What a reusable sharps container still cannot do

What OSHA still prohibits?

Reusable containers shall not be opened, emptied, or cleaned manually or in any other manner which would expose employees to the risk of percutaneous injury. That is 29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(A)(4). The container must still be closable, puncture resistant, leakproof on the sides and bottom, and labeled or color-coded while it is in use.

What does FDA say about a full container?

FDA says healthcare facility sharps containers are marked at about three-fourths full. Close and seal them at that point, following the manufacturer instructions, the facility policy, the vendor instructions, and local disposal guidelines. Do not open, empty, or manually clean a full container.

How is that different from the OSHA fill rule?

OSHA requires the container to be maintained upright and replaced routinely so it is not overfilled. FDA describes the three-fourths mark on the container. Use both. Do not treat the FDA mark as permission to exceed the OSHA overfill limit.

What should a reusable program quote include?

Ask who closes the container, who removes it, and who is prohibited from cleaning it on site. Sharps management options are the request path on this site.

• Rooms or chairs that need a container
• Current size and how often it fills
• Whether the program is reusable exchange or another supply model
• Who is allowed to handle a full container

What this page does not approve

This guide does not clear a container, certify a reusable program, or replace the manufacturer instructions. Confirm the device and the exchange steps with the provider.