What is a sharp, and how do I manage them?
Answer – Sharps are defined by the regulation as medical articles that may cause punctures or cuts including but not limited to, all used and discarded hypodermic needles and syringes, pasteur pipettes, broken medical glassware, scalpel blades, disposable razors, and suture needles. Sharps containers are to be available in the laboratory where sharps are used. These containers must be disposed of as biological waste by placing them into “burn” boxes, location of boxes are typically designated by your lab. Cambridge/Allston Campus: Sharps containers are sold in the Biological and Chemistry VWR Stockrooms. To set up a Biohazard “burn” box or identify the closest available location for proper disposal of your sharps container call Sid Paula 5-2345. Longwood Campus: Sharps containers are available through the Longwood EH&S Safety Office (2-1720). To set up a Biohazard “burn” box or identify the closest available location for proper disposal of your sharps container call facilities Harvard
