The Qlicksmart BladeFLASK has been designed to comply with the international standard colours for medical sharps waste. The red unit complies with US standards and the yellow unit for all other countries around the globe. ^Top

No. Each BladeFLASK has been designed to accept 100 blades. After the 100th blade has been removed - when the Usage Indication Counter shows 'FULL', a shut off gate is activated to prevent further use and overfilling. Once 'FULL' the BladeFLASK must be removed from its bracket and disposed of as Medical Waste. ^Top

The BladeFLASK is definitely sturdy, and has been engineered to withstand extensive forces if dropped. This is to avoid risk of spillage in the event of accidental dropping, any other form impact, or from its internal contents.

BladeFLASK has been designed as a very simple, and user friendly device to use. At the same time, to achieve simplicity of use with such an extensive range of handle and blade combinations requires significant complexity of the internal mechanism. Consumption is limited to 100 blades as it has been exhaustively tested, and we are prepared to underwrite its use for 100 blade removals. Would you appreciate a device that simply worked until it failed?

The BladeFLASK is relatively large for two reasons. These are:

a. Due to the size of the internal mechanisms; and

b. To accommodate circumstances where the BladeFLASK may be used without its mounting bracket.

This is NOT recommended practice, but if this does occur, the ergonomic design of the BladeFLASK allows for a user stabilising the unit by its top handle to insert and remove a blade with their other hand with a reasonable degree of separation between the two hands.

USE OF BladeFLASK in this way, however, is NOT recommended practice - as Qlicksmart believes that the only safe way to remove a blade is by a single-handed method. The Qlicksmart BladeFLASK has been designed for a single-handed process of removal. ^Top

The BladeFLASK has a uniquely designed indicator that counts down from 100 to 0, then 'FULL'. This indicator is there to let users know when the device is becoming full and a new one may be needed.

This indicator also allows users that have BladeFLASK installed in various locations to monitor usage by location. Indications are that locations that have only a low need for scalpel blade usage may actually have a significantly increased risk of injury arising from scalpel blade removal due to the lack of experience in removal by users in that location. Some users take the opportunity to periodically move devices from low use locations to high use locations for increased efficiency. ^Top

The BladeFLASK is constantly being reviewed for use with new handles and blades as they are released.

• All commonly used handles: #3, 3L, 4, 4L, 5, 7, 9, Lawton Long Handle.

• All commonly used blades: #10, 10a, 11, 12, 13, etc. up to and including #25a, 27 and 36.

BladeFLASK can NOT be used with Baron handles, Beaver handles and Disposable handles.

BladeFLASK functionality is limited by the length of blade. Maximum blade length tested is #36.

Some brands of handles may not work well with the BladeFLASK due to the shape and slope of the handle tang. ^Top

The same process allows BladeFLASK to be located in constant, convenient, known locations - so it is always there when you need it. Qlicksmart's early research showed that a common criticism of small, dual handed blade removers was that 'you can never find them'. You don't want to be looking for something to use when you have a loaded handle in your hand. ^Top

No. The unique design of the mounting bracket and BladeFLASK relationships allows for the BladeFLASK unit to be mounted on a wall, a bench/table, or trolley using the same mounting bracket. This is achieved simply by fixing the bracket in the desired location for use, then inserting the BladeFLASK. ^Top

A new bracket needs to be installed when the current bracket starts to become loose and no longer holds the BladeFLASK firmly on the wall or bench. This happens after the bracket has been used many times. ^Top

In Australia and New Zealand, Qlicksmart BladeFLASK is certified for compliance with Australian/New Zealand Standards AS/NZS 3825:1998 - Procedures and devices for the removal and disposal of scalpel blades from scalpel handles.

In the USA, Qlicksmart BladeFLASK has 510(k) approval for sale and distribution in all appropriate, regulated environments.

In Europe, Qlicksmart BladeFLASK has Self-Declaration of Conformity as a Class I Device, pursuant to EC Directive 93/42/EEC. ^Top

YES, it is latex free! The Qlicksmart BladeFLASK is made of a thermoplastic, ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). ^Top