According to the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, a contaminated sharps container should be:

A contaminated sharps container must be puncture-resistant and closable to ensure the safe disposal of sharp items that could potentially cause injuries and expose individuals to bloodborne pathogens. The puncture resistance is crucial because it provides a physical barrier that helps prevent the container from breaking or being penetrated by sharp objects, thereby reducing the risk of accidental injuries. Additionally, being closable ensures that once the container is full, it can be securely sealed to prevent any leakage or exposure to the contents, further protecting individuals from the hazards associated with sharps.

While characteristics such as being transparent for easy viewing, having clear labels with biohazard signs, and being made from biodegradable materials are important considerations in waste management and safety practices, they do not directly fulfill the OSHA requirement for the specific safety features that prevent risk of injury and contamination specifically associated with sharps disposal. Therefore, the most critical attributes based on OSHA standards are that the container must be both puncture-resistant and able to be closed securely.