the sharps disposal bin, do not push it in with your hands. Call to arrange for the container to be removed by a professional disposal operative trained person may use tongs to push the needle back into the container.
  • If you find an uncovered sharp object outside of a sharps disposal container, it is safe to pick it up only if you can grasp the non-sharp end. If you cannot use tongs to pick it up and dispose of it within the sharps disposal container.
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