Sharps Bins
Puncture proof range of sharps containers, colour coded to ensure full transparency of sharps waste segregation.
Call us for a free quote on +353818001587
The safe management and disposal of sharps waste is vital to eliminate the risk of sharps injuries and ensure compliance with Hazardous Waste Regulations. Initial Medical provides a comprehensive range of sharps storage units, as well as our specialist sharps bin collection and disposal service. We also provide best practice guidance on how to prevent a needlestick injury and the risk of infection involved for healthcare workers. Read our full guidance here.
Working with you, we can help identify the type and frequency of sharps waste that is to be disposed of, enabling us to tailor a solution to suit your individual requirements. Learn more about our sharps disposal services below and contact our team today to receive your free onsite survey.
The Health & Safety Regulations in Ireland focus on the safe use and disposal of sharps, the information & training provided and the procedures & reporting around sharps injuries.
Guidance for legislative compliance in sharps use
The risk associated with needlestick injuries
The risk of needlestick injuries is highest amongst workers in health and social care environments who directly handle sharps. However, it also includes workers who may inadvertently be put at risk when sharps are not stored or disposed of correctly, such as staff, patients and wider members of the community.
The primary risk from a sharps injury is the potential exposure of infections such as blood borne viruses (BBV). This can occur where the injury involves a sharp that is contaminated with blood or bodily fluids from a patient. The blood borne viruses of most concern are:
Hepatitis B is an infectious illness caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) which infects the liver of humans, and causes inflammation. Hepatitis B is one of the most common infectious diseases in the world and is spread through body fluids.
Symptoms can include: flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea or vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pains, and jaundice. It can exist as either an acute or chronic infection, with two types of treatment available for chronic hepatitis B: interferon injection or antiviral drugs.
Hepatitis C is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus. It can cause inflammation and fibrosis of the liver tissue and occasionally significant liver damage. Many people do not realise that they have been infected with the virus as there are usually no symptoms.
Hepatitis C can clear fairly quickly for some, but approximately 75% of those infected will remain so for over six months, known as chronic hepatitis C. This will then require treatment by either an interferon injection or antiviral drug.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a lentivirus that causes AIDS, a condition in humans where a weakened immune system allows life-threatening infections and cancers to swarm the body. Through the transfer of blood, semen, vaginal fluid, pre-ejaculate, or breast milk, HIV is able to be passed along to another person. Within these bodily fluids, HIV is present as both free virus particles and virus within infected immune cells.
Symptoms of HIV are often mild and can easily be mistaken for a cold or glandular fever, but generally include a blotchy rash, fever, joint pain, muscle pain, sore throat, swollen glands, and tiredness. There is no cure or vaccine for HIV. However, combination therapy slows the progression of the virus and can prolong life.