Sharps Disposal Container Feature Evaluation Form

  • Download the Sharps Disposal Container Feature Evaluation Form as a PDF
  • Date Format: MM slash DD slash YYYY

  • Safe sharps disposal is critical to preventing injuries and exposures. Regular reviews of sharps disposal products, practices, and placement support injury and exposure prevention. This evaluation form should be completed by as many frontline healthcare workers as can be accommodated whose assigned duties require handling, use, or transport of sharps and needles. Frontline workers should evaluate sharps disposal products using a broad variety types of sharps and needles used in their department.

    The completion of this evaluation and review is designed to assist employers with the requirements set forth in the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030(c)(1)(v), (d)(4)(iii), and (g)(1)(i)).

  • Please select the most appropriate answer for each question. Not applicable (N/A) may be used if the question does not apply to this particular product.
  • General Considerations for Sharps Disposal Containers:
  • Strongly agreeAgreeNeutralDisagreeStrongly disagreeNA
    1. Container is closable.
    2. Container is puncture resistant.
    3. The container is leakproof on sides and bottom and is constructed to contain all contents and prevent leakage of fluids during handling, storage, transport or shipping.
    4. Sharps container is clearly labeled with a biohazard symbol and color-coded (red, orange/red).
    5. The purpose and intended use of the container is evident at a glance to all users in all typical positions.
    6. The fill level indicator and sharps fill level can easily be visualized at a glance.
    7. It is self-evident to users where and how sharps will be placed safely inside the container.
    8. The container(s) can accept all sizes and shapes of all sharps used in your department, (often 2+ sizes / types are required to meet department needs, e.g., wall-mount for needles & larger floor style for trocars)
    9. The overall disposal volume of the container selected for your department meets your review and exchange schedules and intervals (i.e., it is large enough to not over-fill between exchanges).
    10. Sharps can go into the container without risk of getting caught on the opening.
    11. Sharps can be easily disposed using a one-hand technique from right-hand or left-hand directions.
    12. In patient-access area applications, containers are designed to discourage / prevent access to container contents.
    13. Where container doors or closures are present; they are simple to operate, consistently reliable, and can be safely used with a one-hand disposal technique.
    14. Where necessary, container designs and labeling/color support waste-stream segregation (i.e., sharps, pharmacy- sharps, hazardous drugs).
    15. When full, container openings are easily closed and locked – sharps do not protrude into path of hands during closure.
    16. When exchanged or moved, container handles are clear and easy to use.
    17. When closed / locked, the container holds all sharps when tipped over or dropped.
    18. The container, when filled and closed/locked, is safe to transport.
    19. The container top to bottom assembly remains securely assembled throughout use.
    20. The container, when filled and closed/locked, is compatible with facility waste-management policies and processes.
  • Strongly agreeAgreeNeutralDisagreeStrongly disagreeNA
    21. The sharps containers selected for each department can be simply secured or mounted to optimize access and visualization.*
    22. Wall mounted sharps containers cabinets or brackets can be mounted with access opening at 52” to 56” from floor to optimize visualization and access.

  • *(e.g., wall mount cabinets or brackets do not inhibit safe access or visualization of fill levels or hazards. Floor standing containers can be stabilized, made tip-resistant, and can be mobilized at the point-of-use via trolleys or brackets. Large sharps containers can be moved to minimize passing / handling of sharps)

  • [Reminder: 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.]

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