Disposal of Sharps Needles For Those in Special Care

All objects that can pierce the skin and transfer infectious materials need to be handled and disposed of with care. Sharps are objects used in medical, dental, veterinary and other medical clinics. Sharps disposal items can include scalpels, needles, broken glass or wire end.

If a needle pricks the skin of a healthcare worker, or an infected blade penetrates the skin, a virus such as HIV or hepatitis can be introduced into the bloodstream. For this reason sharps must be treated with special care to prevent such contact which may result in a cut or needle sticking the skin. Strict observance of their use, disposal and storage lowers the risk of the spread of infection and provides for a safer environment for both workers and the patients they treat.

As with other regulated medical waste, each facility must have a comprehensive exposure control plan that will address the necessary steps to take when handling and eliminating medical waste, including sharps. The plan should be written with the input of all workers who come into contact with regulated waste as a part of their jobs. Sharps should be disposed of immediately after use in containers clearly labeled with the universal biohazard symbol as well as the word “biohazard” and other written warnings. Containers must be closed immediately and placed in a secondary container if there is any possibility of leakage. The secondary container must also be labeled accordingly and closed immediately. Additional tape may be used to secure the lid. Every employee who works with sharps should have free and easy access to these disposal containers.

Closed containers must be sealed before medical waste disposal transport. Disposal must be performed in accordance with all state and federal laws that may apply. Clearly marked storage areas in low traffic areas must be maintained until transport occurs. Signage must clearly mark these designated areas which must not be located near the storage of food or other medical supplies.

 

Categorised in: General

This post was written by Dev