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Infectious Diseases
Sharps Containers

If you use sharps in your work you must dispose of them safely. Sharps should be disposed of in an approved sharps container, constructed to BS 7320 1990, and must be disposed of through a waste management company (who will dispose of them safely as category 'b' waste for incineration only). This should be arranged through Workplace Services. We also need to obtain written records of the transfer of clinical waste (i.e. where sharps are used for people or animal work) to the contractor. In BBC premises this will usually be done by BBC Workplace.

Tips on using sharps containers
  • Place needles or blades in a sharps box - take the sharps box to the needle, not the needle to the sharp box (where possible).
  • Do not fill above the horizontal line to indicate when the container is ¾ full.
  • Label the sharps container with date and site of origin.
  • Close container so that lid locks when container is ¾ full or you have finished using sharps.
  • Ensure container is in a safe place where it cannot easily be knocked over or contents spilled.
  • Inform your line manager and contact Facilities Management if you find any needles or blades as soon as possible and report the incident.
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