SHARPS CONTAINER, 3-5 l, cardboard, for incineration
Valid Article
SHARPS CONTAINER, cardboard, 5 l
Definition
Single use 5 litre plasticized cardboard sharps container, used for the disposal of syringes with needle fitted and auto-disable syringes during immunization (Enlarged Program of Immunization, sometimes mass campaigns) and also used in outbreaks of Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers (e.g. Ebola, Marburg).
Specifications
Quality standards
Quality Standards Comment
- WHO/PQS/E10/SB01.1
Technical specifications
- Plasticized recycled cardboard, 1.5 mm thick (special "polysafe": rather puncture and moisture resistant)
- Capacity: 5 litres
- Weight: 360 g
- Sharps waste aperture:
- 38 mm diameter, or 38 x 38 mm
- with temporary closure mechanism
- Handle integral with the box
- Marking on lateral sides:
- pictorial instructions for assembly and use
- logo + manufacturer's name and address
- international bio-hazard symbol
- horizontal mark indicating the maximum fill line
- Size:
- Folded: 591 x 285 x 4 mm
- Assembled: 285 x 162 x 129 mm
Packaging & Labelling
Box of 25 folded containers
Instructions for use
Context of use
This 5 litres container is intended for health structures during Enlarged Programs of Immunisation, sometimes for mass vaccination campaigns (in remote areas difficult to reach with a car) and also used for outbreak emergencies of Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers (Ebola, Marburg).
For mass immunisation campaigns, the 15 litres Safety Box model accommodating larger waste volumes is preferred.
In non-emergency situations (besides the Enlarged Program of Immunisation), MSF recommends using reusable sharps waste containers (see related articles below) or single use plastic sharps containers.
This container is not suitable for contaminated waste (compresses...) nor for singular metal sharps (e.g. needles, blades, lancets) as they might fall through, nor for glass waste (e.g. ampoules, vials, bottles) as they might explode when the container is burnt.
Waste management
Once filled, the containers must be destroyed by burning in a (temporary) Safety Box Reducer, or by incineration in a specialised medical waste incineration plant with automatic loading and offloading systems.
If these automatic systems are not available, special care and precautions must be taken. Contact your water & sanitation / environmental health technical referent at headquarter.
CAUTION: The combustion quality (temperatures reached, duration), as well as the residual ash are directly linked to fire + polymer (chief constituent of syringes) factors. The needles (of the AD-syringes) will still be intact and as sharp as before the combustion.
MSF requirements
Light and foldable container, designed to prevent:
- accidental needlestick injuries:
- use of only one hand
- small sharps waste aperture with temporary closure mechanism
- external contamination:
- moisture resistant plasticized cardboard
- rather puncture resistant
- stable
Readily flammable after having added some combustible liquid like kerosene on its handle and side, good combustion quality and reasonable residual ash quantity.