Final answer:
Sharps containers should be placed in easily accessible locations close to the area where sharps will be used or can be immediately found after use. They should be within easy reach, at an appropriate height, and in areas like patient bedsides or treatment rooms to prevent injury. Compliance with OSHA regulations ensures a safe environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
A medical assistant reviewing the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations would learn that sharps containers should be placed in areas where sharps are likely to be used. According to OSHA, these containers must be easily accessible to personnel and ideally located as close as possible to the area where the sharps will be used or can be immediately found after use. For example, they should be positioned next to the patient's bed or in a treatment room at a height that is easily reachable by healthcare providers without them needing to bend or overreach, thereby preventing accidental needle sticks or sharps injuries.
The nurse performing the review with the team ensures that various safety protocols are followed, such as verifying the name of the procedure, confirming the complete count of needles, sponges, and instruments, checking specimen labels with the patient's name, and reviewing any equipment issues. Knowledge of locating specific safety equipment in the laboratory, such as fire extinguishers and eyewash stations, is also part of creating a safe working environment as mandated by OSHA regulations.