Facilities Management manages the contracts for pathological waste, which includes sharps.
Sharps are defined in the "National Guidelines for the Management of Clinical and Related Wastes" as "objects or devices having acute rigid corners, edges, points or protuberances capable of cutting or penetrating the skin". Hypodermic needles, pasteur pipettes, scalpel blades, first aid kit splinter removersand broken glass all fit this definition.
Facilities Management have sharps containers available through the Cleaning Section. Should you have a need for a new container or would like to hold a container in the case of an emergency please contact the Facilities Management Help Desk on EXT: 83000.
Before handling the sharp - read the instructions for the correct handling of sharps, which are found inside the container.
If you should not wish to perform this task please report the sharp and its location to either Security or the Facilities Management Help Desk.
Used and full containers of the small variety can be handed to the QUT Health Services Medical Centre on each campus for disposal. If you have a large conatiner to dispose of please contact the cleaning section via the Facilities Management Help Desk and they will arrange to do this for you.