In keeping with the Mission, Vision and Values of the Niagara Catholic District School Board, the following are the Administrative Operational Procedures for Sharps Safety and Disposal in the Niagara Catholic District School Board.

The Niagara Catholic District School is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and healthy environment for all students, staff, parents/guardians and visitors. The Administrative Operational Procedures establish safe and regulated practices for the collection, handling, storage, and disposal of sharps. exclusive of   the needs of students   who require the use of   sharps for   medical purposes during the school day.

The Sharps Safety and Disposal Administrative Operational Procedures:

·   Meet legal obligations for a safe, inclusive and healthy environment at all Board schools and sites,

·   Comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), waste management regulations, and medical accommodation requirements,

·   Establish consistent, Board-wide practices that mitigate risks and support student health needs.

·   Require s prompt reporting of sharps-related incidents through the Board’s designated reporting system.

Sharps, including needles, syringes, lancets, and insulin pens, may be encountered in two primary contexts within schools:

1.   Improperly discarded sharps found on school property (indoor or outdoor spaces).

2.   Medically necessary sharps used by students managing chronic health conditions (e.g., Type 1 diabetes).

The Administrative Operational Procedures:

·   Protect the school community from injury, illness, or exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

·   Establish clear procedures for collection, reporting, and disposal of sharps in accordance with legislation and public health guidelines.

·   Provide guidance and supportive accommodations for students requiring sharps at school.

·   Clarify staff roles and responsibilities in maintaining sharps safety.

·   Ensure sharps containers are properly located, labeled, monitored, and removed by certified biomedical waste contractors.

o   All sharps must be immediately placed into a Health Canada approved sharps container.

2.   Safe Disposal of Sharps Used by Students with Diagnosed Medical Conditions

o   Applies to students using sharps for medically necessary treatments.

o   Schools must provide secure, private, and accessible disposal options.

o   Procedures must respect student dignity, privacy, and autonomy, while ensuring staff understand their responsibilities.

 

 

Sharps Container Management and Disposal

·   Labeling

o   All sharps containers must be clearly labeled with the universal “Biohazard – Sharps Waste” symbol and wording to ensure immediate recognition by staff, students, and contractors.

·   Monitoring and Replacement

o   Containers should be monitored regularly and replaced when approximately three-quarters (¾) full to prevent overfilling, which could cause sharps to protrude or increase injury risk.

o   Containers must also be replaced immediately if damaged (e.g., cracks, leaks, compromised lids) to prevent accidental exposure or spillage.

·   Sealing and Storage

o   Once full or ready for replacement, containers must be securely sealed.

o   Sealed containers should be stored in a secure, restricted-access area that is dry, cool, and protected from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures to maintain integrity and prevent unauthorized access.

·   Collection and Disposal

o   Removal and disposal of sharps containers may only be performed by provincially certified biomedical waste contractors licensed and trained under Ontario health and environmental regulations.

o   Board staff are prohibited from transporting sharps containers in personal or Board-owned vehicles.

o   Custodians must complete the eBase online form to request container pickup when required.

·   Oversight

o   The Board’s Facilities Department (Custodial) is responsible for maintaining contracts with certified biomedical waste contractors and coordinating timely collection and disposal to ensure ongoing safety and regulatory compliance.