Sharps Disposal In Public Spaces for Self-injectors

Safe needle disposal collection containers for public areas is a compliant solution for self-injectors who rely on safe disposal.

There are many patients across the country who have to self-inject medication for one reason or another. Thanks to advancement in medical technology, self-injecting is easier and safer than ever.  Of course, it poses a health risk for those who have to inject and dispose of their sharps on the go in public places. Here’s why that’s an issue and what can be done about it.

Bloodborne Pathogens Standard

Bloodborne pathogens are an occupational hazard for healthcare workers and other employees who may be exposed to blood and other potentially infectious materials as a result from the performance of their duties. According to OSHA, a bloodborne pathogen simply refers to “…pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans.”

Unsafe medical practices, such as improper injection administration and disposal can lead to increased risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens, including hepatitis c, hepatitis b, and HIV, just to name a few.  Of course, this also applies to those who self-inject and need to dispose of their sharps.

Fast Facts About Bloodborne Pathogens

• According to the CDC, the primary pathogens for concern are the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV).
• According to the American Society for Microbiology, blood-borne pathogen transmission occurs predominantly by percutaneous (effected through the skin) or mucosal exposure of workers to the blood or body fluids of infected patients.

How to Help Those Who Rely on Self-injections

Having to self-inject is a matter of staying healthy for many, but staying healthy must also include the community at large.  For employers and other public spaces, simply having a sharps container in restrooms can mitigate infection and provide a safe disposal system for those who need their medication on the go.

According to the FDA, sharps disposal guidelines state:

• Used sharps can only be disposed of in a sharps container
• Sharps containers may be purchased from supply companies, such as Red Bags
• Sharps containers must be rigid, puncture-proof, and have lids that seal securely

By providing an approved sharps container, you’re helping those who self-inject maintain their health and keep your facility clean, compliant, and safe.

Learn more about medical waste containers here.

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• Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan
• What’s Going in That Sharps Container?
• Medical Waste Around the World

 

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