A sharps container is a specialized, puncture-resistant receptacle designed for the safe disposal of contaminated medical instruments, such as needles, syringes, and lancets. The primary purpose of these containers is to immediately contain these items, preventing needlestick injuries and reducing the risk of transmitting bloodborne pathogens like HIV and Hepatitis B and C. While regulations do not always explicitly mandate mounting, securing the container is a critical component of safe sharps management in nearly all settings.
The Critical Safety Reasons for Securing Containers
Securing a sharps container directly addresses the physical risks associated with accidental contact and use. An unsecured container, especially one that is partially full, can become top-heavy and unstable, presenting a tipping hazard. If a container tips over, the contents—contaminated needles and other sharps—can spill out, creating an immediate biohazard exposure risk to anyone nearby.
A fixed container is also essential for promoting proper, one-handed disposal technique, which is a key safety practice. When the container is stable, the user can discard the sharp without needing a second hand to steady the receptacle, minimizing the chance of an accidental prick or cut. Mounting the container to a wall or bracket also helps to control access, placing the opening at an ergonomic height for adults while keeping the contents out of reach of children or cognitively impaired individuals.
Regulations Governing Sharps Container Placement
Clinical and Institutional Settings
The requirement for securing a container varies based on the environment, but the underlying safety principle remains consistent. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Bloodborne Pathogens Standard does not specifically mandate mounting, but it does require that sharps containers must be maintained in an upright position throughout their use. Mounting is one of the most effective and common ways to satisfy this requirement in a clinical environment.
In institutional and clinical settings, OSHA also requires containers to be easily accessible and located as close as feasible to the area where the sharps are being used. This “point-of-use” placement, often involving a wall-mounted bracket, minimizes the distance contaminated sharps must be carried, which is a common time for needlestick injuries. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) further recommends specific ergonomic mounting heights, such as 52 to 56 inches from the floor for standing workers, to ensure safe and comfortable access for most users.
Home and Individual Use
For home health care and individual use, mounting is generally not legally mandated, but a secure placement is still highly recommended. Local regulations govern the disposal preparation, but the user is responsible for ensuring the container remains stable and out of reach of children and pets. Whether fixed to a wall or simply placed on a secure, high surface, the goal is always to prevent spills and unauthorized access to the contents.
Practical Guidelines for Secure Container Use
Even when full mounting hardware is not utilized, there are practical steps to ensure a high level of security for the container. For temporary stability in a non-clinical setting, alternatives to permanent wall brackets can be used, such as placing the container in a heavy, dedicated holder or securing it with strong, heavy-duty adhesive. The container should always be positioned away from counter edges, sinks, or high-traffic areas where it could easily be bumped or knocked over.
Users must ensure they are utilizing an FDA-cleared, puncture-resistant container that is designed to remain upright and stable. Regardless of its placement, the container should never be filled past the designated three-quarters line to prevent sharps from protruding from the opening, which is a significant cause of injury. Immediately after use, the container’s temporary closure mechanism should be engaged to ensure the contents are contained until the next disposal.