Product Overview

The Sharps Disposal Procedure is a professionally developed work health and safety document designed specifically for Australian organisations that may encounter sharps during day-to-day operations. It provides clear, step-by-step guidance to manage the risks associated with needles and other sharps in disability and aged care services, commercial cleaning contracts and waste management operations.

This comprehensive procedure sets out practical controls for safe handling, containment, transport and disposal of sharps, supported by detailed responsibilities, checklists and a risk assessment template structure. It is written in plain, accessible language while aligning with Australian WHS terminology and expectations, making it easy to roll out across your workforce.

Key Features

• Fully developed sharps disposal procedure tailored to disability and aged care, commercial cleaning and waste management sectors.
• Clear allocation of WHS responsibilities for officers, managers, supervisors, workers and HSRs.
• Detailed instructions for safe handling of sharps in client homes, facilities, public areas and waste facilities.
• Guidance on selection, placement, use and closure of compliant sharps containers.
• Step-by-step response to needlestick and sharps injuries, including first aid, reporting and follow-up.
• Built-in inspection checklist and risk assessment table structure to support ongoing WHS compliance.
• Ready to integrate into your existing safety documentation and management system.

Benefits

• Strengthen WHS compliance: Aligns your practices with Australian work health and safety requirements, reducing the risk of regulatory non-compliance.
• Reduce injury and exposure risks: Systematic controls help prevent needlestick injuries and potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
• Save time on documentation: Avoid starting from scratch with a complete, professionally written procedure you can adapt quickly.
• Support consistent practice: Standardised instructions ensure workers across multiple sites and contracts follow the same safe process.
• Improve incident response: Clear guidance on reporting, investigation and corrective actions supports better outcomes after any sharps-related event.

Who is this for?

• Disability and aged care providers delivering in-home and residential support.
• Commercial cleaning companies servicing offices, public amenities, car parks and strata sites.
• Waste management operators, including transfer stations, depots and council contractors.
• Safety managers, coordinators and WHS advisers seeking robust, industry-relevant safety documentation.
• HR, quality and compliance teams responsible for policies, procedures and worker training.

Legislation & References

This Sharps Disposal Procedure has been developed with reference to key Australian work health and safety legislation, model WHS Regulations and relevant codes of practice, as well as public health and environmental waste management requirements. While not a legal document, it is structured to support your organisation in meeting its WHS duties, demonstrating due diligence and maintaining strong WHS compliance in any environment where sharps may be present.