WAC 296-823-14015   Handle reusable sharps properly and safely.  

     You must:

     – Place contaminated reusable sharps immediately, or as soon as possible after use, in appropriate containers until properly decontaminated. Containers must be all of the following:

     – Puncture resistant

     – Labeled or color-coded as described in this chapter

     – Leakproof on the sides and bottom

     – Meet the same requirements as the container for disposable sharps, except they do not need to be closable.

     • Store or process contaminated reusable sharps so employees aren't required to reach into the container or sink by hand

     • Make sure reusable sharps containers aren't opened, emptied, or cleaned manually or in any other manner that would expose employees to contaminated sharps.

Reference:

Requirements for appropriate labels and color-coding are found in WAC 296-823-14025.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. 04-12-070, § 296-823-14015, filed 6/1/04, effective 9/1/04; 03-09-110, § 296-823-14015, filed 4/22/03, effective 8/1/03.]