Last Updated: November 10, 2022 11:19:05 AM PST Learn how to properly manage sharps. Sharps are devices or objects with corners, edges, or projections capable of cutting or piercing skin or regular waste bags. State and local laws regulate the disposal of sharps to protect waste handlers from both physical and contamination
hazards. Examples of sharps include: Plastic and glass containers that may pierce a bag should be in an appropriate rigid container. Review the
Empty Research Container Management page for disposal guidelines for those items. General Transport, Storage and Use GuidelinesUse, store, transport and dispose of sharps in a manner to reduce potential exposures:
DisposalSeparating sharps by type of contamination is required by law. For disposal purposes, there are 5 kinds of sharps:
Whether contaminated or not, specific packaging and container restrictions apply. Follow specific disposal procedures below in each section. Improper Disposal?If the lab finds improperly disposed sharps, the following actions can be taken to secure and dispose of the sharp:
If the sharps cannot be disposed right away or hazard associated with the sharp is unknown, secure and cordon off the container (to prevent continued use/handling). Contact for hazard evaluation and waste disposal determination/process. Educate personnel on proper sharps disposal. Report this as a near miss if source of improper disposal is unknown. Non-contaminatedThese sharps must be free of any biohazard, chemical, or radioactive contamination.
Note: Custodial staff will not collect boxes of broken glass weighing more than 50 pounds. Biohazardous contaminatedBiohazardous contaminated sharps are sharps that have come into contact with infectious agents, transgenic animals, zoonotic agents, environmental pathogens, human and non-human primate cells, tissues, organs, and recombinant or synthetic nucleic acids.
Read Biohazardous and Medical Waste Overview for more information about biohazardous waste disposal. See Biohazardous Containers and Bags for more details. Find approved biohazard bags, sharps containers, plastic pasteur pipets and needles for your lab. The Research Safety Buyer's Guide is updated with products that meet ASTM and other regulatory standards. Chemically contaminatedThese sharps have chemical contamination only — no radioactive or infectious contaminants.
RadioactiveThese are sharps contaminated with radioactive materials. They may also be contaminated with chemical or infectious materials, but must be handled first as radioactive waste.
Laboratory glasswareLaboratory glassware can easily cause injuries. Ensure that others aren't injured by improperly disposed of broken glass. See Empty Container Management page for detailed information when handling and glassware. TrainingGet trained before using sharp devices. Improper use and poor technique can increase your risk of a sharps exposure or other injuries. Receive proper training from senior personnel on techniques and equipment specific to your lab setting before conducting a procedure involving biological or other hazardous materials. Contact an EH&S RAP member if you need more assistance. Notice: Disposal of hazardous waste using sinks, intentional evaporation, or as regular trash is against the law. Campus laboratories must abide by strict state and federal waste disposal requirements. You may be held liable for violations of applicable laws. Which of the following should a medical assistant place in a regular waste container?According to OSHA's guidelines for proper waste disposal, which of the following should a medical assistant place in a regular waste container? An empty urine container.
Which of these items should be placed in the sharps container quizlet?which of these items should be placed in the sharps container? (cover slips (cover glasses) should be placed in a sharps container for disposal since they are sharp and may pose of risk.
Which of the following actions should a medical assistant take prior to obtaining an ECG tracing?Before performing the EKG, the medical assistant will want to make sure that no other machines in the room are causing any electric interference. The medical assistant will turn on the EKG machine and explain the procedure to the patient, answering any questions the patient may have.
What type of gloves are used for most medical assistant tasks?Vinyl gloves can be used for brief patient contact but nitrile gloves provide greater barrier protection for extended patient care activities or those requiring more manual dexterity. Local health agencies can select either vinyl or nitrile products for their clinical functions.
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