Sharps Bins - Kernow Clinical Waste

Sharps Bins: Your Guide to Safe Disposal

Sharps bins are specially designed containers used for the safe disposal of medical waste known as "sharps." These include any items with sharp edges or points that can puncture or cut the skin, such as needles, syringes, scalpels, and razor blades.

What is Classed as Sharps?

Sharps encompass a variety of items used in medical and healthcare settings. Common examples include:

Needles and syringes
Scalpel blades
Lancets
Broken glass (e.g., vials)
Razor blades
Metal wires, pins, and staples

Different Coloured Lids and Their Meanings

Sharps bins come with colour-coded lids to ensure proper segregation and disposal of waste, reducing the risk of injury and contamination. Here’s what the different colours signify:

Yellow Lidded Bins: For sharps contaminated with medicinal products (excluding cytotoxic and cytostatic medicines).
Orange Lidded Bins: For non-contaminated sharps, such as unused needles or scalpels.
Blue Lidded Bins: For non-sharp pharmaceutical waste, like expired medications.
Purple Lidded Bins: For cytotoxic and cytostatic medicines.
Red Lidded Bins: For anatomical waste, such as body parts or recognisable anatomical items.

Code of Practice

The safe disposal of sharps is governed by the Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013. This code of practice outlines the responsibilities of employers and employees to ensure the safe use and disposal of sharps. Key points include:

Providing appropriate sharps disposal units in workplaces where it is reasonably practicable.
Ensuring all staff are trained in the correct handling and disposal of sharps.
Minimising the use of sharps and using them only when necessary.
Properly segregating and disposing of sharps waste to prevent injuries and cross-contamination.

Sizes Available

Sharps bins come in various sizes to suit different needs:

1 litre
2.5 litres
5 litres
7 litres
11.5 litres
22 litres
50 litres

How They Are Used

To use a sharps bin, simply place the sharps waste into the container through the opening. Use the half lock until full, when you must then ensure the lid is securely closed to prevent accidental needlestick injuries. Then simply contact us for a collection/exchange unless on a set schedule.

Safety Features

Sharps bins are designed with safety in mind. They feature:

Needle-impenetrable plasticto prevent needlestick injuries.
Gravity-balanced safety trayfor risk-free sharps disposal.
Inbuilt overfill protection mechanismto prevent overfilling.

Collections to Suit the Customer

We offer flexible collection services to suit your needs, ensuring that sharps waste is disposed of safely and efficiently. Whether you’re a small clinic or a large hospital, we have a solution for you.

Types of Businesses That Use Sharps Bins

Sharps bins are essential for various businesses, including:

Healthcare facilities (hospitals, clinics, GP practices)
Tattoo and body piercing studios
Veterinary clinics
Beauty salons
Research laboratories

Environmental Considerations

Our sharps bins are made from recycled plastic, making them an environmentally friendly option. By choosing our bins, you’re not only ensuring safety but also helping to reduce your carbon footprint.

Current Legislation

The disposal of sharps waste in the UK is governed by several key pieces of legislation, including:

Environmental Protection Act 1990
Controlled Waste Regulations 2012
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2005
Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009

Process and Legal Responsibilities

The process involves:

Conducting a risk assessment to identify potential hazards.
Providing training for employees on safe handling and disposal.
Using appropriate sharps bins and ensuring they are easily accessible.
Engaging a licensed waste carrier for disposal.
Maintaining records of waste disposal.

Ease of Use

Using a local company for sharps disposal is easy and convenient. We provide clear instructions and support to ensure that the process is straightforward and hassle-free.

By following these guidelines, organisations can create a safer environment for both employees, reducing the risk of sharps-related injuries and infections.