Needle safety may be approached through both work practice controls- such as prohibition of two-handed needle recapping, and engineering controls such as sharps containers, masks, gloves, and devices for one-handed needle capping. "if recapping must be performed, it must be accomplished by means of a recapping device which adequately protects the hands or a properly performed one hand scoop technique." Engineered needle safety products are also ways to help reduce and eliminate percutaneous exposure. Needleless systems, if available, are recommended. Resources on "Safer Needle Devices" may be found on the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard page on
evaluation and controls.
Requirements for sharps containers can be found in section 1910.1030(d)(2) of the
Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. Containers for contaminated sharps must be closable, puncture resistant, leakproof on the sides and bottom, appropriately marked or color-coded, ad kept upright during use. Mounting the container unit is a method of keeping it upright, but it is not mandatory.
Please note that OSHA does not specify where sharps containers are to be located in a dental office. OSHA has indicated that the employer is to determine placement based on location accessibility and reasonable proximity to the area where sharps are used. According to the answer to Question 39 in OSHA's
Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, "Sharps containers must be easily accessible to employees and located as close as feasible to the immediate area where sharps are used (e.g., patient care areas) or can be reasonably anticipated to be found (e.g., laundries).