Keuze, beoordeling en gebruik van naaldencontainers, DHH (NIOSH) publicatie nr. 97-111, januari 1998. (In het Engels)

Selecting, Evaluating, and using Sharps Disposal Containers, DHH (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-111, January 1998

Occupational transmission of human immuno deficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been well documented. The risk of infection with HIV following one needlestick exposure is approximately 0.3% and ranges from 6% to 30% for HBV and from 5% to 10% for HCV. The passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA's) blood-borne pathogens standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) has increased compliance and awareness of prevention strategies. No single sharps disposal container design meets all the disposal containment needs for all health care settings or for an entire hospital. Container selection should be based on a comprehensive site-specific hazard analysis.

The safety performance criteria for sharps disposal containers are divided into four areas. First, containers should remain functional during their entire use. They should be durable, leak resistant and puncture resistant under all normal environmental conditions. Second, containers must be accessible to workers who use, maintain, or dispose of sharp devices. This criterion includes sufficient number, sufficient container volume, and safe access to the disposal opening on individual containers. Other important factors include convenient placement and (if necessary) portability of containers within the workplace. Third, containers should be visible to the workers who must use them. Containers fill status and warning labels are also important visibility criteria. Fourth, container designs should accommodate the user, the facility, and the environment. Although engineering controls such as needleless IV systems and "safety" needles will reduce injuries, proper selection and use of sharps disposal containers are still important. Prevention strategies include implementing engineering controls, using personal protective equipment, training employees, and involving occupational health professionals and workers.