Medical Equipment - Sharps/Needle Boxes Risk Assessment
What are the specific requirements for the deployment of sharps containers?
Any examples are for illustrative purposes only.
The Joint Commission references OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard (1910.1030) that applies to occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials in healthcare settings. All organizations must follow this requirement.
Additionally, The Joint Commission standard EC.02.01.01 requires organizations to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to determine but not limited to:
NIOSH recommended wall mounting height:
Additional Resources:
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Bloodborne Pathogen Standard (1910.1030)
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Guidelines Sharps Disposal Containers
The Joint Commission references OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard (1910.1030) that applies to occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials in healthcare settings. All organizations must follow this requirement.
Additionally, The Joint Commission standard EC.02.01.01 requires organizations to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to determine but not limited to:
- Type of containment devices
- Locations
- Patient population
- Secure storage and transit (access control)
- Procedures and controls to be implemented
- Potential adverse impact of equipment
- Potential risk to the occupants
- Potential risk to visitors (perhaps with small children)
NIOSH recommended wall mounting height:
- Standing workstation: 52 to 56 inches above the standing surface of the user
- Seated workstation: 38 to 42 inches above the floor on which the chair rests
Additional Resources:
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Bloodborne Pathogen Standard (1910.1030)
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Guidelines Sharps Disposal Containers
Manual:
Hospital and Hospital Clinics
Chapter:
Environment of Care EC
Last reviewed by Standards Interpretation: June 13, 2023
Represents the most recent date that the FAQ was reviewed (e.g. annual review).
First published date: April 11, 2016
This Standards FAQ was first published on this date.
This page was last updated on October 24, 2023
with update notes of: Editorial changes only
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