Dear all,
I am not sure if this discussion is still on as it seems to be an older one. However, I received an inquiry outlining the same problem asking if WHO has a standard procedure for glass PFS. I asked around but it seems as if there is no standard. One contact told me that PFSs are not used in WHO Euro because of the "cold chain volume requirements" as the difference in cold chain volume seem to be huge - 30-50 fold.
I did a quick research on the web, and there are PFS with stacked needles and some with luer locks. Which one are we talking about?
In general, I think the standard WHO procedure can still be used, by throwing the complete syringe in the sharp box and sending it either for autoclaving or incineration (will the glass syringes explode in the incineration chamber (tight barrel) like it is common with glass vials - or just melt?).
if the needle is attached with a screw luer-lock , a safety box with a specific opening to separate the needle from the barrel (strip off device: see example video: https://www.propraxis-shop.de/dispo-kanueleneimer-1500-ml-803.html). Depending on the kind of vaccine and it is not considered as potentially infectious, the barrel might be crushed or just disposed of for landfilling (if safe).
If not - a needle cutter cannot be used and the needle is potentially infectious and the complete syringe need to be disposed of as hazardous waste.
#Ruanda: this is an interesting example. Why is the glass sharp waste (red bin) treated differently than the other sharp waste?
Would be great to learn more - or if there are new standards - more experiences in the field.
Best from Berlin,
ute