Table of Contents
What are sharp instruments?
Sharps include objects or instruments which are able to cut, prick, cause, injury and or infection in the course of healthcare. They include knives, scissors, scalpel blades, hypodermic needles, pointed forceps, and even broken glass.
Where should sharps containers be placed?
The container should be placed in a visible location, within easy horizontal reach, and below eye level. The container should also be placed away from any obstructed areas, such as near doors, under sinks, near light switches, etc. Visibility: Containers should be clearly visible to the health care worker.
How do labs handle sharp objects?
Keep in mind that the lab’s sharp objects might be designed differently, or be more or less sharp, than sharp items in your home.
- Dispose of biohazards.
- Use glassware with caution.
- Wear protective clothing.
- Store sharp objects safely.
- Don’t fool around.
- Communicate.
- Step away.
- Seek attention.
How do you handle and dispose of sharps safely?
Do not ask for a sharp item to be taken from you or to be disposed of by someone else. Do not walk unnecessary distances with a sharp in hand. Dispose of sharps in an appropriate sharps container; never in a waste bin or plastic bag. Dispose of sharps immediately after use – not later – to avoid needlestick injuries.
Why sharp instruments should not be boiled?
It may be accepted as a proven fact that boiling instruments in sterile water does not affect the edges nor produce rusting, providing no electro lytic action takes place. When injury does occur it is the result of oxidation.
Why are sharp instrument harmful for us?
Even a minor injury with a sharp instrument with little loss of blood carries the risk of transfer of over 20 pathogens: Hepatitis B Virus, Hepatitis C Virus, HIV/AIDS virus, malaria, syphilis, tuberculosis, brucellosis, herpes virus, diphtheria and others.
What Cannot go in a sharps container?
What Does Not Go in a Sharps Container?
- Tape, paper, bandages/gauze, exam gloves, alcohol preps.
- Medication and medication wrappers.
- Aerosols or inhalers.
- Garbage or liquids of any kind.
- Batteries of any type.
- Cauterizers.
- Fluorescein.
- Hazardous, chemical, radioactive or red bag waste (non-sharps regulated medical waste)
What should be done when a sharps container is full?
When your sharps container is about 3/4 full, seal it securely. Keep your sharps containers out of reach of children and pets. Take your filled sharps containers to a designated collection site.
What to do when you cut yourself in a lab?
Flush the wound with tepid running water to remove any possible chemical contaminants. Do not assume that the cut is clean. For a cut on a gloved hand: If you do not suspect that the cut has been injected with chemicals, do not immediately remove the glove.
How should you dispose of sharp objects?
Throwing away sharp objects safely
- Throw away all needles, syringes, lancets, and other sharp objects in a hard-plastic or metal container.
- When the container is ½ to ¾ full, put on the lid tightly.
- You can also use a coffee can to dispose of sharp objects.
- Do not put sharp objects in glass or clear-plastic containers.
What PPE should be worn when dealing with sharps and needles?
Gloves must be worn for invasive procedures, contact with sterile sites, and non-intact skin or mucous membranes, and all activities that have been assessed as carrying a risk of exposure to blood, body fluids, secretions and excretions; and when handling sharp or contaminated instruments.