Z316.6-07 (R2012)

Preface

This is the third edition of CSA Z316.6, Evaluation of single-use and reusable medical sharps containers for biohazardous and cytotoxic waste. It supersedes the previous editions published in 2002 and 1995 under the title Evaluation of Single-Use Medical Sharps Containers for Biohazardous and Cytotoxic Waste.

Scope

1.
This Standard specifies test criteria for evaluating the following characteristics of single-use and reusable medical sharps containers for biohazardous and cytotoxic waste:

(a) materials of construction;
(b) colour;
(c) lifespan of reusable containers;
(d) puncture resistance;
(e) fill capacity and fill capacity indicator;
(f) overfill protection;
(g) needle unwinders;
(h) handle strength;
(i) impact resistance and cold impact resistance;
(j) topping resistance; 
(k) container opening and closure device;
(l) thermal integrity and disposal, including monitoring and decontamination process for reusables; and
(m) information to be provided by the manufacturer, labelling, and symbols.

1.2
This Standard does not address deliberate access to sharps within containers. This aspect of safety and security should be considered when the containers are selected for use in uncontrolled environments. The sharps container should be designed and manufactured in a way that protects its handler from being harmed by the container's contents during its intended use, transport, and disposal.

1.3
In CSA Standards, shall is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the standard; should is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; may is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the standard; and can is used to express possibility or capability.

Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material.

Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements.

Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.

1.4
The values given in SI (metric) units are the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.