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Safety and Health Information Bulletins (SHIBs) - Table of Contents by Year |
Printing Instructions
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U. S. Department of Labor
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Directorate of Science, Technology and Medicine
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Sharps Disposal Containers with Needle Removal
Features
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Hazard Information Bulletin |
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March 12, 1993
MEMORANDUM FOR: |
REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS |
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THROUGH: |
LEO CAREY
Director
Office of Field Programs |
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FROM: |
PATRICIA K. CLARK
Director
Directorate of Technical Support |
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SUBJECT: |
Hazard Information Bulletin1 - Sharps Disposal Containers with Needle Removal Features |
The purpose of this bulletin is to alert field personnel to the possible
safety and health risks that may arise with the use of some sharps disposal
containers that incorporate an "unwinder" mechanism to accomplish needle
removal. Unwinders are used to separate needles from syringes or phlebotomy
needles from blood collection ("vacutainer") apparatus.
In general, sharps containers used for discarding contaminated needles must
be closable, puncture-resistant, leakproof on the sides and bottom, and
appropriately labeled or color coded (1910.1030(d)(4)
(iii)(A)1).
Additionally, the Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
(1910.1030) prohibits needle removal unless the employer can demonstrate that
no alternative is feasible or that such action is required by a specific
medical procedure. Needle removal must be accomplished through the use of a
mechanical device or a properly performed one-handed technique
(1910.1030(d)(2)(vii)(B)). Sharps containers which have well designed
unwinders may be used.
However, it has recently come to our attention that some sharps containers
do not have well designed unwinders and, therefore, do not meet the intent of
the engineering and work practice controls provision of the standard. The
design of some of these needle unwinders can cause needle stick injuries when
the container becomes overfilled, or when the unwinder fails to properly
secure the needle during the removal process.
As stated in OSHA Instruction CPL 2-2.44C, "Enforcement Procedures for the
Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens Standard," needle removal
devices should not create additional hazards. The design of the sharps
container and the location of the unwinder must allow the needle removal to
be accomplished in a safe one-handed manner. In addition to the above
mentioned safety characteristics, evaluation of such sharps containers should
also consider the following safety features:
1. The sharps container should be designed so that it is easily and safely
determined when the container needs to be emptied; this avoids overfilling
and reduces the risk of injury.
2. The sharps container with an unwinder should be stabilized (secured to
a wall, table, or tray) to prevent slipping during use.
3. The design of the unwinder must allow the employee to use the unwinder
with a one-handed technique; that is, the employee must not be required to
secure the needle with one hand while it is being unwound by the other hand.
4. The unwinder should be designed so that the needles do not slip or
slide within the unwinder during the needle removal process; the unwinder
should provide a secure capture that prevents movement of the needle while it
is removed.
OSHA recommends that procedures requiring needle removal be carefully
evaluated to determine the feasibility of equipment redesign or changes in
work practices.
Please distribute this bulletin to all Area Offices, State Plan States,
Consultation Projects and appropriate local labor and industry associations.
References
1 The Directorate of Technical Support issues Hazard
Information Bulletins (HIBs) in accordance with OSHA Instruction CPL 2.65
to provide relevant information regarding unrecognized or misunderstood
health hazards, inadequacies of materials, devices, techniques, and safety
engineering controls. HIBs are initiated based on information provided by
the field staff, studies, reports and concerns expressed by safety and health
professionals, employers, and the public. Information is complied based on a
thorough evaluation of available facts, literature and in coordination with
appropriate parties. [Back to Text]
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