Product Overview

This Sharps Handling And Disposal Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify, control, and minimise the risks associated with handling, using, and disposing of sharps in Australian workplaces. It is a comprehensive document covering multiple aspects of sharps handling and disposal safety to support robust WHS compliance and effective risk management.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe dealing with sharps in clinical, construction, maintenance, and waste management environments
• Correct disposal of sharp objects into approved sharps containers and designated waste streams
• Handling and disposal of sharp waste, including contaminated needles, blades, and broken glass
• Packing and containment of sharp objects to prevent puncture, leakage, or accidental exposure during transport
• Controls for tasks where skin may be pierced with sharp objects, including needlestick and cut prevention strategies
• Selection and use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for sharps handling and disposal tasks
• Safe handling of sharps in confined or cluttered work areas to minimise trip, slip, and contact hazards
• Procedures for managing and reporting sharps injuries, exposures, and near misses
• Decontamination and clean-up procedures following sharps incidents or spills involving blood or body fluids
• Segregation, labelling, and secure storage of sharps waste prior to removal from site
• Coordination with licensed waste contractors for compliant transport and final disposal of sharps waste
• Training, instruction, and supervision requirements for workers who handle or may be exposed to sharps

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for healthcare and aged care providers, cleaning and waste contractors, tattoo and piercing studios, laboratories, construction and maintenance crews, and site supervisors responsible for managing sharps risks on site.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017
• Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks – for identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing controls related to sharps
• Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities – for providing appropriate sharps disposal facilities, first aid, and hygiene amenities
• Code of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace – for managing sharps injuries, needlestick incidents, and post-exposure response
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace – where sharps are contaminated with hazardous substances or biological materials
• AS/NZS 3816: Management of clinical and related wastes – for segregation, containment, storage, and disposal of sharps and clinical waste